When I was in Manila last August, I was having onset of bad cough and colds, I asked pharmacy for some medicine that will not induce my high blood pressure. I got prescribed an herbal medicine called Vitex negundo leaf. It was being sold already in capsule form. Locally it is called Lagundi leaf there. I tried it and it worked.
So I also bought Lagundi tea, just to be prepared for this coming winter season here.
Other things used there:
fresh oregano leaves for coughs
bittersweet melon -Mamordica charantia - leaves and the fruit - good to lower blood sugar; we call it locally in Manila as ampalaya. I bought ampalaya leaves, so I can take it as tea. The fruit is too bitter, but if you know how to cook it or if you can take the boiled juice, even better.
ginger - boil it and add some honey - good for coughs and colds too
calamondin juice with honey - it is also our line of defense against colds. Also for vitamin C
