Best Herbal Remedies for Winter Colds

Flu season, colds, cabin fever and general lethargy all signify winter. It is the season that brings all that ails us and then some. Luckily, there are accessible remedies that can help prevent the onset of winter colds, allergies and fatigue. The flu is another beast altogether, but if you focus on your overall health, this will make you less susceptible to everything.

Prevention is the best medicine, so look to vitamins, like B12 complex, minerals, like Zinc, or super foods, like maca root powder, to keep energy levels high and your body healthy. Reducing stress is key. Try using adaptogens, simply herbs that help the body deal with stress and reduce inflammation. Holy Basil is an easy to find adaptogen with almost no side effects. It has been used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat anything from the common cold to anxiety.

Taking a daily multivitamin is generally a good idea, but is also sometimes debated among general practitioners for its efficacy. Most doctors agree, however, no effect is the worst side effect of a multivitamin.

The old rules still apply: Increase your intake of citrus and leafy greens during the cold and flu season. This will give your body a boost against infection and, most important of all, sleep. Trying something like holy basil or maca is great, but nothing beats sleep for winter health.