Herbal Remedies for Seasonal Flu Relief

As the seasons change, so does our vulnerability to the infamous seasonal flu. Influenza is a common winter illness that can take days to weeks to get better. There are two peaks of seasonal flu every year in India – the first during January to March and the second during the post-monsoon season. But in fighting seasonal flu, herbal remedies play an important role. Recently, more and more people are turning to herbal remedies to combat the symptoms of seasonal flu. Here are some natural and herbal remedies that can help you fight seasonal flu:

Ginger and turmeric are one of the most common herbal remedies consumed in almost every Indian household. Many people take ginger at the first sign of illness. Recent studies have found that ginger has properties that help boost the immune system. Both turmeric and ginger are known to have anti-inflammatory properties, which help boost an individual’s immunity. Ginger helps relieve sore throats and nausea, while curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that help relieve pain.

A warm herbal tea drink, commonly called kadha, is very effective in soothing throat and sinus symptoms. To make the herbal tea healthy and tasty, it can be sweetened with honey. Apart from honey, royal jelly and other bee products can also be used. Herbs like ginger, mulethi, raw turmeric, pepper, fresh garlic and cloves can be mixed into the herbal tea to fight the seasonal flu effectively.

According to Dr. Mohit Agarwal, co-founder of HealthMug.com, “Echinacea is a flowering plant native to North America known for its immune-boosting properties. It is recommended as a dietary supplement for colds and other related conditions. Numerous studies suggest that echinacea extracts can reduce the severity and duration of flu symptoms. For those looking to prevent or protect against seasonal flu, echinacea is a great option.”

The traditional anti-inflammatory, anti-viral and anti-bacterial herbs used in Ayurveda are Tulsi (holy basil), black pepper and pippali (long pepper). These herbs are believed to have various health benefits and are therefore often used in combination to treat flu and cold symptoms. These herbs can be consumed as kadha, which is made by boiling them until reduced by half.

Honey is another natural remedy used by almost every Indian when they have a cold. Honey has antioxidant, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that help the body fight the flu effectively. Honey is also known to soothe a sore and itchy throat and also boost the immune system.
​Also read: 7-day diet plan to help you recover from the flu or cold​​