It can be very difficult to function is you are experiencing all the sign and symptoms of the common cold or flu. These symptoms can range when having a cold to nasal congestion, stuffy head, sneezing, coughing, runny nose, and fever. Flu symptoms are very much alike the cold symptoms, but present a higher temperature fever, incessant chills, and added aches, pains, and malaise.

There are vast amounts of strains of viruses that can implicate colds and flu. They are contracted by inhalation of airborne exposures. This could be in the form of body fluids such as mucus, or germs that remain on the hand that are left to fester if unwashed.

There are many factors in an individual that can present vulnerability to catching these ailments. These are such matters of immune deficiency, stress, lack of nutrition, and inadequate sleep.

We all experience minor (and not so minor) illnesses from time to time. Overuse of pharmaceuticals can cause toxins to build up in our bodies. Here are some herbs you can use instead. I'm sure you know that herbs are not a substitute for medical treatment. If your condition worsens, discontinue whatever self-help methods you are using and see a doctor.

Arthritis: Ginger (both fresh and dried) has been proven to relieve joint and back pain attributable to both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The shogoals and gingerols in the ginger rhizome are powerful anti-inflamatories. You can make a tea from slices of fresh ginger root or take capsules of the dried. There are several other ailments which respond well to treatment with ginger root. See my article "Ginger Root: a Very Effective Herbal Remedy for a Variety of Medical Conditions" for more information.

When you have the stomach flu, life is just not pleasant. It is important to try and treat your stomach flu in the most effective way possible and in some cases, you might wish to use herbal remedies for a stomach flu. Herbal remedies for the stomach flu fall into the category of non-medical solutions; however they have been shown to help many people as they struggle to get through the symptoms of the flu.

Here are some of the herbal remedies for the stomach flu.

Mint tea. Mint tea has been used for a number of different medical uses. In terms of the flu, mint tea is used as an antispasmodic. In addition, mint tea acts as a mild sedative. Mint tea can help to ease your upset stomach that you have from the flu. If you prefer not to drink processed tea, you can use fresh mint from your produce section at the store and steep the leaves in some boiling water to make homemade as opposed to processed mint tea.