With an early start to flu season and the severity of the strands this year it’s important to keep your immune system healthy and consider how herbs can play a role in helping you do so. While you may be familiar with using herbs like Echinacea, Olive Leaf, and Garlic to keep you healthy during cold and flu season there are also special combinations of herbs that can keep you well. Hanna created herbal combinations to bring about even more profound effects than just a single herb, take a look!

INF Blend has been a wintertime favorite since the 1970’s. This herbal combination is used for warding off the discomforts of colds and flu and contains a unique blend of herbs like chamomile, capsicum, and eucalyptus. Lemon peel is used in folk herbalism to increase the efficiency of the liver and spleen, two key organs in our ability to resist infection. Naturopaths are fond of recommending lemon peel for its reputed content of bioflavonoids and vitamin C. Coltsfoot, wahoo, and yerba santa are traditional Native American lung tonic and expectorant herbs for coughing and congestion. According to folk literature, yerba santa, chamomile, and capsicum increase sweating and open pores to help break a fever. Thyme and mugwort are favored in European traditional herbalism for minor infections, a sluggish liver, and poor detoxification that generally accompanies an illness. The capsicum, eucalyptus, and lemon peel add some heat to burn out offending organisms causing a change in the body’s acidity to create an unsuitable environment for an infection to take hold.

Lung Formula is a shining star during fall and winter. This combination contains garlic, rose hips, rosemary, Echinacea, and thyme. Rosemary is a well-respected antiviral and antioxidant herb and has traditionally been utilized for lung health, along with the other four herbs in the combination. These herbs clear up phlegm and upper respiratory congestion while relieving cough. Rose hips are a great source of vitamin C and also provide antioxidant protection.

Black Radish and Parsley have been used in traditional folk herbalism for their ability to maintain healthy fluid and mucus secretions; to soothe the lungs, throat, and nose; help fight infections; dislodge toxic metals in the kidneys; and support healthy digestion, elimination, and purification. Traditionally it was thought that mucus accumulations resulted from poor digestion and sluggish elimination, which created a backlog of toxins. When an infection occurs, there is an additional load of toxins created by the body from fighting the infection. This powerful pair of herbs, used in conjunction with proper nutrition for the grief of wintertime surprises, supports the immune system and throat health.

Prevention is the key to winter health and herbs can be a great ally along with healthy food, proper hydration, and good rest. As we get into the thick of flu season keep your system guarded with these herbs and consider the specialty teas created by Hanna for cough (CGH tea) and flu (FLT tea) as well as her Immune Boosting Home Remedies.

Looking for everything you need in one place? Check out our Cold and Flu section for our favorite products to keep you and your family healthy!