Many cold and flu fighting plants are common culinary herbs that are relatively easy to grow in pots or in your backyard, and can then be picked fresh and made in to a delicious tea. Simply harvest the fresh leaves, steep in 1-2 teaspoons of boiling water for 10 minutes, strain and enjoy. Drink three cups daily when you feel a sneeze or a sniffle coming on for best results.
Three beginner’s plants are peppermint, thyme and sage.
Once you’re confident, you may like to experiment with other combinations such as yarrow, peppermint, elder and liquorice . And don’t forget about the kitchen staples that also help to fight colds and flu such as horseradish , garlic , ginger and parsley . These versatile herbs can also be added to foods for instance vitamin C-rich parsley is a great addition to salads , grated ginger is a great addition to a soup , and garlic can be made into a syrup sweetened with honey, juiced or, for the very brave, eaten raw.
Bring the traditions of herbal medicine to life in your own garden. Herbs have been grown and harvested for medicinal purposes throughout human history because of their accessibility, economy and effectiveness. Established plants can be bought from your local garden centre or you can sprout the seeds yourself.
Another option of course is to buy commercial preparations of these herbs either as a tea, extract or tablet. This option may not be as satisfying as enjoying a tea that you have grown and harvested yourself but it keeps your hands clean and doesn’t need to be watered!
What is your favourite tea combination?
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