Don't laugh! It does get cold here! More importantly, the changes in the weather affect our immune systems just as much as in the North. No matter where you live, now is the time to get started on some herbal prevention remedies.

COLD & FLU REMEDIES

1) Astragalus (Astragalus membramaceus) is antiviral and makes an excellent energy tonic during cold weather, helping the body to adapt to external influences, especially to the cold. It stimulates the immune system helping to fight off viral infections like the common cold. Make a decoction with 20 g root and 1 cup water to which 5 g cinnamon can be added. A squeeze of lemon will increase the effectiveness of this tea. Drink 1 cup twice a day.

2) Mix equal parts of yarrow (Achillea millefolium), peppermint, and elderflower. Infuse 1 tsp of the mixture with a cup of water for 10 minutes. Drink up to 3 cups a day. (Do not take during pregnancy.)

CONGESTION REMEDIES

1) Infuse 1 tablespoon German chamomile (Chamomilla recutita) in 3 cups water in a covered pot. Remove the pot from the heat. Place a towel over the head and the pot. Lift the lid and inhale the steam for 10 minutes. Alternatively, use 15 drops German chamomile essential oil in a bowl of hot water. Be careful when using this method with children. Steam can burn the skin.

2) Infuse 1 tablespoon eucalyptus (Eucalyptus glogulus) leaves in 3 cups water in a covered pot. Remove the pot from the heat. Place a towel over the head and the pot. Lift the lid and inhale the steam for 10 minutes. Alternatively, use 15 drops eucalyptus essential oil in a bowl of hot water. Be careful when using this method with children. Steam can burn the skin.

COUGH REMEDIES

1) Make a decoction with 1 tsp elecampane (Inula helenium) and 1 cup water. Add 1/4 tsp licorice powder to the tea. For acute bronchitis, add 1/2 tsp eucalyptus leaf to the decoction. (Do not take during pregnancy.)

2) Mix 10 drops each of eucalyptus and thyme essential oils with 2 tablespoons base oil (olive oil or canola oil will do). Massage the chest and back once or twice a day.

3) Use eucalyptus or thyme essential oil in a diffuser or burner.

2) Use our search tool to find our horehound cough remedy.

SORE THROAT REMEDIES

1) Gargle with equal parts of fresh squeezed lemon juice and hot water. Heat 2 tablespoons water. Dissolve a pinch of salt in the water. Squeeze 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice into the hot salted water. Gargle immediately. Do not prepare ahead and do not use bottled lemon juice.

2) Use 1/4 tsp each of tincture of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), sage (Salvia officinalis), myrrh (Commiphora molmol), and echinacea (Echinacea spp.) and 5 tsp hot water as a gargle. Swallow the mixture (except if pregnant).

ALLERGY REMEDIES

1) Make an infusion with 1 tsp each of nettle (Urtica dioica) and elderflower (Sambucus nigra) and 2 cups of water. Drink 1 cup twice a day for up to 3 months.

2) Mix equal parts of echinacea (Echinacea spp.), marsh mallow (Althaca officinalis), elderflower (Sambucus nigra), and thyme (Thymus vulgaris). Make an infusion with 1 tsp of the mixture and 1 cup water. Drink up to 3 cups a day.

3) Mix equal parts of eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis), plantain (Plantago major), goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), and boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum). Make an infusion with 1 tsp of the mixture and 1 cup water. Drink up to 3 cups a day.

ASTHMA REMEDIES

1) Make an infusion with 1 tsp each of nettle (Urtica dioica) and thyme (Thymus vulgaris) and 2 cups water. Sip on this tea throughout the day.

2) Make a decoction with 2 tsp baical skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) and 2 cups water. Drink 1 cup twice a day.

3) Make an infusion with 1 tsp yerba santa (Eriodictyon californicum) and 1 cup water. Drink up to 3 cups a day.

4) Use German chamomile essential oil in a diffuser or burner.

COLD FEET REMEDIES

1) Take cayenne (Capsicum frutescens) capsules or add cayenne powder to every meal. (Do not take cayenne capsules during pregnancy.)

2) Grate 1/4 tsp fresh ginger (Zingiber officinale) into your food each day.

3) Add cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia) to your foods and drinks each day.

4) Make a decoction with 1 tsp angelica (Angelica archangelica) root and 1 cup water. Drink 1 cup each day. (Do not take during pregnancy.)

YEAR 'ROUND TONIC

Simmer 4 tsp codonopsis (Codonopsis pilosula) root, 4 tsp astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) root, and 2 tsp lycium (Lycium chinense) berries with 3 cups water for 40 minutes. Drink regularly as a tonic.

CHICKEN SOUP

Why does chicken soup work? Actually, homemade soup of any kind seems to help ... and homemade bread seems to help even more. ;-) Could it be because of the love that goes into it?

Our goal is to bring collective knowledge together to provide accurate herbal information, giving references whenever possible, for the purpose of being informed when choosing self-help and alternative approaches to health and lifestyle. At no time should this publication be considered prescription or treatment, nor should any information published herein be misinterpreted as such. The publishers can not be held responsible for the mishandling of information by its readers.

Please do not take herbal information lightly.
Remember our motto is ... When in doubt, don't!
Until next Monday I remain,

Herbally yours, Abby

Lynda "Abby" Trahan
Abby's Herb Company
P.O. Box 213
Round Top, TX 78954

lynda@abbysherbshop.com
www.abbysherbshop.com

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