8. Habañero and Horseradish
Horseradish, a cousin of mustard, is used to clear sinuses, increases facial circulation, and expel mucus from upper respiratory. It’s typically used against colds, influenza, and lung congestion. Better yet, it can be used topically to treat infected wounds, although it may cause skin irritation (12).
Habañero, on the other hand, works against pathogenic bacteria, such as E. coli, Bacillus thuringiensis, Yersinia enterocolitica and Salmonella enterica subsp Typhimurium (13).
9. Eucalyptus
It’s no surprise that eucalyptus is a favorite flavor for throat lozenges and cold and flu products. In fact, the herb has immune-stimulatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, analgesic, and spasmolytic effects. It can be both taken orally or inhaled to treat bronchitis, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. One study even called it “an attractive alternative to pharmaceuticals” (14).
10. Manuka Honey
This New Zealand-sourced honey doesn’t work like most honey. Rather than creating hydrogen peroxide to kill bacteria, it works thanks to the low pH level of honey and its high sugar content.
Manuka honey works so well that it even comes in a“medical grade” variety used in hospitals to treat burns and wounds. It’s also used to kill Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), the bacteria that cause stomach ulcers (15).
It even fights Enterobacter aerogenes, Salmonella typhimurium, S. aureus and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Not all Manuka honey is legitimate, so look for honey with a UMF, (Unique Manuka Factor) certified by The Unique Manuka Factor Honey Association.