Every year, I start planning my Apothecary for the upcoming season. In March, I’ll start planning for spring and summer – what to plant, what to look for in the woods, etc. I like to have my apothecary ready for any and all eventualities and since tinctures and infused oils take anywhere from 4-6 weeks to process, I need to start early to have things ready when I need them.
We are still in the depths of winter here in the UP, and though I have had my winter apothecary ready since August, I thought it might be helpful for all of you to have some suggestions as to what herbs are helpful during the cold and flu season. Please keep in mind, I am going to give you the herbs and their actions. DO NOT self-medicate here or take all of them. You really need to speak with a qualified herbalist to get an effective protocol, but trying an herbal tea with one or two of the herbs mentioned should be safe and help you get through the next couple of months.
I’m going to list these by their actions so you can match your symptoms to the herbs that generally help with such things.
· Expectorants: These help clear mucus in the respiratory system and include such herbs as mullein, ginger, garlic, onion, thyme, elecampane, any pine species or other evergreens (firs and spruces)
· Demulcents: Herbs in this category help to soothe inflamed mucus membranes and other tissues and are moistening. So these are helpful for those dry, hacking coughs. Some herbs in this category include marshmallow leaf and root, mullein, plantain, licorice, slippery elm and cinnamon
· Antibacterials: Garlic, ginger, thyme, oregano, elecampane, hyssop, bee balm, and barberry. These would help with the common cold, NOT THE FLU! For that you need an anti-viral.
· Antivirals: These support the body in ridding itself of viral infections and include garlic and ginger, best when fresh. Lemon balm, licorice, elderberry, elderflower, and Reishi mushroom.
· Diaphoretics: Support the body's fever response. Some of these are cooling, and some are warming, so you need to know when to use each of these types of herbs. This is an example of how herbs are NOT like drugs. They actually support healing in the body! Herbs include peppermint, yarrow, lemon balm, elder flower, chamomile, thyme, garlic, and boneset. For children, I love fresh lemon juice, warmed with just a little honey.
· Immune Tonics: These can be used daily and are helpful in supporting a healthy immune system. These include: astragalus, elderberry, Reishi, turkey tail.
· Respiratory Antispasmodics (Antitussives): These are wonderful for coughs, especially those with spasms or "barky" croupy types: Thyme, wild cherry bark,, California poppy, mullein, elecampane
· Lymphatics: These support the healthy movement of lymph throughout the body, which is VERY important for supporting immune health and getting over illnesses as quickly as possible. Herbs in this category include Echinacea, elderberry, elderflower, calendula, and red clover.
· Relaxants and Sedative herbs: Wonderful for when there is pain involved or lack of sleep due to illness.... Herbs in this category include California poppy, skullcap, kava, passionflower, wood betony, and valerian
· Herbs rich in Vitamin C! Yes, did you know you can get more vitamin C from many herbs than you can from oranges? Here you go: Rose hips, hibiscus, pine needles and lemon.
My own personal regimen is to take 2 Tbls of elderberry syrup from October through April. I drink half my body weight in oz of water every day. I avoid sugar as much as possible and limit my dairy intake because of the mucous. I also take 3,000mg of Vitamin C every day from October to March. The body doesn’t store vitamin C, so you can take it without concern. If your stools get soft, cut back by 1000 mg. If you do get a cold or flu, you can increase the amount up to 5000 mg. to bowel tolerance. I also have a wonderful respiratory inhaler that I make, and I use that every morning and every night before bed to keep my lungs clear. When needed, I will do a Neti Pot in the shower to reduce congestion, mucous and phlegm.
Other things you can do is add a Shower Steamer to your shower with tea tree, eucalyptus or any of the conifer essential oils in it. If you don’t have those, you can get the Shower Steamers HERE. I have them for restful sleep, achy muscles, or cold and flu. Pick the one that works best for you.
Be sure to get outside and move. Nothing is worse than sitting in that lounge chair all winter long. Get up and get moving. It doesn’t have to be long. 30 minutes is sufficient. Motion is the Lotion, and it will keep your joints supple and lubricated. Plus, the sunshine helps you produce Vitamin D, which you need, especially in the winter.
Lastly, get plenty of sleep. Your body repairs itself at night and if you aren’t going to be until after midnight and getting up at 5 or 6, you are NOT getting the required amount of sleep. Turn off the computer and the phone and read a real book. The blue light from those devices interfere with your body’s production of melatonin, the drug that makes you sleep. There’s a reason that the days get shorter in winter. Work with your body’s natural rhythms and go to bed earlier.
There’s no reason to suffer with the rest of humanity during the winter months. My hubby and I rarely get sick and when we do, it doesn’t last more than 3-5 days. If you’d like to do a consult with me, you can schedule that online, or for my local customers in Crystal Falls, I have office hours at Dr. Larry’s Chiropractic Clinic on Hwy 2 on Wed and Friday afternoons. Once you are a client, you can call me for help and to answer questions any time.
So get out there and enjoy the weather. Springtime will be here before you know it, and we’ll need a whole new list for that! Stay tuned, and
Let’s Get Better!
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