It’s wintertime and the livin’ ain’t easy—
We always seem to catch every cough , cold, sniffle or infection at this time of year.
Infections in the breathing tubes (bacterial and viral) can be the most common
cause of cough in otherwise healthy individuals. The most common cause
(particularly in children) is a virus, which cannot be treated by antibiotics
but can be treated with anti-viral herbs.
Th
en we've Whipping winds, dry air, and chilly temperatures and that can really do a number on our bodies from our soft skin, hair to the tips of our toes.
en we've Whipping winds, dry air, and chilly temperatures and that can really do a number on our bodies from our soft skin, hair to the tips of our toes.
Cold air outside and central heat indoors
can strip moisture from
strands and pores, making hair rough and skin itchy and dry.
But endure no more: Items hiding in the back
of your kitchen cupboard could just be the answer.
Firstly well look at
What Can You Do to Fight Winter Flu and Colds?
Nature naturally prepares us for winter
time. The natural hedgerow pharmacy is brimming with plants designed to boost
our immunity against viruses and bacterial infection. There is much you can do
to help strengthen your defences.
Hygiene
Simple hand washing and disposable
tissues ‘Catch it, Bin it, Kill it’. I suggest carefully burning the tissues if
you have an open fire or burner in your home. The virus can live on surfaces
for quite some time.
Eat healthily
Minimise processed, refined and ready
made meals and eat more freshly harvested and prepared local fruit and
vegetables instead.
Strengthen
Your Defenses - Boost your Immune System
To help prevent and fight of respiratory
infections, look after your immune system at this time of year.
Something that works a treat for me and strengthens immune system and zaps virus.
Juice a couple of apples and carrots
A small section of fresh ginger
2 fresh turmeric roots,
spoon organic/ manuka honey to taste.
Turmeric
Turmeric spice has anti-viral properties
and can be added to stews, casseroles and curries. This herb can also be taken
in capsule form.
Liquorice
Natural Liquorice can be a beneficial
treat with its antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.
Multi-vitamin & Mineral
A good compliment of vitamins and
minerals are essential for immune function. Naturally it is best to eat a
varied diet rich in fruit and vegetables to ensure good nutrition. Children can
benefit from a little helping hand in autumn and early winter, particularly if
they have a limited diet.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C has proven anti-viral
properties. Seasonal vitamin C –rich foods such as berries (fresh
blackcurrants, blackberries, elderberries, bilberries, and rosehips), leafy
greens (watercress, kale) and citrus fruits will boost levels. Larger doses may
be beneficial during an infection and can be supplemented under advice.
Zinc
Zinc is a vital mineral for a healthy
immune system. Natural sources include; stone-ground organic wholegrain flour,
organic brown rice, dried fruits, molasses, onions, garlic, pumpkin and
sunflower seeds.
Vitamin D
Make sure you have adequate levels of
vitamin D, also necessary for a healthy immune system.
Autumn Berry Syrup
This is my own spiced fruit syrup
recipe for coughs, colds and flu’s. This recipe is suitable for all the family
and can be taken when pregnant or taking other medications.
I use some home made jams for my autumn syrup. ie blackberry, blackcurrant etc simmer in a pt of water.
Blackcurrant jam
1 cinnamon stick
1 inch of fresh ginger grated
12 cloves
10 black peppercorns.
ts sp honey
Simmer for a further 30 minutes and then
pour into labelled, sterilised bottles. Drink diluted with warm water
Bee Pollen (Propolis)
This is an excellent nutritive and tonic
supplement for building up the immune system and helping the body to cope with
stress. Pollen contains 21 of the 23 known amino acids, many of the B
vitamins, Vitamin A and numerous minerals. It also contains powerful
anti-oxidants.
Garlic
Add as many cloves as liked
chopped or crushed to stews, soups etc. It will add anti-bacterial power to
your food when added at the end of cooking to preserve the active constituents.
Ginger (fresh)
Fresh ginger is warming and will help
clear congestion and phlegm in the upper respiratory tract. I add it in everything to foods or simply take as tea.
Omega 3, 6 ,9
Omegas 3, 6 & 9 are also vital to
your immune health
Vit B complex
Important for your nervous system esp in winter time
Carrageen Moss (Chondrus crispus)
This wonderful seaweed grows along our Atlantic coasts and is traditionally picked on the spring tides as it is only rarely exposed out of water, only appearing at these lowest tides. It can be bought dried in the health food store. High in iodine, vitamin A and B and many minerals, it is most nutritious and is ideal for those convalescing.
The seaweed is very soothing and antibacterial and is super for dry hacking coughs and sore throats. (Check with your medical herbalist if you have an existing thyroid problem before taking seaweeds).
You can combine the therapeutic actions of these herbs in a wonderful homemade cough syrup. Added honey will also help to soothe and heal. The fresh lemon juice will give you added vitamin C. Easy to make and will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Cough Syrup
Handful of Carrageen Moss
400ml water
2 tbsp fresh thyme/ 1 tsp dried thyme
Local/ Manuka Honey
Freshly squeezed lemon juice
Method
- Reconstitute dried carrageen by soaking it in a little cold water for 15 minutes before use.
- While this is soaking, make a strong cup of thyme tea; add the dried herb to 100ml of the water, cover and allow to infuse for 10 minutes. If using fresh herb, place water and picked leaves in a pot, cover and simmer gently for 15 minutes.
- Now discard the water used to reconstitute the seaweed and add the carrageen to the remaining water.
- Simmer gently in a pot for 10 minutes or until a light gloopy/syrupy consistency.
- Add the thyme tea to the pot, strain and add honey and lemon to taste. It should have a thick, syrupy consistency but it will thicken further as it cools. Pour into sterilised bottles and store in the fridge.
Directions
Take a generous spoonful 4-6 times a day when needed.
HERBS.
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
This herb is used extensively for resolving
infections of the respiratory and digestive tracts. It is a powerful antiseptic and
expectorant and super for treating bronchitis and asthma where excess mucous
production can encourage a secondary chest infection.
Make a strong infusion from fresh or dried plant to use as a
gargle for tonsillitis and laryngitis. Use the essential oil to inhale in steam inhalations for sinusitis.
The antispasmodic and healing properties
of the herb will do wonders for a tummy bug, especially as the powerful
antiseptic qualities will kill the bacteria causing the problem.
Don’t drink too strong a tea as the oils
may leave you feeling nauseous. Just make a weaker cup next time!
Echinacea
(Echinacea angustifolia/purpurea)
There are two types of Echinacea species Echinacea angustifolia and Echinacea
purpurea. It is generally accepted that the angustifolia is the stronger of
the two species in immune stimulating action.
Taking Echinacea now and continue
periodically over the winter months to help prevent infection. Taken in larger
doses, more often, it is a proven immune stimulant when taken at the first sign
of an infection (see your medical herbalist for individual prescribing doses
for acute infection).
Herbal inhalation
To be inhaled in a bowl of hot water -
could do it every day. If you felt a cold coming on you could increase it three
times a day if convenient. Ideal for those who suffer with ongoing sinus
problems.
You will need
- Eucalyptus, Tea Tree essential oil
and lavander essential oil
- Take three drops of each and drop into a bowl of
steaming water.
- Position your head over the bowl and cover with a towel , then inhale slowly and deeply as long as can be tolerated.
Caution
- Never use undiluted essential oil on the skin.
- Lavender has a nicer aroma than the tea tree - antiseptic and anti bacterial properties relax and calm children ..
- Please note that the advice given in these notes is not intended to be a replacement for professional medical advice and treatment.
- Always visit a fully qualified medical herbalist or G.P. for diagnosis.
- If you are pregnant, have an existing condition or are currently taking medication consult a medical herbalist to see which herbs are appropriate for you to take.
lastly stay cosy
No comments