Winter Herbal Medicine Chest

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Good Morning!

 

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 minimise 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 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

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.

 

 

Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac.

Peacefulmind.com

Therapies for healing

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