Building Resistance  
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Always consult a Naturopath or Physician for diagnosis, confirmation & dosage recommendations before using herbs for medicinal purposes. Use of herbs should be stopped during pregnancy and lactation.  This page is for informational use only. It's not to be used  to diagnose or treat any medical conditions.   Know the facts about the plant material you use. *This  is not a full list of all possible interactions or side effects  of all drugs or herbs. 

 

    
COLDS AND FLU

DECONGESTANTS
 Barberry, lemongrass, calamint, capers, new jersey tea, wild basil, coriander, yellow jasmine & raspberry leaf.

Horseradish tea vapors reduce congestion.

ANTI-ASTHMATICS
Most alliums, elaeagnus, snakeroot, common reed, American plum, apricot, nectarine, coltsfoot.
Khella (Ammi visnaga) can lessen the frequency of asthma attacks.
For allergies, take khella daily during allergy season. Side effect: sun sensitivity may develop, wear sunblock, sunglasses.
Steam from mint or eucalyptus can clear the sinuses. Eating hot peppers or hot mustard can do the same.
Eyebright (Euphrasia officinalis) appears to make your immune system less reactive to allergens.

COUGH SUPPRESSANTS
 Mullein, elaeagnus, winter cherry, rum cherry, wild cherry, beech, sea buckthorn, Japanese pepper, marshmallow.
Two drops Thyme essential oil placed in hot water, inhale the steam for cold, flu, or bronchitis.
Angelica leaf tea soothes bronchitis, and the symptoms of colds & cough.
Gargle coriander tea or drink horseradish root tea for relief of cold symptoms.
Garlic is an effective fever reducer. Also, like onions, increases immune response to fight off colds and flu.
Topically, rub cut cloves of garlic and onions to break high fevers.
Caraway treats bronchitis, colds, cough, sore throat and fever.
Lemon verbena tea soothes symptoms of colds and fevers.

EXPECTORANTS
New jersey tea, wild basil, coriander, most alliums, angelica, snakeroot, american spikenard, milkweed, pleurisy root, fennel, sunflower, barley, hyssop, mallows, flax seed, white mulberry, sweet cicily, greek oregano, parsley, ginseng, black bamboo, elderberry, savory, yew, coltsfoot, nasturtiums, thymes and sweet violet are expectorants
Horehound soothes sore throats and quiets coughs, and is a natural expectorant.
   
 

BUILDING RESISTANCE

Flax seed is an excellent herbal source of omega-3 fatty acids, an immunity builder. Too much flax seed oil can cause bowell obstructions.
Echinacea and astragalus are immune-system stimulants for increasing resistance. Don't take long term- if you don't take breaks, they won't work as well. Use 2 weeks, stop a week, use 2 weeks, etc.
Echinacea tincture provides temporary boost to the immune system. Good in case a cold threatens. Also antidotes poison.
Astragalus can decrease the duration of the common cold.
Pack a bottle of echinacea tincture & some slices of astragalus root to use on travel.Garlic is a great immune booster and lowers blood pressure and can help block carcinogen absorption.
Caraway is an immune booster. *Caraway taken as an oil infusion, risks liver or kidney damage.

 
 

JET LAG
Limited use of stimulants, tea, ginseng, Ephedra; and sedatives valerian, hops, chamomile, or kava kava for the first few days.

THE EYES HAVE IT
 Wet chamomile tea bags and place over closed eyes for eye fatigue.
Bilberry extract can stop the progression of cataracts and diabetes-related eye damage. bilberries can also help alleviate night blindness.Internally,
Marigold soothes sore throat, menstrual cramps, fever.
Mullein infused in olive oil is a remedy for bruises, insect bites, hemorrhoids, earache, and poultice from the leaves or flowers is a treatment for burns and boils.

BAD BREATH
 Parsley & wheatgrass are effective for chronic bad breath, due to high chlorophyll.
Also use musk mallow, lavender, dill and coriander.