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Winter Herbal Medicine Chest

Several herbs are effective for treating not only the symptoms of too much winter, butthe causes of colds and flu Impaired immunity to virus/bacteria, maintaining bloodcirculation and warmth, ensuring vitality of the lungs and reducing the build upof congestionin the body.

Ginger: Ginger is used for the prevention and treatment of various forms of nausea. Theseinclude motion sickness, the nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (morning sickness), andpost-surgical nausea. Note: If you are pregnant or undergoing surgery, do not self-treatwith ginger except under physician supervision. Weak evidence suggests ginger might behelpful for osteoarthritis. Ginger has been suggested as a treatment for numerous otherconditions, including atherosclerosis, migraine headaches, rheumatoid arthritis,high cholesterol,burns, ulcers, depression, impotence, and liver toxicity. Stops cough and stops

vomiting. Intraditional Chinese medicine, hot ginger tea taken at the first sign of a cold is believed to offerthe possibility of averting the infection.

Elderflower : Elder flowers are highly effective in managing upper respiratory congestion andinfections. Picked from the elder tree in mid to late summer, they seem to capture the dry warmthof this time of year, perfect for drying up that runny or blocked nose. These tiny pale white flowershave a delicate floral taste and contain flavonoids and small amounts of mucilag

e and tannins, aperfect combination for soothing healing and protecting mucous membranes. An oldtraditionwas to make fresh Elderflower wine in summer ready to drink in winterFood as medicine?!?

Yarrow: Yarrow's principle action is on the circulation. As the cold of winter slows down andredirects blood circulation, Yarrow dilates blood vessels allowing increased blood flow, oxygenand warmth to surface tissues (like the skin and mucous membranes). This enablesthe immune

cells to function at their peak, warding off infection and keeping channels clear and open. Thewhole flowering tops are used in a tea or other forms in mild fevers or minor congestion wherecirculation is a concern.

Sage: Sage is a most powerful and effective herb for treating sore throats. Thedifferent essentialoils in sage exert an antiseptic effect in the respiratory tract and helps to ke

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ep both the throat andlungs free of infection. The additional effect of stimulating digestion aids tominimize congestionin 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. Theyare the fruitaround the rose seed, full of nutrients to protect the seed during winter untilthe arrival of springLet them do the same for you. As a rich source of Vitamin C and flavonoids Rosehips aid withnourishing you for defense against colds and flu.

Echinacea : First used by the Indigenous North Americans who harvested the plants for extensiveuse in the treatment of infectious wounds and burns or eruptive skin complaints.It enhances thephagocytic 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, facilitatingeasier removal oflung congestion. This action is ideal during or after colds where the persistence of dampness ormucus impairs adequate lung function and clearance. Mullein soothes and strengthens themucosal membranes of the respiratory system where these have been painful, irritated or soreinfection.

Astragalus : To be used after colds or infection to rebuild immunity, Astragalusis a sweet tastingherb effective in restoring both resilience to future respiratory infections, and efficiency ofmetabolism to ensure optimal nutrition for immune reserves to fight off those winter chills. Thisherb 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 ofrespiratory infections. When taking Thyme, people often note tasting it on theirbreath 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 conditionsfor infection.

Garlic : Garlic was worshipped by the ancient Egyptians, chewed by Greek Olympian athletesand thought to be essential for keeping vampires at bay! But it is also good for

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zapping bacteria,keeping your heart healthy, warding off coughs and colds. Garlic is an antibiotic that can actuallykill infecting bacteria and at the same time protect the body from the poisons that are causingthe infection. It is known that the most sensitive bacterium to garlic is the deadly Bacillusanthracis which produces the poison anthrax. Even the forefather of antibiotic medicine LouisPasteur acknowledged garlic to be as effective as penicillin and late studies showed similaractivity to a more modern antibiotic, chloramphenicol. Even the blood of garliceaters can killbacteria and it is also reported that the vapour from freshly cut garlic can kill bacteria at a distanceof 20 cms!

Fenugreek: Soothes sore throat pain and coughs. From ancient times through the late 19thcentury, fenugreek played a major role in herbal healing. Then it fell by the wayside. Now thingsare 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 reducecholesterollevels, control diabetes and minimise the symptoms of menopause. The ancient Greeks fed thisherb 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 fenugreekspread aroundthe ancient Mediterranean, physicians learned that its seeds, like many seeds, contain a gummy substance called mucilage. Mixed with water, mucilage expands andbecomes a gelatinous sootherfor 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.

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