Natural Items Everyone Should Add To Their Medicine Cabinets
There are times some of us get so sick, that we have no clue as to how to make ourselves better. There are items out on the market now that claim they do the job but end up making us either worse or do nothing at all. As a past student of a holistic class in Tigard, Oregon, we learned that the value of plant parts are more important to ones health then some that practice in modern medicine would like to add to their practice.
Here are a few things that I have learned over the years that EVERYONE should add to their medicine cabinets. It is nice to have things on hand so getting them now will save you the trouble when you will need them the most.
•Echinacea: Echinacea purpurea, E. augustifolia
What it does: Echinacea root (as well as flower and leaf) cut the duration and severity of colds.
How to use it: Take 1 tsp. tincture (root ot whole plant) 4 times a day.
•Astragalus: Astragalus membranaceus
What it does: Astragalus root builds deep immunity; helps prevent colds and flu.
How to use it: Take in tincture or capsule form as a daily tonic; follow package directions.
•Eucalyptus: Eucalyptus globulous and E. fruitcetorum
What it does: In a steam, eucalyptus essential oil eases congestion and cough.
How to use it: Add 5-8 drops of oil to a 3-quart pot of near-boiling water. Drape a towel over your head to create a tent; breath in stean for up to 5 minutes.
•Goldseal: Hydrastis canadensis
What it does: Goldseal root is antimicrobial; helps heal sore throats.
How to use it: Add 1 1/2 tsp. of tincture to cup of water; gargel as needed.
•Elderberry: Sambucus nigra and S. canadensis
What it does: Elderberry syrup can help cut the duration and severity of flu.
How to use it: Follow package directions.
•Slippery Elm: Ulmus rubra
What it does: Slippery-elm lozenges soothe sore throats.
How to use it: Take one lozenge every 2 hours as needed.
•Medicinal Mushrooms:
What they do: Maitake, shiitake, turkey tail, and reishi mushrooms build immunity.
How to use them: Take daily as a tonic. Choose a multiple-mushroom supplement with any of the above; follow package directions.
Here are a few ideas in how to incorporate these herbs, for wellness:
For colds…Echinacea.
For flus…Elderberry.
Sore Throat…Slippery-elm lozenges or the herbs Goldseal and Eucalyptus.
Sore Throat… Good old fashioned chicken soup.
Sinus problems…Hot Tea (black, green, or herbal).
Imune system boost…Simmered ginger and water and add lemon juice and honey to taste.
Congestion…Ginger and water simmered with lemon juice and a pinch cayenne and honey to taste.
*As with any regimen you should always consult your doctor if any rash, fever, or your symptoms worsen. Holistic medicine is a natural way for your body to combat sickness, but please use caution with these herbs. You could have an alergic reaction to them.
*Natural and Sustainable Living Tip:
Immune Power Soup
Makes about 3 quarts
This soupd helps ease cold and flu symptoms as well as boosts the immune system.
1 ounce dried astragalus root
4 ounces fresh dandelion root, thinly sliced (or 2 ounces dried)
4 ounces fresh burdock root, thinly sliced (or 2 ounces dried)
1 tablespoon grated fresh gingerroot
1 tablespoon dried kelp, dulse, ot other sea vegetable
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium-sized onion, chopped
5 to 8 medium-sized fresh shiitake mushrooms
2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup miso paste (any variety)
Bring 3 quarts of water to a boli and reduce heat. Add astragalus, dandelion, burdock, ginger and sea vegetable; cover and simmer for 45 minutes to an hour. Strain, return broth to pot, and keep over medium heat. In a sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium heat; ass onion and mushroons, and sauté until tender. Add garlic; sauté for a few more minutes. Add entire misture to broth. Turn off heat, and stir in miso paste.
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