Cold and Flu Season Is Upon Us

Written by Angela Shand

Cold and Flu Season Is Upon Us

As the weather grows colder and drier, colds and flus become more common. With the right herbs and mindful care, we can support our bodies’ natural wisdom and nurture ourselves through illness.

Many herbalists, including myself, believe that a cold should not always be suppressed. It's the body's way of clearing out waste and toxins. If we help the body detox gently, the illness may pass more quickly and comfortably.

That’s where our Flu Buster Tea comes in. The herbs in this blend have long been used in traditional herbal medicine to:

• Shorten the duration of colds and flus
• Help the respiratory system
• Strengthen the immune response
• Promote gentle sweating to help release heat and toxins

How to Support Your Body During Cold or Flu:

1. Drink Warm Fluids

• Herbal teas, warm water, and broths help thin mucus and flush out toxins.
• Stay hydrated to help your immune system work more effectively.

2. Eat Light, Warm Foods for 3 Days

• Soups, stews, and broths are easy to digest and nourishing.
• Avoid cold or heavy foods while your body is healing.

3. Rest Deeply

• Let your body focus its energy on healing. Sleep as much as needed.

4. Try a Foot Bath

• A warm foot soak can help draw down fever and ease body aches.

Traditional Wisdom from Around the World:

Ayurvedic Medicine recommends:

• Kitchari – a simple dish of basmati rice, mung dal, and warming spices like Turmeric and Ginger. Gentle on digestion and deeply nourishing.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) encourages:

• Congee (rice porridge) and warm brothy soups
• Always drink warm liquids to support the body in pushing out illness

The Herbs in Our Flu Buster Tea:

Each herb in this blend was chosen for its traditional use in supporting the body during cold and flu:

• Peppermint Leaf – Soothes the stomach, relieves fever, and helps open pores to promote sweating.
• Lemon Balm – Calms the nerves, promotes sweating in fevers, and helps with recovery.
• Ginger Root – A powerful warming herb that supports sweating and clears the lungs and digestion.
• Yarrow – Traditionally used to reduce fever and support the immune system in the early stages of illness.
• Sage – Antiseptic and calming for sore throats; helps induce sweat when taken hot.
• Oregano – Like many mint family herbs, it supports sweating and is often used for colds and flus.
• Catnip – Cooling and calming; supports the liver, lungs, digestion, and nervous system.
• Chamomile – Slightly bitter and calming; helps digestion and soothes the nerves.
• Elderflower – Traditionally used for sinus infections, colds, and flu; helps induce cleansing sweat.
• Elderberry – High in vitamin C; supports the lungs and immune system; helps clear mucus.
• Thyme – Warming and antimicrobial; supports the lungs, stomach, and large intestine.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is meant for educational purposes only. It is not meant to treat or diagnose. If you would like to work with herbs to support your health please consult your healthcare provider.

About the Author

Angela Shand

Holistic Health Practitioner at Gaia Garden Herbals for the last 20 years.

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