1. Catnip:
Catnip is not just for felines. While they go nuts for the herby delight, humans have been benefitting from the medicinal qualities in catnip for a very long time. It has been used in cold remedies for a very long time because it can help to reduce fevers. Also a mild sedative, it can bring about peaceful sleep, which is often very welcome for cold sufferers. Catnip is best used in a tea for colds, although it can be sprinkled in as well.

2. St. John's Wort:
Flavonoids, tannins, resin and volatile oils are the natural constituents that are thought to lend to the many medicinal uses for St. John’s Wort including relieving congestion. The herb is also said to be particularly useful in tonics for relieving anxiety and depression, which can bring further soothing relief to those feeling under the weather.

3. Ginger:
Ginger has been used for a wide range of health benefits for hundreds if not thousands of years. And, although ginger is primarily associated with relieving nausea, it is also useful in relieving some of the symptoms associated with a cold. It can be used in many herbal tea recipes, but for a delicious and soothing brew, try simmering one cup of water to one teaspoon of fresh ginger for ten minutes. Lemon and honey can be added for more benefit.

4. Licorice Root:
Love or hate the flavor, licorice root boasts known medicinal properties that make it one of the most commonly turned to herbs in alternative medicine. This herb is a powerful antiviral, thanks to a compound found inside called glycyrrhizin, which has been shown in some studies to be effective against serious viruses, such as that responsible for the bird flu. Aside from its potent antiviral properties, licorice root also makes a great tea for colds thanks to purported expectorant qualities long celebrated in Ayurvedic medicine.

5. Echinacea:
Echinacea is one herb that is often associated with colds because using Echinacea during a cold may possibly shorten its duration. Evidence is limited in this regard, but more is available about the preventative qualities of using Echinacea. Using the plant in herbal tea recipes during the seasons that illness is most common may be able to help prevent them altogether.

6. Elderberry:
Both the cold and flu should consider running and hiding from the elderberry, which but also shorten the length of illness associated with a cold by as much as four days. The herb itself and extract are ideal for addition to a tea for colds.

7. Yarrow:
Yarrow is one of the oldest herbs used in medicine due to its laundry list of naturally occurring compounds like volatile oils, sterols and saponins. It has been used for everything from baldness to digestion and boasts anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties amongst others. Yarrow is particularly good for use in people with a cold because it can help to break a fever quickly. It also brings about sweating which may have detoxification purposes as well. Yarrow makes a fine addition to a tea for colds, but its bitter flavor may require a sweet herb addition to counter.

8. Peppermint:
Peppermint may be best known today for its aromatherapy benefits, but it holds a wealth of medicinal use beyond just stimulating our senses. This minty herb is a natural remedy for colds because it can reduce fever, congestion, aches and pains and help to relieve headaches too. It makes a perfect choice in a tea for colds thanks to its sweet and