Fall is a good time to start gathering herbs for the chilly days and winter months ahead. These roots, shoots, leaves and flowers are beneficial to help restore and sustain constitutional health to give you and your family the protection you need. These herbs help build up resistance to germs and infections and are beneficial for the “just in case moment” someone comes down with the sniffles or a flu. You can find these herbs at your local health food store.
Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus)- A prized Chinese herb, use dried. Take preventatively to invigorate the immune system and to increase Qi by adding to soups, stocks, grains or tea.
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra)– Berries and flowers are used internally in tincture form or syrup. This herb is an anti-viral and expectorant that dispels the oncoming of colds and flu. Elder promotes the elimination of wastes, relieve coughs. CAUTION! The stems, leaves and bark are toxic. Use the flowers and berries only.
Garlic (Alium sativum) and ginger (Zingiber officinale)- Use these two herbs at the onset of colds, flu’s and fevers. Make a tea with fresh ginger and drink several cups a day. Incorporate raw garlic into your diet via dressings, spreads, or in marinades. Or, to get the job done, chomp 3-6 raw cloves. Take daily
Licorice (Glycyrrhiz glabra)- This sweet tasting root does an outstanding job balancing out the adrenals. Winter conditions and holiday stress can tax our system, so licorice is perfect for calming high-strung adults. Sip as tea blended with other nurturing herbs.
Marshmallow (Althea officinalis)– Is a demulcent used in tea for soothing sore throats, dry cough.
Nettles (Urica dioica)- Builds vital core energy, strengthen kidney function and purify the blood. Rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Drink 3 cups of tea a day.
Wild Cherry Bark (Prunus serotina)- An expectorant used to dispel coughs and soothe sore throats. Make syrup with Wild Cherry Bark, elecampane root, cramp bark, ¼ part loblia and ginger root in a base of honey. Take as often as needed.
To Make Winter Adrenal Balancing, Liver Support Tea
Pour boiled water over herbs in teapot. Let steep for 3-5 minutes
2 parts nettles
1 part licorice
1 part marshmallow
½ part rosehips
½ part elder flower
One Response
Oregon’s Wild Harvest Natural Cold Remedies | Eco-Herbalista
[…] related activity in my house, I switch into defense mode – loading myself and the kids up with elderberry, ginger or garlic tea, plenty of water, lots of rest, then I immediately start handing out the Echinacea. But before […]