Cold and Flu Garden - Includes Remedy Formulas
Adapted from Herbal Remedy Gardens, by Dorie Byers

Simple Solution
When cooler winter arrives colds and flus often arrive, too. Raise one of these gardens for an herbal harvest that can be used to treat your cold or flu.

PLOT GARDEN #1
A smaller garden for these plants could be tiered or terraced, bordered on two sides by yarrow and echinacea. Plant prostrate rosemary on the bottom row so that it will spill over the edge. Use flat stones stacked on top of each other or cedar logs to support the soil in each tier. Do not use treated lumber, because the chemicals used in treating the wood can leach into the soil and subsequently be absorbed into the herbs.

For some added character, try placing an old wooden ladder or wagon wheel on your prepared ground. Plant different herbs between the spokes or rungs.

Plants for Plot Garden #1
* 1 peppermint
* 1 catnip
* 1 cayenne pepper
* 5 garlic cloves
* 2 thyme
* 1 prostrate rosemary
* 2 yarrow
* 3 echinacea

PLOT GARDEN #2
This plan can take up quite a large space. Plant a patchwork quilt of herbs of differing heights, colors, and textures. Remember that the peppermint can become invasive with very little encouragement. To slow it, plant it in a large tub or container with holes in the bottom for drainage and sink it into the ground. Butterflies will be drawn to the echinacea and yarrow.

Plants for Plot Garden #2

* 4 thyme
* 9 garlic cloves
* 3 cayenne pepper
* 1 yarrow
* 2 echinacea
* 1 peppermint
* 2 rosemary

COLD AND FLU RECIPES
Most people have trouble avoiding a cold or flu, especially in the winter. These recipes will provide you with herbal comfort when you're ill.

* HERBAL BROTH
Flavorful, warming, and packed with vitamins, this broth can be sipped easily from a mug.

6 minced garlic cloves
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cups water or vegetable broth
1 teaspoon fine-chopped fresh cayenne pepper, or 1/2 teaspoon dried powdered cayenne
1 teaspoon fine-chopped fresh or 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/2 teaspoon fresh or 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
Pinch to 1/4 teaspoon salt, to taste, if the vegetable broth is unsalted

Add the garlic to the olive oil and saute over high heat briefly, until the garlic starts to change color. Add the broth or water, turn the heat down to medium-low, and simmer for 20 minutes. Add all of the herbs and salt to taste. Simmer for 5 more minutes, then serve. Sip slowly.

* HERBAL INHALER
The aromas from this herbal infusion will aid in clearing your stuffy nose.

2 quarts water
1/4 cup fresh or 2 tablespoons dried yarrow
1/4 cup fresh or 2 tablespoons dried peppermint
1 tablespoon fresh or 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
1 tablespoon fresh or 2 teaspoons dried thyme

Place the water in a saucepan on the stove. Add all of the herbs. Simmer uncovered over low heat for 30 to 45 minutes. This allows the herbal essences to drift through the house. Do not allow the pan's contents to boil dry.

To simmer these herbs without having to keep as close an eye on them, place the herbs and hot water in a slow cooker. Leave it uncovered and set on high. This can be left unsupervised for an hour or two.

THYME-INFUSED HONEY
This is a most pleasant way to ingest thyme when you're suffering from a cold and congestion

1 cup honey
1/2 cup fresh or 1/4 cup dried thyme
Combine the two ingredients and heat gently over low heat for 15 to 20 minutes, making sure the honey does not boil or scorch. Remove from the heat and allow the honey to cool. Strain out the herbs, then bottle the honey and label it. To relieve colds, coughs, and sore throats, take 1 teaspoon of honey three times a day. You can also add a teaspoon to a cup of regular hot tea and sip slowly.