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Herbs that tread on winter ills
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Posted by editor Thu Jan 3, 2008 12:35:18 PST
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0 responses 0 comments The average American adult has at least two colds a year suffering with sniffles, sneezes, coughs and a sore throat. It is a billion-dollar pharmaceutical industry! We buy a variety of non-prescription drugs for relief from symptoms while the illness runs its course.

About thirty percent of prescription drugs are derived from herbs and other plants. It is true that herbs are natural but also a potent remedy when taken in “concentrated medicinal doses” on a regular basis. The ones we will discuss are suggested as over-the-counter options, but not as a replacement for prescribed medications.

Mary Bove, a naturopath says that if you are pregnant, nursing, on medication, have allergies or a chronic illness you should not take medicinal amounts of herbs unless your doctor advises it. Please keep that in mind as you read this column. Culinary amounts of herbs are not a problem because the essential oils are less intense.

Peppermint (mentha piperita) is rich in enzymes that boost the immune system and have a germicidal effect. Drink the tea warm or allow it to cool and use it as a gargle (recipe). Do not give it to young children or those suffering from GERD because of menthol's powerful affect.

Echinacea (echinacea angustifolia) is the most popular herbal cold and flu fighter used in the USA. German researchers have found that it stimulates the immune system by boosting the production of alpha interferon that fights off viral infection. It is generally taken at the first sign of illness and for a short period of time. The roots are the source of the healing qualities so I buy tablets and follow the package directions carefully.

It is an interesting aside that echinacea was a mainstay medication of the American Plains Indians and was popular worldwide until the advent of antibiotics. Now that antibiotics are more cautiously prescribed because they lose effectiveness with extensive use; echinacea is back on stage.

Anise (pimpinella anisum) may soothe your cough and relieve congestion while you savor its licorice flavor (recipe). The volatile oil in anise seeds contains anethol that is said to be an expectorant (mucous loosening), and also has antiviral qualities. Pregnant women are advised not to use more than culinary amounts because of the plants estrogen like qualities.

The essential oil of thyme (thymus vulgaris) is composed of carvacrol, thymol, and monoterpenes that have antiseptic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory affects. These properties make it very useful in the treatment of respiratory illness as a pungent tea or gargle (recipe).

Sage (salvia officinalis) is helpful in the treatment of sore throats, colds and coughs. In Germany herbal medicines are more mainstream than in this country. A doctor there might recommend a warm sage gargle for sore throats, a tea for coughs and tablets for congestion. The reason being that sage has high levels of tannins that have a soothing, astringent and antimicrobial effect. In the case of a severe or persistent sore throat or cough your doctor should be consulted.

Oregano (origanum vulgare) is loaded with antiseptic compounds. You may drink the warm tea or inhale the steam to relieve cold symptoms. You may add honey if “pizza in cup” is not the flavor for you (recipe).          
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When you purchase prepared herbs look for reputable brands that indicate the botanical names and active ingredients. Seek advice from experts and never treat yourself for serious or prolonged illness! All the herbs we have discussed can be grown in your garden. As the gardener in charge you have control over the quality of your plants by avoiding pesticides, and by providing optimum growth and harvesting conditions.

I hope some of the herbs you grow will help you tread on winter ills this year.
Do you have a favorite herb for treating colds and flu?  Send your suggestions to me at eamherb@dishmail.net Enjoy an herbally healthy month!

Medicinal teas from sage, thyme, peppermint and oregano
Two teaspoons of washed fresh herb leaves or one teaspoon of dried. Pour a cup of boiled, but not boiling water over the herb. Cover and steep for five minutes. Drink one cup three times a day

Anise seed tea
Pour one cup of boiled, but not boiling water over one teaspoon of crushed anise seed. Cover and steep for ten minutes. Drink one cup three times a day. 
•Use ONLY edible seeds because those sold for planting may be chemically treated.

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