Need relief for a coughing child in the middle of the night? Sick of your own runny nose and stuffy head? You can make homemade herbal teas and herbal infusions to help ease the nasty symptoms of coughs, colds and flu. This article includes a list of cold and flu fighting herbs, their healing properties and clear instructions for how to use them.



Natural healing herbs for treating coughs, colds and flu



Many herbs lend themselves well as the main ingredients in medicinal teas to fight coughs, colds and flu. The herbs listed below are used in herbal tea recipes intended to enhance the healing process.







Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia) – an immunity-enhancer with strong anti-flu properties, take only for three weeks, then stop taking for two weeks. Do not give to children under twelve years of age or to anyone who has asthma.
Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis) – its leaves have anti-inflammatory, anti-flu and many other health-enhancing properties.
French Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) – helps calm a cough and has anti-flu, anti-bacterial and anti-allergic properties.
Greek Oregano (Origanum vulgare hirtum) – has many anti-flu and anti-bacterial properties. Can be used to calm down allergy symptoms, such as hay fever and environmental allergies. Marjoram can be used for similar purposes.
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) – a sedative that helps to calm and induce sleep, and also has anti-cold and anti-flu properties.
Peppermint (Mentha piperita) – soothes stomach problems, helps with pain and also has anti-flu and anti-bacterial properties. Do not give to children under twelve years of age.
Self-Heal (Prunella vulgaris) – has many healthful benefits, anti-flu being one of them. May be used as a tonic.
Spearmint (Mentha spicata) -same as peppermint. Do not give to children under twelve years of age.
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) – has anti-cough and anti-flu properties. Also an anti-inflammatory that helps with pain, digestion and stomach problems.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) – Same as Greek Oregano, but also helps the memory. However, take only for three weeks, then stop taking for two weeks.

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For this to be beneficial to us the common nairalanders, the local names should be given. How am I to know what a self heal leaf is?