Marshmallow, garlic and ginger: Herbs that heal winter ills

BOOST your immune system by using nature’s own miracle medicine cabinet

Garlic is good for fighting against colds flu and infections Garlic is good for fighting against colds, flu and infections [GETTY]

Winter is the season when infections tend to become more prevalent. But there is a range of healing herbs that can help battle common ailments from coughs and colds to upset stomachs.


Best for: Beating bronchitis.

This plant is native to Europe grows to about 6ft with pale green, oval leaves covered in soft down and white-pink flowers.

How it works: The mucilage (a thick viscous secretion formed by sugars) is the main ingredient and acts to soothe and protect tissues. It helps heal inflammation of the respiratory system and digestive system.

Take it for: Respiratory complaints, bronchitic complaints and dry coughs.


Best for: The digestive system. Astragalus is a native of China and while it’s not well-known here its use is spreading.

How it works: It stimulates the immune system. It can be used externally to help heal wounds or taken as a tincture to aid the digestive system.

Take it for: Colds, flu, poor appetite and digestive weakness following illness.


Best for: Upset tummies. The above-ground part of the plant consists of a green stalk with narrow leaves while the root is tuberous and knobbly and is familiar in cooking.

How it works: Phenolic compounds in ginger are the agents responsible for relaxing stomach muscles. Fresh or dried the root minimises vomiting and eases travel and motion sickness. The phenolic ingredient also acts as a sedative and painkiller, which helps to reduce over-activity in the gut. Ginger’s oil acts as an antiseptic and an anti-inflammatory in the stomach.

Take it for: Indigestion, nausea, wind, bloating, coughs, colds and flu.

 Ginger is well-known for its anti-nausea and antiseptic properties [GETTY]


Best for: Coughs and colds. Garlic is a member of the onion family and is used in cooking as well as in medicines.

How it works: The volatile oil that produces garlic’s distinctive odour contains allicin which has an antibiotic quality.

Take it for: Chest infections including bronchitic ailments, coughs, colds, flu and to reduce catarrh, digestive problems and lower blood pressure.


Best for: Cold sores. Common worldwide the oval leaves of the plant emit a lemon aroma when crushed.

How it works: The oil is the main agent and can be used to calm the nervous system. It has a relaxing effect on muscles. The polyphenolics in the plant are antiviral.

Take it for: Viral complaints such as cold sores, shingles, colds and flu.

Extracted from The Herbal Healing Bible by Jade Britton (£9.99, Apple Press). To order a copy call 0871 988 8451, visit or send a cheque or PO payable to The Express to: The Express Orders Dept, 1 Broadland Business Park, Norwich NR7 0WF.