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.
SOURCE UNKNOWN
ELDER FLOWERS:
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 summe ready to drink in winter.Food as
medicine?!?
YARROW:
Yarrows 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
minimise congestion in other parts of the body, making fresh sage a
valuable ingredient to winter recipes.
ROSEHIPS : 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 Mullien 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 antimicrobial 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 worshipped 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 vapour 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 minimise 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 :
[That's Marshmallow Root... not marshmallows!]
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.
Important Announcement
Prev Discussion
Send Replies to My Inbox
Recommend
First 