Your Winter Herbal Medicine Chest
Source of Recipe
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Recipe Introduction
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.
List of Ingredients
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.
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 summer
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!
Recipe
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
mind, body, spirit
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