| Immune Enhancing Herbs |
| Natural Remedies for Flu More than Grandma’s Chicken Soup Judith Millar, Herbalist Sacred Ground Herbals |
| The Herbal Corner |
The topics of Swine Flu (H1N1) and Seasonal Flu make the news on a daily basis.
Swine Flu is widespread in most states. Luckily, the death rate is not as high as
expected. There is much conflicting information as to vaccine safety and efficacy,
method of transmission, and treatment protocols.
So what can you do to enhance your immunity as well as to treat the condition if
you or someone you live with gets sick?
First, let’s compare cold and flu symptoms…..notice that flu is usually a
combination of pronounced symptoms.
Swine Flu is widespread in most states. Luckily, the death rate is not as high as
expected. There is much conflicting information as to vaccine safety and efficacy,
method of transmission, and treatment protocols.
So what can you do to enhance your immunity as well as to treat the condition if
you or someone you live with gets sick?
First, let’s compare cold and flu symptoms…..notice that flu is usually a
combination of pronounced symptoms.
| Since this is the Herbal Corner, let’s take a look at some easy to find herbs, as well as other natural ways to fend off flu this season. Some are no farther than your kitchen cabinet! |
| Immune Enhancing Health Habits |
|
• Choose immune-boosting foods-organic-deeply colored veggies,
probiotic and fermented foods such as yogurt and kefir, real
sauerkraut, kimchee
• Regular exercise, but not to excess
• Get enough sleep
• Treat infections promptly (dental, etc)
• Keep things moving-fiber!
• Stay hydrated
• Clean your tongue each morning! (brush or use tongue scraper)
• Avoid sweets, especially sticky ones(sugar reduces immunity)
• Protect head, feet, kidney areas from cold
• Limit caffeine/alcohol
• Find ways to reduce/relieve stress
• Keep your weight normal
probiotic and fermented foods such as yogurt and kefir, real
sauerkraut, kimchee
• Regular exercise, but not to excess
• Get enough sleep
• Treat infections promptly (dental, etc)
• Keep things moving-fiber!
• Stay hydrated
• Clean your tongue each morning! (brush or use tongue scraper)
• Avoid sweets, especially sticky ones(sugar reduces immunity)
• Protect head, feet, kidney areas from cold
• Limit caffeine/alcohol
• Find ways to reduce/relieve stress
• Keep your weight normal
| White and Green tea slow the growth of Type A & B flu virus, and attacks the membrane of viral cells. |
| TEA |
| Garlic |
| *Fresh is best *Raw, if possible *Add at end of cooking *Consume with meals *Careful with anticoagulants *Can cause stomach upset *Antibacterial, antibiotic action *Deodorized capsules available |
| Medicinal Mushrooms |
| *Shitake is antiviral, and antibiotic. Good choice for fighting colds/flu *Maitake is also an immune booster and cancer fighter *Reishi is also immune enhancing, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial * Found in the Northeast |
| Elderberries and Elder Flowers (Sambucus nigra) |
| • Hippocrates, the Greek father of Medicine, considered Elderberry to be a “medicine chest”—A COMPLETE PHARMACY! • Flowers are diaphoretic (helps “sweat out a fever) • Berries are antiviral—increase immune response, good for cough syrup too • OTC products such as Sambucol can be used daily during cold/flu season Effective as general immune booster, and at the onset of symptoms (berry) **It’s easy to make your own elderberry syrup! http://www.herbmentor.com/articles/20071020 **Both the red and blue/black varieties of elder abound in the Catskills—use only the blue/black variety—Dried http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/bulkherb/e.html |
| Astragalus Root (Astragalus membranaceus) |
| An Adaptogen (helps the body to handle physical/emotional stressors) and immune tonic. Has many uses-- In Traditional Chinese Medicine, astragalus strengthens Lung qi, (lung energy) which in turn strengthens Wei qi (the ability to helps prevent illness caused by pernicious external influences). This root, either in slices or cut and sifted, can be added to soups, broths, or tea. Mild flavored. Use this BEFORE you’re sick, not during an acute infectious illness. Order here--http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/bulkherb/a.html |
| Echinacea spp. (purpurea, pallida, angustifolia) |
| Some studies show it stimulates nonspecific immunity by increasing natural killer cells. Other studies show it’s better used at the ONSET of symptoms. All parts used. Purpurea is more common, and easy to grow in your own garden. Can be used as juice expressed from leaves and blossoms, as tea from root, leaves flowers, capsules, or as tincture using all or some parts. Not to be used with those having progressive systemic and auto-immune disorders, connective tissue disorders, or related diseases. It should not be used with immunosuppressants or hepatotoxic drugs, and has the potential to interfere with anesthesia. **I use it at the first sign of a cold or flu—usually with astragalus and elderberry |
| Vitamins & Supplements |
| Yeah, I know these aren’t herbs, but I’ thought I’d throw this in…. Remember ZACES…Zinc, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Selenium. All important for normal immune function. I add Vitamin D, and essential fatty acids. Easy to get all of these vitamins/minerals. Go here for Paul Bergner’s (well-known herbalist) videos on these supplements, including dosages. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpQ4HMfi3gs&feature=related http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8g-QWX1EVXE&feature=related |
| So, let’s suppose you’ve done everything you right, taken every precaution, and you still get sick… |
| Take Action Immediately |
| • Determine whether it’s the flu or a cold • Alter diet—warm fluids, avoid dairy, citrus, wheat & sugar, sip garlicky broths, eat immune enhancing soups, drink warm herbal teas • Refrain from taking OTC medications-they can mask symptoms, and there has been increases in complications when aspirin based compounds are used with people under 18. • Bump up use of immune enhancers • Stay warm and rest • **It’s important to note that complications are arising a few days AFTER the sick individual feels better. Stay home and rest a few days BEYOND when you start to feel better. • Contact your health care provider if your symptoms are severe or you are in a high risk group. |
| Kitchen Cabinet Remedies |
| Some kitchen cabinet suggestions….. • Sage-infusion or gargle for sore throats • Ginger (freshly grated) lemon juice (fresh squeezed), & honey-- for sore throats and congestion, quells nausea • Thyme-tea, infusion, gargle, or syrup—an expectorant that loosens phlegm, relieves sore throat • Garlic-especially raw or lightly cooked • Medicated honeys-soothing, antibacterial, great for masking yucky herbal tincture tastes—will yield mild herbal effects • Clove, ginger, fennel or dill seed-for upset stomach, gas, nausea • Cayenne pepper added to soup/tea to relieve congestion |
| And still more… • Turmeric is antiseptic-mixed with honey or in foods (or in curries) • Raw onion juice and honey (equal parts) is good for coughs • Chicken Soup—just like we were told. But make it organic, free range chicken, with lots of garlic, and maybe a few slices of astragalus and a few shitakes. Campbell’s soup is NOT comparable! White Pine Needle Tea-(Plenty of this around!) • ½ cup of pine needles, green young needles are best • 1.5 pints of water • Bring water to boil in a stainless steel pan (do not use aluminum) • Add the pine needles, reduce heat to a simmer for 20 minutes to overnight. • Strain needles and drink warm or cold • you can also put them in unbleached tea bags • The tea should be red in color with a little oil floating on top. You can add honey or cinnamon if you like. |
| So, what’s an infusion? An infusion is a stronger version of herbal tea. It is a medicinal dose. A heaping teaspoon to a cup of water (for dried herb), let steep, covered for 10 minutes. Drink warm, not hot. |
| A Few Final Words...... |
• Heed all warnings and dosage directions regarding herb use—especially if
you take medication or have other health problems.
• More is not always better! Start with a small dose of any new herbal
preparation—each person reacts individually.
• Do not combine herbs and medications without checking with a qualified
health practitioner and your herbalist.
• It is wise to check at least three reliable sources of information regarding
an herb before using it.
• Organic herbs are better and safer—buy the best from reputable sources.
or collect your own.
• Remember to dispose of your herbs properly—return them to their
EarthMother, and thank them for their generous gifts of healing.
• Some herbs are contraindicated in pregnancy and while breast-feeding.
• Not all herbs are appropriate for children, and different dosage rules apply.
Green Blessings…..Be well!
you take medication or have other health problems.
• More is not always better! Start with a small dose of any new herbal
preparation—each person reacts individually.
• Do not combine herbs and medications without checking with a qualified
health practitioner and your herbalist.
• It is wise to check at least three reliable sources of information regarding
an herb before using it.
• Organic herbs are better and safer—buy the best from reputable sources.
or collect your own.
• Remember to dispose of your herbs properly—return them to their
EarthMother, and thank them for their generous gifts of healing.
• Some herbs are contraindicated in pregnancy and while breast-feeding.
• Not all herbs are appropriate for children, and different dosage rules apply.
Green Blessings…..Be well!
| For further information, online or telephone consultations, Judith Millar can be reached by E mail at sacredgroundherbals@comcast.net, or by telephone at 732.295.0531. |
