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Between October 1, 2023, and February 17, 2024, <\/span>the Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates<\/span><\/a> between 25 and 46 million flu cases were reported. That resulted in 580,000 hospitalizations and, sadly, around 50,000 deaths due to flu viruses. That\u2019s just from the CDC\u2019s Preliminary In-Season Burden Estimates. There are also cold viruses that infect the <\/span>average adult twice annually<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>children more than eight times a year<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n Thankfully, most people don\u2019t require hospitalization when they get a cold or the flu, but being sick<\/a> with either is utterly miserable. If you can prevent infection, and if you can make something at home that\u2019ll help speed up your recovery if prevention fails, why wouldn\u2019t you?<\/span><\/p>\n I\u2019m a master herbalist. While I advocate always seeking medical advice if you need it, I also believe that, in the case of a mild illness, you can do things for yourself to boost your immune system and aid your recovery without seeing a doctor, and the science backs me up. Here are my three favorite remedies for cold and flu season that my entire family takes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Ginger tea is my number one remedy for all kinds of maladies. I take this if I feel nauseous, have an upset stomach, have headaches, or generally feel run down, and of course, at the first sign of a cold. Just remember not to give honey to kids under one.<\/span><\/p>\n Ginger<\/span><\/a> is a powerful medicinal plant with an array of <\/span>evidence-based health benefits<\/span><\/a>. It\u2019s an anti-inflammatory with immunity-boosting properties and can lessen cold and flu symptoms. Plus, it\u2019s good for aches, pains, and chills and can soothe a sore throat.<\/span><\/p>\n A <\/span>review of studies in 2020<\/span><\/a> concluded that honey may improve cold symptoms<\/a>, especially cough frequency and severity, and even shorten symptom duration by up to two days. It\u2019s also antimicrobial and contains antioxidants.<\/span><\/p>\n Then there\u2019s lemon. It can <\/span>loosen congestion and soothe a sore throat<\/span><\/a>. Plus, it\u2019s high in vitamin C, which can help you get rid of a cold faster.<\/span><\/p>\n This easy recipe combines a tablespoon of grated ginger, the juice of a quarter of a lemon, and a tablespoon of honey with boiling water. Let it steep and cool, then snuggle under a blanket, watch your <\/span>favorite movie<\/span><\/a>, and sip your soothing tea.<\/span><\/p>\n My <\/span>supercharged elderberry syrup recipe<\/span><\/a> is potent and delicious. I take a tablespoon every morning during cold and flu season, and if I ever catch a cold, I take it around every four hours.<\/span><\/p>\n There\u2019s a significant body of evidence supporting the use of elderberries for treating cold and flu symptoms. A <\/span>Hebrew University Hadassah Medical Center<\/span><\/a> study by renowned virus expert Dr. Madeline Mumcuoglu found that elderberries are effective against human, swine, and avian flu.<\/span><\/p>\n Another study found that elderberry extract is effective against <\/span>influenza A and B viruses<\/span><\/a>. Participants taking elderberry extract required substantially less rescue medication and felt better four days earlier on average than those in the placebo group.<\/span><\/p>\n Alongside the elderberries, I add:<\/span><\/p>\n I gently simmer these ingredients in water. Then, I mash the mixture to extract all the goodness and let it cool completely. I walk the dogs, play a <\/span>game<\/span><\/a>, research a new article, or get lost in my latest craft obsession while it cools. It takes a while, as it has to come to room temperature before you add the honey, or you lose the healthful properties of the honey.<\/span><\/p>\n Next, I strain the mixture, then add honey and bottle it. I store the syrup in the fridge, add gelatin to make gummies, or freeze it in ice cube trays.<\/span><\/p>\n Echinacea tincture is another of my favorite all-purpose remedies, and it\u2019s great as a cold and flu preventive. This formula can also ease symptoms and quicken your recovery<\/a>. A study from the <\/span>University of Connecticut<\/span><\/a> found that taking echinacea tincture reduced the chance of catching a cold by 58% and the duration of symptoms by 1.4 days.<\/span><\/p>\n Echinacea tincture is easy to make, requiring only your choice of menstruum (liquid) and fresh or dried echinacea plant parts. I like to use the whole plant \u2014 flowers, leaves, stems, and roots. For a menstruum, I generally use vodka, but you can also use apple cider vinegar or vegetable glycerin.<\/span><\/p>\n All you need to do is fill a clean, dry jar \u00bd to \u2153 full of roughly chopped echinacea, then fill the jar with your chosen menstruum. If you\u2019re using a metal jar lid, place a circle of wax paper or parchment paper on the inside of the lid to stop any corrosion.<\/span><\/p>\n Seal the jar, shake it vigorously, and store it in a cool, dark, dry place. Shake the jar daily for two weeks, then twice weekly for four to six weeks.<\/span><\/p>\n Strain the contents through cheesecloth, compost the discarded plant parts, and store the tincture in amber glass jars. I tend to make a big batch of this, as it\u2019s so easy. I use large amber glass jars for storage, then decant the mixture into smaller ones with dropper caps for daily use.<\/span><\/p>\n For dosing, I use guidance from <\/span>noted herbalist Susan Weed<\/span><\/a>, who recommends one drop per two pounds of body weight.<\/span><\/p>\n Her suggested simplified dosage is by the dropperful.<\/span><\/p>\n Remember that these remedies are for mild symptoms. If your symptoms worsen, you are in a vulnerable group, you\u2019re short of breath, or your temperature is very high, seek immediate medical attention.<\/span>Ginger, Honey, and Lemon Tea<\/span><\/h2>\n
Supercharged Elderberry Syrup<\/span><\/h2>\n
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Echinacea Tincture<\/span><\/h2>\n
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<\/span>This article was published by Media Decision<\/a> and syndicated by Wealth of Geeks<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n