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Thyme for a cough: Modern research lends support to thyme`s traditional use as an expectorant. Brew 2 teaspoons dried thyme
per cup of boiling water. Steep 10 minutes and strain. Drink up to three times a day.
Yarrow and plantain for a
stuffy head cold: Steep 1 teaspoon each dried yarrow and dried plantain per cup of boiling water for 10 minutes.
Strain
and drink four times a day.
Horseradish for a chill: Add 1 teaspoon grated fresh horseradish to a cup of hot water.
Drink three times a day. (To preserve your own horseradish, scrub and peel the root and grate. Place in a jar and cover
with ehite vinegar. Refrigerate. Each day for a week, add a shake or two of salt and stir.
With winter coming and those nasty viruses just hiding in wait to get us I thought I might post some natural ways to help
us fight them off. Hope this helps.
Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus): antiviral and immunity-enhancer. If you
tend to get every bug that goes around during the winter, you can build up your resistance to disease by taking this Chinese
tonic herb on a daily basis. It's safe to take indefinitely.
Garlic (Allium sativum): antiviral, antibacterial,
antifungal, anticancer and cardiovascular tonic par excellence. The best home remedy I have found for colds is to eat two
cloves of raw garlic at the onset of symptoms. Chop or crush the cloves to release the allicin (a sulfur compound with strong
antibiotic effects) and put them on a sandwich or swallow them in apple sauce. Don't chew and the garlic won't stay on your
breath.
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) and sage(Salvia officinalis): decongestant and antibacterial. Inhaling
steam that contains eucalyptus or sage is an excellent remedy for respiratory problems, including chest congestion, bronchitis,
bronchial cough and sinusitis. The aromatic oils from eucalyptus and sage leaves halt bacterial growth and reduce the risk
of getting secondary infections. Do the steam routine at least twice a day. As a variation, try several crushed garlic cloves
in the water. If you have a sore throat, drink sage tea.
Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea): antibiotic, antiviral and
immune-enhancer. This native American plant is a fine first-line treatment for colds and flu. At the first sign of trouble,
begin taking echinacea and continue until the illness runs its course. Children under 10 can take half the adult dosage.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale): warming, anti-inflammatory and antinauseant. Gingerroot tea helps relieve head and
chest congestion while staving off chills. Grate a one-inch piece of peeled gingerroot. Place it in a pot with two cups of
water, bring to a boil, lower heat and simmer for five minutes. Add 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper and simmer one minute more.
Remove from heat. Add two tablespoons fresh lemon juice, one or two cloves of mashed garlic and honey to taste. Let cool slightly,
and strain if you wish.
Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis): antiseptic. Speed healing of sore throats by gargling
with a warm, goldenseal/salt water solution a few minutes at a time, at least four times a day.
Mullein (Verbascum thapsus),
expectorant, antitussive. Tincture of mullein relieves chest congestion and dry, bronchial coughs. Mullein oil can be used
to treat ear infections.
Calendula (Calendula officinalis): soothing. Calendula lotions and salves, made from the
bright orange flowers of this popular ornamental plant, are gentle and effective remedies for chapped skin and chapped lips.
Apply as needed.
Tiger Balm: This Chinese herbal remedy, based on camphor and menthol, is great for easing bronchial
congestion. The camphor and menthol have a warming action that brings more blood to the area. Just rub Tiger Balm on the chest
and cover with a warm towel.
Saint-John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum): antidepressant. If you suffer from seasonal
affective disorder (SAD), Saint-John's Wort is a useful complement to light therapy. Take 300 mg of a standardized extract
containing 0.3 percent hypericin, three times a day. You can taper off this dosage as the days grow longer. Since Saint-John's-wort
may take six to eight weeks to work, start this well before the dark days of winter.
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