Winter Herbal Medicine Chest

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Winter Herbal Medicine Chest

Several herbs are effective for treating not only the symptoms of too

much winter, but the causes of colds and flu… Impaired immunity to

virus/bacteria, maintaining blood circulation and warmth, ensuring

vitality of the lungs and reducing the build up of congestion in the

body.

Ginger: Ginger is used for the prevention and treatment of various

forms of nausea. These include motion sickness, the nausea and

vomiting of pregnancy (morning sickness), and post-surgical nausea.

Note: If you are pregnant or undergoing surgery, do not self-treat

with ginger except under physician supervision. Weak evidence

suggests ginger might be helpful for osteoarthritis. Ginger has been

suggested as a treatment for numerous other conditions, including

atherosclerosis, migraine headaches, rheumatoid arthritis, high

cholesterol, burns, ulcers, depression, impotence, and liver

toxicity. Stops cough and stops vomiting. In traditional Chinese

medicine, hot ginger tea taken at the first sign of a cold is

believed to offer the possibility of averting the infection.

Elderflower : Elder flowers are highly effective in managing upper

respiratory congestion and infections. Picked from the elder tree in

mid to late summer, they seem to capture the dry warmth of this time

of year, perfect for drying up that runny or blocked nose. These tiny

pale white flowers have a delicate floral taste and contain

flavonoids and small amounts of mucilage and tannins, a perfect

combination for soothing healing and protecting mucous membranes. An

old tradition was to make fresh Elderflower wine in summer ready to

drink in winter…Food as medicine?!?

Yarrow: Yarrow's principle action is on the circulation. As the cold

of winter slows down and redirects blood circulation, Yarrow dilates

blood vessels allowing increased blood flow, oxygen and warmth to

surface tissues (like the skin and mucous membranes). This enables

the immune cells to function at their peak, warding off infection and

keeping channels clear and open. The whole flowering tops are used in

a tea or other forms in mild fevers or minor congestion where

circulation is a concern.

Sage: Sage is a most powerful and effective herb for treating sore

throats. The different essential oils in sage exert an antiseptic

effect in the respiratory tract and helps to keep both the throat and

lungs free of infection. The additional effect of stimulating

digestion aids to minimize congestion in other parts of the body,

making fresh sage a valuable ingredient to winter recipes.

Rose hips : Rose hips form in Autumn following the rose flowers of

summer. They are the fruit around the rose seed, full of nutrients to

protect the seed during winter until the arrival of spring… Let them

do the same for you. As a rich source of Vitamin C and flavonoids

Rosehips aid with nourishing you for defense against colds and flu.

Echinacea : First used by the Indigenous North Americans who

harvested the plants for extensive use in the treatment of infectious

wounds and burns or eruptive skin complaints. It enhances the

phagocytic activity of white blood cells- identifying and retiring

bacterial, viral and fungal infections, in addition to the clearance

of these from the lymphatic system. Higher doses are often used for

affecting acute immune responses.

Mullein : The leaves of Mullein are used as a soothing expectorant,

facilitating easier removal of lung congestion. This action is ideal

during or after colds where the persistence of dampness or mucus

impairs adequate lung function and clearance. Mullein soothes and

strengthens the mucosal membranes of the respiratory system where

these have been painful, irritated or sore from infection.

Astragalus : To be used after colds or infection to rebuild immunity,

Astragalus is a sweet tasting herb effective in restoring both

resilience to future respiratory infections, and efficiency of

metabolism to ensure optimal nutrition for immune reserves to fight

off those winter chills. This herb is the best for restoring energy

to the body very quickly.

Thyme: The pungent oils found in Thyme are an effective anti

microbial in the treatment of respiratory infections. When taking

Thyme, people often note tasting it on their breath as the oils

permeate through the respiratory system to reduce the proliferation

of viruses during infections. It also warms the digestion and reduces

metabolic congestion, aiding to clear the body of conditions for

infection.

Garlic : Garlic was worshiped by the ancient Egyptians, chewed by

Greek Olympian athletes and thought to be essential for keeping

vampires at bay! But it is also good for zapping bacteria, keeping

your heart healthy, warding off coughs and colds. Garlic is an

antibiotic that can actually kill infecting bacteria and at the same

time protect the body from the poisons that are causing the

infection. It is known that the most sensitive bacterium to garlic is

the deadly Bacillus anthracis which produces the poison anthrax. Even

the forefather of antibiotic medicine Louis Pasteur acknowledged

garlic to be as effective as penicillin and late studies showed

similar activity to a more modern antibiotic, chloramphenicol. Even

the blood of garlic eaters can kill bacteria and it is also reported

that the vapor from freshly cut garlic can kill bacteria at a

distance of 20 cms!

Fenugreek: Soothes sore throat pain and coughs. From ancient times

through the late 19th century, fenugreek played a major role in

herbal healing. Then it fell by the wayside. Now things are once

again looking up for the herb whose taste is an odd combination of

bitter celery and maple syrup. Modern scientific research has found

that fenugreek can help reduce cholesterol levels, control diabetes

and minimize the symptoms of menopause. The ancient Greeks fed this

herb to horses and cattle. The Romans then started using it, too,

calling it "Greek hay." (In Latin, "Greek hay" is foenum-graecum, and

that evolved into "fenugreek.") As fenugreek spread around the

ancient Mediterranean, physicians learned that its seeds, like many

seeds, contain a gummy substance called mucilage. Mixed with water,

mucilage expands and becomes a gelatinous soother for irritated

tissues.

Marshmallow : Marshmallow stimulates the immune system and the

production of white blood cells. It also soothes inflammation, slows

production of mucus, and reduces sugar levels in the body.

Pacholyk, MS, L.Achttp://www.peacefulmind.com/herbology.htm

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