When colds and flu came a-calling, our forebears turned to traditional herbal remedies for their ailments, says Adele Nozedar, and some can do the world of good for you
On the whole, there’s no one single foolproof cure for colds and/or flu, since both are caused by lots of different viruses that mutate rapidly. By the time we’ve developed a cure for a particular strain, that strain has moved on.
We’re lucky to have a vast range of over-the- counter medicines available to alleviate our symptoms, but what was it like for our ancestors? Did they discover anything that we might use today in place of pharmaceuticals, or was it all old wives’ tales and superstition?
The good news is that the old fashioned remedies that have stood the test of time have done so because they do contain ingredients that will help alleviate the symptoms of the dreaded lurgy. These days we’re lucky enough to be able to pinpoint the efficacy of some of these old remedies. And those country cures are all around you, right at your fingertips.
Best natural cold and flu remedies
Garlic
I’m a fan of garlic as a cold or flu remedy and as a way to keep bugs at bay. Garlic contains an amino acid called allicin, released when the bulb is chopped, crushed or bitten; the plant uses allicin as protection against pests and diseases. Although research into its efficacy is in its early stages, clinical trials show that high doses of allicin are effective in preventing the common cold. Onions, too, contain allicin.
Honey
Often appearing alongside lemon and garlic, honey is a lovely ingredient but does it help cure the common cold, or simply mask the taste of less appetising ingredients? Honey does in fact contain antioxidant, antibacterial and antimicrobial qualities that can help fight viral infections. It also helps boost the immune system.
Sweating
Sweat itself has been found to produce a protein called dermicidin, which helps fight infections. The dermicidin is secreted into the sweat glands and carried to the surface of the skin, where it protects against unhelpful microorganisms such as E coli, Candida albicans, and Staphylococcus aureus.
Ginger
Another popular remedy that works is fresh ginger root, readily available. Ginger contains gingerols, similar to the compounds that give chilis and black pepper their spicy bite. Gingerols are potent anti-inflammatories. Ginger can also ‘bring on a sweat’, which can in turn reduce feverish body temperatures.
Lemon
Full of vitamin C!
Sloes
The glittering black berries that can be found clinging to spiny blackthorn bushes right through the winter are often overlooked as medicine in favour of being immersed in gin to produce sloe gin. However, they’re astringent, antioxidant, and can induce sweat as well as reduce a fever. Pick in the autumn and freeze for winter use.
Haws
The bright red fruits of the hawthorn bush are also high in antioxidants. Medical herbalists use both the berries and leaves to help treat various heart ailments. Although not yet an official drug in the UK, hawthorn is acknowledged as such in many other territories.
Rowan berries
Often available in the winter months, rowan berries contain antioxidants and vitamin C. The astringent berries are used by medical herbalists to make a soothing gargle for sore throats. NOTE the internal ‘seeds’ of both haws and rowan berries should not be consumed.
How to make natural remedies for colds and flu
Sweet garlic tea
The most basic remedy is simply to chew a clove of raw garlic every three-four hours. If this is unpalatable to you, then crush up one whole garlic clove, steep in two tablespoons honey for a couple of hours, add a mug of boiling water, stir to dissolve the honey, strain into a fresh mug, and drink. Repeat every three hours.
Elderberry syrup
The efficacy of elderberry against colds and flu isn’t a recent discovery, but what IS new is our understanding of why we have used these berries – and others – for so many generations. Elderberries contain anthocyanins and flavonoids, which can protect against many illnesses. They freeze well, so can be used throughout the year.
1. Pick a couple of kilos of elderberries. Wash, drain and strip from the stalks.
2.Putinapanandjustcoverwithwater. Bring to the boil and simmer until they are soft. This will take about half an hour.
3. Strain through a sieve if you wish. (It’s not strictly necessary as the three little ‘pips’ in each berry are tiny and not toxic.)
4.Add honey or sugar to taste, the juice of a lemon and a selection of cloves, star anise, cinnamon, ginger – all the spices you love. Simmer until sweetening has dissolved. Then boil hard for 10 minutes.
5.Cooltheliquid,fishoutthespices.You can store in the freezer in plastic bottles or freezer bags – or turn into ice cubes.
This mixture both does you good and tastes amazing. You could dilute a couple of the ice cubes in hot water to add to a hot toddy, or pour the syrup over porridge. The anti- inflammatory and antioxidants will not only help prevent flu, but will soothe any symptoms that you might already have.
Hot toddy with ginger, lemon and honey
Possibly one of the more luxurious and enjoyable remedies – luckily, hot toddies, depending on what you put into them, can help! Whisky, rum or brandy can not only make you sweat but also assist you in getting to sleep; lemon is full of vitamin C; honey has antibacterial properties; and ginger helps sweat out those toxins.
Recipes vary, but here’s my favourite:
- 1 shot glass of whisky
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Half an inch of ginger, sliced finely
- Juice of half a lemon
- Half a cup of boiling water
- A twist of freshly ground pepper
Have a hot bath, put on fresh pyjamas. Add all the ingredients, stir well, and steep. Sit up in bed to sip the toddy. Sleep. Night night!