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Winter Herbal Medicine Chest Several herbs are effective for treating not only the symptoms of too

much winte r, but the causes of colds and flu Impaired immunity to virus/bacteria, maintaining blo od 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 naus ea. 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 se lf-treat with ginger except under physician supervision. Weak evidence suggests ginger mi ght be helpful for osteoarthritis. Ginger has been suggested as a treatment for numerou s 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 i s believed to offer the possibility of averting the infection. Elderflower : Elder flowers are highly effective in managing upper respiratory c ongestion and infections. Picked from the elder tree in mid to late summer, they seem to captu re the dry warmth of this time of year, perfect for drying up that runny or blocked nose. These ti ny pale white flowers have a delicate floral taste and contain flavonoids and small amounts of mucilag e 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 medi cine?!? Yarrow: Yarrow's principle action is on the circulation. As the cold of winter s lows down and redirects blood circulation, Yarrow dilates blood vessels allowing increased blo od 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 clea r and open. The whole flowering tops are used in a tea or other forms in mild fevers or minor co ngestion 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 ke

ep both the throat and lungs free of infection. The additional effect of stimulating digestion aids to minimize congestion in other parts of the body, making fresh sage a valuable ingredient to winter re cipes. 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 Roseh ips aid with nourishing you for defense against colds and flu. Echinacea : First used by the Indigenous North Americans who harvested the plant s 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, v iral and fungal infections, in addition to the clearance of these from the lymphatic system. Higher doses a re 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 persistenc e of dampness or mucus impairs adequate lung function and clearance. Mullein soothes and strength ens the mucosal membranes of the respiratory system where these have been painful, irrit ated or sore 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, an d efficiency of metabolism to ensure optimal nutrition for immune reserves to fight off those wi nter 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 tr eatment 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 viru ses during infections. It also warms the digestion and reduces metabolic congestion, aiding to clear t he body of conditions for infection. Garlic : Garlic was worshipped by the ancient Egyptians, chewed by Greek Olympia n 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 antibioti c that can actually kill infecting bacteria and at the same time protect the body from the poisons t hat are causing the infection. It is known that the most sensitive bacterium to garlic is the de adly Bacillus anthracis which produces the poison anthrax. Even the forefather of antibiotic m edicine Louis Pasteur acknowledged garlic to be as effective as penicillin and late studies sh owed 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 kil l bacteria at a distance of 20 cms! Fenugreek: Soothes sore throat pain and coughs. From ancient times through the l ate 19th century, fenugreek played a major role in herbal healing. Then it fell by the wa yside. Now things are once again looking up for the herb whose taste is an odd combination of bitt er 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 Gre eks fed this herb to horses and cattle. The Romans then started using it, too, calling it "Gr eek 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, c ontain 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 whi te blood cells. It also soothes inflammation, slows production of mucus, and reduces sugar level s in the body. http://www.natural-holistic-health.com/winter-herbal-medicine-chest/

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