5 best spices for a cold. You definitely have them in your kitchen

Are you feeling the first symptoms of fall-winter infections? Instead of running to the pharmacy for packs filled with synthetics, opt for natural and easily available products. The phytotherapist advises which herbs and spices to use during the period of rampant diseases.

The infection season is just beginning to reap its first harvest. We feel weakened, catching colds, coughs, plagued by headaches and subfeverish conditions. Agnieszka Skowerska, a certified phytotherapist known on social media as the "Herbal Queen," suggests reaching for herbs (including those for seasoning) instead of medicine. She lists five that are worth using during the fall-winter season and in the fight against infections.

The autumn-winter period is challenging. Both young and old are sniffling. Why do all these maladies hit us now? Agnieszka Skowerska explains that respiratory viruses, responsible for infections, become more active at lower temperatures. We, freezing, easily become their victims, and our immune system functions worse (this is associated, among other things, with a deficiency of vitamin D3), so we are highly susceptible to infections.

"If you notice the first symptoms of a cold, don't immediately run to the pharmacy for synthetic medications," - the specialist adds on Facebook. "Medications often only to a small extent alleviate the symptoms of seasonal infections, causing a series of side effects: drowsiness, digestive problems, headaches. Much more effective in reducing the symptoms of a cold are herbs, including those spice ones, which you can find in your kitchen cabinet," - recommends the "Herb Queen" on social media.

Agnieszka Skowerska lists five herbs that are worth having at the ready during the fall-winter season. These include: rosemary, marjoram, thyme, oregano, and cloves. How to use them? One teaspoon of dried herbs or a few cloves should be covered with boiling water, covered and left for 15 minutes. After this time, strain the brew and add lemon, ginger, or honey to taste. Drink such prepared herbs 1-2 times a day.

What actions do individual herbs show? Agnieszka Skowerska explains that rosemary fights inflammation, which is why it is effective in treating symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections. It is also a source of active substances that reduce cough, and runny nose and increase resistance. In addition, rosemary extracts fight harmful bacteria and facilitate the expectoration of accumulated secretions.

Marjoram reduces congestion and swelling of the nasal mucosa. Therefore, it makes breathing easier, so it is helpful with troublesome runny nose. "Herb Queen" adds that marjoram is a source of vitamins A and C as well as calcium and iron, which strengthens the body and helps return to full fitness.

- In my opinion, thyme is the most effective herb in treating upper respiratory tract infections - adds Agnieszka Skowerska. - Thyme has antibacterial, antifungal, and antispasmodic effects, which helps in removing accumulated secretion in the sinuses and lungs and reduces cough and runny nose - she explains in a video on Facebook.

Another herb recommended by the phytotherapist is oregano, which demonstrates anti-inflammatory and throat-soothing properties. Oregano also has antispasmodic and expectorant properties. Cloves, also recommended by the specialist, have been used in folk medicine for centuries to combat symptoms of colds. All thanks to the content of eugenol in them, which acts as a disinfectant, anesthetic, analgesic and antibacterial agent.