Upper Respiratory Problems and Therapies for The Common Cold, Influenza, Laryngitis

Many of the common chronic catarrhal states are a response by the body to a diet that is too rich in mucus-forming foods. Thus, for a patient with such problems, a low-mucus diet is essential. This is discussed below.

The Common Cold

The common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract. Many different strains of virus can cause cold symptoms, and these are constantly mutating. When the mucous membranes of the nose and throat are inflamed as a result of the infection, they are far more vulnerable to attack by bacteria, and this can give rise to secondary infections (such as sinusitis, ear infections, and bronchitis) that are more serious than the original cold. Thus, antibiotic drugs are often prescribed by allopathic therapists to ward off secondary infection. They destroy bacteria, but they cannot touch a cold virus.

Unfortunately, there is no universally miraculous herbal cold cure. However, herbal medicine can do more than most therapies in treating and preventing this all too common problem. Herbs can be selected to fit the individual’s unique needs, while at the same time immune support, diet, and lifestyle are addressed.

Regional and traditional herbs favored for the common cold include:

  • cayenne
  • horseradish
  • peppermint
  • echinacea
  • linden
  • thyme
  • elder flower
  • mustard
  • yarrow
  • eucalyptus
  • onion 
  • garlic

A very popular and traditional tea used throughout Europe consists of the following herbs:


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  • elder flower
  • peppermint
  • yarrow

Equal parts of herbs.

Infuse 1–2 tsp to a cup and drink hot, often, until symptoms pass.

A number of essential oils can help to diminish the discomfort of a cold as well as reduce the risk of secondary infection; these are antimicrobial and also stimulate the immune response. For the immediate relief of congestion, steam inhalation with essential oil is often effective. Very hot steam—as hot as can be tolerated without actually burning the nose and throat—is in itself a hostile environment for viruses, and the addition of an antiviral oil increases the effectiveness of the steam. Together they not only ease the congestion but also help to combat the infection that has caused it. For catarrh caused by pollen and other irritants, lavender and chamomile are probably the best choices. Steam inhalation will prove helpful. Other plant oils that may prove beneficial include:

  • Asian mint
  • marjoram
  • rosemary
  • basil
  • myrrh
  • sandalwood
  • bergamot
  • peppermint
  • thyme
  • eucalyptus
  • pine
  • dwarf or white tea tree
  • lavender

A steam inhalation with one of these essential oils combines several beneficial effects. It clears the congested nasal passages and soothes the inflamed mucous membrane, while at the same time the essential oil kills many bacteria. Some of the oils, especially eucalyptus and tea tree, have an inhibiting effect on the cold virus. Use either of these two oils for inhalation in the earlier part of the day, as they are mildly stimulating. At night use inhalations of lavender or a bath with a few drops of the oil added. Oil diffused in the bedroom will also help, especially if there is a cough.

Many traditional cold remedies are based on culinary ingredients, highlighting the fact that there is no real difference between medicinal and edible plants. At the first signs of a chill or sore throat, take the following common kitchen spices:

  • 1 oz fresh ginger, sliced
  • 1 stick of cinnamon, broken
  • 1 tsp coriander seeds
  • 3 cloves
  • 1 slice of lemon
  • 1 pint water

Decoct for 15 minutes and then strain. Sweeten to taste.

Drink a cupful of this hot, every two hours.

To prevent and treat colds, include garlic, onions, watercress, and cayenne in the diet and take 1–3 grams of vitamin C daily. Diet plays a part in most cases of catarrh. Dairy products and wheat are known to promote excessive catarrh production in many people and should be excluded for a period by anybody who suffers catarrh frequently, to see whether any improvement is noticed. If so, they may have to be excluded permanently from the diet or included in only very small amounts. Experiment if any other food sensitivities are suspected, and adjust the diet accordingly.

Influenza

Upper Respiratory Problems and Therapies for The Common Cold, Influenza, LaryngitisSevere colds and various unidentified virus infections are often referred to as “flu.” Some authorities would argue that true influenza is a much more severe infection and appears in widespread epidemics, often at intervals of approximately ten years. Bacterial secondary infections are the greatest risk incurred by contracting “true” influenza and have been responsible for thousands of deaths in past epidemics. The use of antibiotics has dramatically reduced such deaths. Indeed, a really severe infection of this kind is one situation in which the use of antibiotics may well be advised. In this case, do not stop the herbal treatment—it can only be beneficial and will not conflict with more orthodox drug treatment.

As is true for the common cold, there are no miracle cures here, but certain plants can make life much more bearable. These are usually diaphoretics, or sweat-inducing herbs. My own favorite is boneset, an herb that was widely used to ease the pain of “breakbone fever,” now known as dengue fever, among early American settlers.It is a strong infusion drunk hot every hour. (Follow the advice given above for the common cold as well, if the symptom picture calls for it.)

  • goldenseal
  • echinacea

Equal parts of tinctures.

Take ½ tsp (2.5 ml) every two hours.

Treatment is most effective if started at the very first sign of infection. A moderately hot bath with a few drops of antiviral essential oil added will often induce profuse perspiration followed by a deep, restful sleep. This may be enough to avert a full-blown attack, though it is a good idea to repeat the bathing for the next two or three days. An effective oil for this purpose is tea tree. Some people find this a mild skin irritant and may not be able to tolerate more than three or four drops in a full bath, so it is best to begin with this amount.

Recovery from influenza is often slow, and the convalescent may feel very weak and lacking in vitality. Caffeine-containing herbs should be avoided, as the lift produced thereby is temporary and will slow recovery. Bitter tonics will speed recovery through their metabolic-stimulating effects. Appropriate bitter tonics include the following:

Boneset: also diaphoretic and anticatarrhal

Gentian: aids the digestion in a number of ways and doesn’t taste too bad

Goldenseal: also anticatarrhal and generally tonic (despite the unpleasant taste)

Horehound: also expectorant and anticatarrhal

In addition, the use of adaptogens is often helpful and attention to diet is essential. It may be helpful to supplement with a multivitamin/mineral formula until appetite and general vitality are back to normal.

Laryngitis

This acute inflammation of the larynx, or voice box, is usually associated with a common cold or overuse of the voice. It is commonly characterized by swelling, hoarseness, pain, dryness in the throat, coughing, and inability to speak above a whisper, if at all. It is usually caused by bacterial or viral infection, which may either be restricted to the larynx or be part of a more general infection of the upper respiratory tract. Where no clear cause is found, such as infection or overuse, skilled diagnosis is needed.

Demulcent and anti-inflammatory remedies will reduce the immediate cause of the distress. Antimicrobial herbs are indicated if there is a causal microorganism involved. Astringents are often effective as a local gargle, especially when the problem has been precipitated by overuse of the vocal cords.

The herbal traditions of the world abound in herbs used for conditions of the mouth, larynx, and pharynx. Osha is an excellent remedy, a small piece of the root being chewed to remove symptoms and promote the body’s immune response. In Europe the approach has traditionally been to gargle with astringent herbs. They should not be swallowed, however, as they often constipate—an unnecessary and unfortunate complication. Examples of reliable astringent herbs for such local usage include:

  • cranesbill
  • oak bark
  • yarrow
  • elder flower
  • red sage

An Internal Medication for Laryngitis:

  • echinacea 2 parts
  • osha 2 parts
  • goldenseal 1 part

As tincture: Take ¼ tsp (1 ml) of this mixture every hour.

A Gargle for Laryngitis:

  • red sage
  • chamomile

Equal parts of herbs.

Prepare a strong infusion and gargle often until symptoms subside.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy provides certain oils that ease the inflammation quite effectively. Oil of cypress and bergamot have much to offer, for example. To use as a gargle, put three drops of the essential oil in half a cup of warm water. Gargle hourly and do not swallow.

Reprinted with permission of the publisher, Healing Arts Press.
©
1993, 2007, 2014 by David Hoffmann. www.InnerTraditions.com

Herbs for Healthy Aging: Natural Prescriptions for Vibrant Health by David Hoffmann FNIMH AHG.Article Source:

Herbs for Healthy Aging: Natural Prescriptions for Vibrant Health
by David Hoffmann FNIMH AHG.

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About the Author

David Hoffmann, author of: Herbs for Healthy AgingDavid Hoffmann, FNIMH, AHG, has been a clinical medical herbalist since 1979. A Fellow of Britain’s National Institute of Medical Herbalists, he is one of the founding members of the American Herbalists Guild and the author of 17 books, including Medical Herbalism, The Complete Illustrated Holistic Herbal, and The Herbal Handbook. He teaches herbal medicine throughout the English-speaking world and lives in California.

View a video of a presentation by David Hoffmann: A Call to Herbs: From Rhizotomoi to Radicle (Part 1),  (Part 2),  (Part 3).  He discusses the origins of herbal wisdom and the pitfalls of commercial herbalism. His views touch on political activism as well as herbal activism. While this talk was recorded in 2005, it is still very important and relevant today.