Tag Archives: flu

Febrifuge Herbs For Fever

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Thankfully, fevers aren’t as dangerous as many people fear, but comfort is just a cup of herbal tea away. When a loved one gets a fever, we want to reduce it instantly.

When your body temperature rises because of an infection, it’s called a fever.  Fevers are caused by chemicals called pyrogens flowing in the bloodstream. The purpose of a fever is thought to be to raise the body’s temperature enough to kill off certain bacteria and viruses sensitive to temperature changes. It also helps to regulate our immune system.

If the fever is over 102 F, your doctor should be consulted. But, if the fever is low grade, I don’t take anything, or give a loved one anything such as an OTC medicine. I prefer to brew up an herbal tea. Herbal teas help to:

  1. Warm and stimulate the body
  2. Encourage detoxification through sweating
  3. Provide extra hydration
  4. Relieve pain and unpleasant symptoms
  5. Offer immune-supporting vitamins and antioxidants
  6. Boost mood and relaxation (sleep)

Febrifuge

Has a cooling effect to help reduce fevers.

Here are my favorite herbal teas for fever and body aches:

Yarrow

It is also one of the most useful, potent herbal allies that I can think of! Yarrow is both an anti-inflammatory as well as being antimicrobial. It reduces pain, is an anti-catarrhal, relaxes circulation, and is a mild sedative, too.

Yarrow infusion is most effective when taken at the onset of the flu symptoms, but it can also help before the problem starts. Do not take yarrow daily for more than two weeks, even less if there are known liver weaknesses.

Yarrow will help you to get rid of a dry fever when taken as a hot infusion. As a diaphoretic, it opens your pores and induces perspiration. This seems like the opposite of what you want, but the heat and sweat are supporting the action your body is already taking to evict the flu. Combine this with a thick blanket, a hot water bottle for your feet, and get ready to sleep and sweat. All the sweating will eventually help cool you off a bit.

Catnip

Lemony-mint tasting, catnip is a cooling, gentle, and relaxing herbal nervine especially good for children, and soothes hyperactivity, colic, fever, constipation, stomach ache, and insomnia. It helps relax the smooth muscles of the intestines, and is an anti-catarrhal (dissolves and prevents formation of mucus and prevents mucus membrane inflammation).

Ginger

Ginger eases pain and inflammation, soothes nausea as well as gas and cramps in the digestive tract, stimulates the appetite and bile secretion in the liver, stimulates the circulatory system and promotes sweating, loosens trapped mucus in the lungs, and is antimicrobial. While ginger is clearly an herb with many uses, its antimicrobial activity, ability to thin mucus, and diaphoretic action are the actions that help the body progress in resolution of a cold or the flu. 

Antiviral Herb Peppermint

Peppermint

Peppermint has an array of health benefits. Not only does it help to prevent vomiting, nausea and motion sickness, but it also helps reduce fever and discomfort, boosts the immune system, helps to improve breath, aids in relieving mental stress, cough and cold, and relieves stomach discomfort.

Chamomile

It is used to ease tension and stress, emotional upset, nervousness, and insomnia. Happily, chamomile is gentle enough for children while still being helpful for adults. Don’t use chamomile if you’re allergic to the Daisy family, you may have an allergic reaction to this herb too.

Cinnamon

Though cinnamon has medicinal uses, it’s mostly used in this case to improve the taste of the herbal tea.

Elder Flowers

The flowers are known for their high antioxidant content and Vitamin C which is great for boosting your immune system. Elderflower also helps fighting flu and respiratory disturbances by encouraging water to leave the body, helping you to “sweat it out”.

A Favorite Tea Blend

Of course, the herbs listed above can be used as a single tea, but this is a great herbal tea blend for fever, aches, and sleep. This recipe is for an adult to 12 years of age. For ages 11 and under, cut recipe according to age and increase the water a little. Never give honey to a child under 1-2 years of age, use a sugar instead.

  • Place herbs in a cup or in a tea ball or strainer
  • Boil water and pour into the cup
  • Cover the cup with a plate to keep the steam and important oils in.
  • Steep for 10 minutes
  • Strain tea through fine mesh strainer or remove tea bag
  • Sweeten with 1 teaspoon honey, if desired
  • Add a lemon, lime, or orange slice, if desired

Options: 1/2 teaspoon each of elder flowers and peppermint to one cup water.

Of course, I’m not a doctor, so if a fever become dangerously high, please consult your doctor ASAP.

Antiviral Herbs For Viruses

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Antiviral herbs inhibit the development of viruses. Many of the best antiviral herbs boost the immune system, which allows the body to attack viral pathogens. This can be even better than attacking specific pathogens, which antiviral drugs are designed to do, because pathogens mutate over time and become less susceptible to treatment.

Not only do antiviral herbs fight viral infections, boost the immune system and work as flu natural remedies, but they have a number of other health benefits, such as cardiovascular, digestive and anti-inflammatory support.

Antiviral

An herb that kills viruses or slows the progression of viral infection in the body.

Here are herbs with powerful antiviral activity.

Antiviral Herb Oregano

Oregano

Oregano is a powerful antiviral agent. Oregano is a popular herb in the mint family that’s known for its impressive medicinal qualities. Its plant compounds, which include carvacrol, offer antiviral properties. You can cook with oregano or add it to herbal tea blends, but the best way to use it is Oregano oil.

Antiviral Herb Sage

Sage

Also a member of the mint family, sage is an aromatic herb that has long been used in traditional medicine to treat viral infections. The antiviral properties are mostly attributed to compounds called safficinolide, which are found in the leaves and stem of the plant. You can cook with Sage, make a tea for drinking or throat gargle, or blend it in herbal teas.

Antiviral Herb Basil

Basil

Many types of basil, including the sweet and holy varieties, may fight certain viral infections. You can cook with Sage, make a tea for drinking, or blend it in herbal teas. One of the best ways to enjoy it is fresh in pesto in which there are many recipes. Fresh shredded leaves are delicious on salads or in stir fry recipes.

Antiviral Herb Fennel

Fennel

Fennel is a licorice-flavored plant that may fight certain viruses. You can cook with Fennel seeds or leaves, make a tea for drinking, or blend it in herbal teas. One of the best ways to enjoy the fresh bulb is in a stir fry. Fresh shredded leaves are delicious on salads. Seeds are great in breads.

Antiviral herb Garlic

Garlic

Garlic is a popular natural remedy for a wide array of conditions, including viral infections. The fresh or dried cloves are delicious in stir fry, and roasted meats. They can be added to smoothies. Fresh chopped leaves can be used in salads, stews, or eggs. A favorite way to take Garlic is a cough syrup you can make at home. It’s called Garlic, Onion, and Honey Syrup. Free recipe HERE.

Antiviral Herb Lemon Balm

Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is a lemony plant that’s commonly used in teas and seasonings. It’s also celebrated for its medicinal qualities. Lemon balm extract is a concentrated source of potent essential oils and plant compounds that have antiviral activity. It’s useful for the herpes viruses, and other viruses. Another way to enjoy it is place in the warm bath.

Antiviral Herb Peppermint

Peppermint

Peppermint is known to have powerful antiviral qualities and commonly added to teas, extracts, and tinctures meant to naturally treat viral infections. Its leaves and essential oils contain active components, including menthol and rosmarinic acid, which have antiviral and anti-inflammatory activity.

Antiviral Herb Rosemary

Rosemary

Rosemary is frequently has therapeutic applications due to its numerous plant compounds, including oleanolic acid, which has displayed antiviral activity against many viruses. Use Rosemary in cooking and roasting, herbal tea blends, salves, soaps, and tinctures. Cut the long stems and lay them around your house to release a fresh pine fragrance.

Antiviral Herb Echinacea Root

Enchinacea

Echinacea is one of the most powerful natural antivirals against human viruses. It contains a compound called echinacein that inhibits bacteria and viruses from penetrating healthy cells. This greatly reduces the chances of contracting any type of infection while consuming echinacea. Therefore, it is best used at the onset of the sickness for only 4 weeks. Use flowers, leaves, and roots in teas, infusions, and tinctures.

Antiviral Herb Elderberry

Elderberry

Elderberry is found to substantially reduce upper respiratory symptoms caused by viral infections. It fights infections including influenza, herpes, viral infections and bacterial infections. But is best used as a preventive herb, but helpful during the illness. Use flowers and berries in teas, infusions, tinctures, and syrup. Our free recipe for syrup HERE

Antiviral Herb Licorice Root

Licorice Root

Licorice has been used in traditional Chinese medicine and other natural practices for centuries. Glycyrrhizin, liquiritigenin, and glabridin are just some of the active substances in Licorice that have powerful antiviral properties. Licorice root is commonly added to store brought herbal blends. Be careful with this root if you have high blood pressure.

Antiviral Herb Astragalus Root

Astragalus Root

Astragalus root, another powerful antiviral herb, has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, and its main use is to boost the body’s immune system. Scientific studies have shown that Astragalus has antiviral properties and stimulates the immune system. Use this root in soups, teas, and tinctures.

Ginger Root

Ginger products, such as elixirs, teas, and lozenges, are popular natural remedies — and for good reason.  Ginger has been shown to have impressive antiviral activity thanks to its high concentration of potent plant compounds. Use this root in soups, tinctures, baking, and stir fry too.

Ginseng

Ginseng, which can be found in Korean and American varieties, is the root of plants in the Panax family. Long used in traditional Chinese medicine, it has been shown to be particularly effective at fighting viruses. Use in tea, tincture, or capsules.

Antiviral Herb Calendula

Dandelion

Dandelions are widely regarded as weeds but have been studied for multiple medicinal properties, including potential antiviral effects. The whole plant from root to flowers can be used. Use in tea, tincture, or capsules.

Calendula

The flower petals of this antiviral herb has high amounts of flavonoids, which are plant-based antioxidants that protect cells from being damaged by free radicals; it also fights viruses, inflammation and bacteria. The dried petals of the plant are used in tinctures, ointments and washes to treat infections, burns, wounds and cuts.

Cat’s Claw

The bark and root of Cat’s Claw has antiviral properties. This powerful herb is also anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal. The best way to consume cat’s claw regularly is by making an herbal tea with a tablespoon of the herb in eight ounces of water.

Olive Leaf

The Olive leaf has antiviral properties, giving it the ability to treat the common cold and dangerous viruses. Research shows that olive leaf extracts effectively fight against a number of disease-causing microbes, including some viruses that cause influenza and other respiratory infections. Use Olive leaf as a extract.

How to Use

Herbal Tea

Teas are a great way to get the antiviral benefits of herbs every day. Steep one to two teaspoons of loose herbs in one cup hot water for 5–10 minutes for leaves and flower petals. Simmer one to two teaspoons in 1 1/2 cup hot water for 10-15 minutes, covered for bark (chopped), root (chopped), berries, and flower heads.

Herbal Infusion

Herbal infusions are stronger than teas because they require a larger quantity of herbs. To make your own herbal infusion, steep a cup of antiviral herbs in water for about 7 hours. Chop larger and thicker herbs.

Keep the infusion in an air-tight jar, and drink it cold or heated. Because the infusions are strong, don’t drink more than one cup a day.

DIY Herbal-Infused Oil

An infused oil is when you heat the herb in a carrier oil for several weeks. Use about 1/2 cup of antiviral herbs (you can use one herb or a mixture (it’s better to infuse each herb in it’s own jar and mix when ready; chop larger and thicker herbs), and add it to 1 cup of coconut, jojoba, or choice of oil.

Once the herbs are infused into the oil, drain the leaves and keep the oil in a jar. You can use the oil topically to alleviate pain and get rid of infections. Don’t use if oil looks or smells bad.

Essential Oils

Many of these herbs are sold as essential oils; make sure to purchase organic and pure essential oils from a reputable company.

To use essential oils for their antiviral properties, diffuse 3–5 drops in your home, add 2–3 drops to warm bath water or mix 1–2 drops with a carrier oil and apply the mixture directly to the skin. Massaging essential oils/carrier oil mixture into your feet, abdomen and chest is useful when fighting a fever or flu symptoms.

Use herbs with caution! You should talk with your doctor before mixing herbs with medications, or if you have a medical condition.

Garlic Onion Honey, Cold and Flu Cough Syrup

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Garlic, onion, and honey are a powerhouse of combined healing naturals.  When you feel a sore throat,  cold, runny nose, and body aches coming on, your immune system is probably running on empty.  You can mix up this easy remedy for fast relief.

This syrup is all natural, and it tastes yummy too.

All you need are three ingredients:

  • 1 small yellow or white onion, peeled and chopped
  • 4-5 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
  • local honey

Place the peeled and chopped onion and garlic cloves in a glass jar that has a lid.  Pour honey to cover the other ingredients.  Cover with lid and leave out on the counter overnight. This is a great project to do right before bed.

Options:

  • If you’re having nausea or upset stomach too, add an inch of fresh ginger.  Peel and chop in small pieces and add to the mixture.
  • I heard that you can add a cinnamon stick, but I haven’t tried it.
  • A few whole cloves

In the morning, give the jar a good shake.  You can remove the onion and garlic pieces if you wish, but I leave mine in.  I even eat them, they taste delicious. Add a tablespoon to your tea if you don’t mind the taste.

Benefits:

Garlic

A well-known natural remedy for colds and flu.  Garlic has strong antiseptic and antispasmodic properties.  This means that garlic is a natural antibiotic and will help you stop coughing.  Its oil will also help open up your respiratory passages and can even help lower your fever.

Garlic is good for just about everything, and when it comes time to build immune strength and fight off colds and flu.  It is also a natural anti-inflammatory, anti-parasitic, anti-fungal, anti-coagulant, antiviral, and also boosts blood circulation.  Garlic does all this without creating bacterial and organism resistance.  It’s been used as a gentle, persistent healer for thousands of years.  Use on a regular basis, not just when you’re sick.

Onion

It’s many properties include working to reduce inflammation, preventing and helping to resolve diarrhea, improving circulation, liquefying mucus, and purifying the blood.

It also helps relieve flu symptoms including coughs, congestion, respiratory infections and bronchitis.  Use onion on a regular basis too.

Honey

Honey makes a wonderful cough syrup all by itself.  It has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, so it is often used as a natural antiseptic in traditional medicines.  Honey soothes and calms a sore throat, builds the immune system, and provides needed vitamins to restore your health.

As you probably already know, it’s tastes so good.  It’s best to use only local honey, because it will counter pollen allergies.  Honey is also a natural sleep aid, so when you’re sick you need extra sleep.

So…

Combining garlic, onion, and honey we get a natural remedy for bacterial infection.  Get well soon!

Dosage

For adults to age 12, 1 tablespoon 3 times daily, but if really sick, up the dosage to 1 tablespoon every 2 hours.  For children under 12, use 1 teaspoon instead at the same times as above.

You can add your “medicine” to your warm tea if you have trouble taking it from a spoon.

Remember

Honey should never be given to a child under the age of one.  Also, remember honey is a sweetener, so be careful if you have diabetes.

Storage

You can leave your syrup on the counter, but to be on the safe side, store in the refrigerator and use within a few weeks.

Bonus

Spread this syrup on ham or roast before baking! Yum!!!