NaturalMedications

Herbal Defense Against Colds and the Flu: (or keep the bugs at bay!)

Good immunity is based in part on the right habits: sufficient sleep, daily exercise, and a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Once you meet these fundamentals, herbs can further strengthen your immune system, reduce symptoms and shorten the duration of colds and flus.

Prevention - At the first sign of a cold, take Echinacea tincture 3 times a day. It stimulates the bodys' white blood cells.

At the first sign of the flu, take Elderberry syrup (Sambucol) 3 times a day. It inhibits the flu virus from penetrating cell membranes.

For a runny nose & congestion:

1. Drink lots of water

2. Use steam inhalation to loosen mucus (one part Eucalyptus oil to one part Rosemary oil in one quart of water) 3. Drink herbal tea - 1/2 tsp dried Sage to 1/2 tsp dried Peppermint to one cup water, let steep 6 to 8 min. (has decongestive and anti -viral effects.)

To sooth sore throats:

1. Add 20 to 30 drops of Licorice tincture in an herbal tea (Peppermint is good), it reduces inflammation and soothes mucous membranes.

2. Make a Sage gargle - Pour one cup boiling water over 2 tsp Sage leaves, steep 15 to 20 min. , add 1/2 tsp salt and gargle when warm. Sage is astringent, anti-bacterial and soothing.

Calming coughs:

l. Demulcent herbs sooth irritated airways, good choices are Marshmallow root, Mullein leaves, Licorice root and Plaintain leaf(Make a tea with one part each or choose one herb) Boil 2 cups water and steep for 15 to 20 min, strain and drink.

2. Expectorant herbs include Mullein, Osha Garlic and

Horehound.Again as above , make a strong tea and drink.