Herbal Pharmacy

Colds, flu, and achy joints…

Sore Throat Gargle

2 cups of boiling water

1 heaping tablespoon of fresh or dried sage leaves

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

In a large mug, add the sage and pour boiling water over the herb. Cover the top of the mug with foil and steep for 15 minutes. Strain out the herb and stir in the salt. Gargle several times each day, and especially before going to bed. Try not to swallow the liquid. Gargle for 10-15 seconds and spit it out.

Antiseptic Spray

1 tablespoon fresh or dried thyme leaves

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

2 cups of boiling water

In a large mug, pour the water over the thyme, cover the mug with foil, and allow the infusion to cool to lukewarm. Strain out the thyme leaves and add the lemon juice to the liquid. Stir to blend. Pour into a clean and un-used spray bottle. Cap the sprayer and shake gently to blend. Spray your throat and the inside of your cheeks. Strong, but it works ! It helps clear up a sore throat almost overnight.

Sage and Honey Cough Syrup

A wonderful and soothing remedy for sore throats and coughs.

1 cup of organic honey. Buy from a local bee keeper if possible

1/4 cup of water

1 tablespoon lemon juice

2 tablespoons of fresh sage leaves, finely chopped

Add all ingredients to a sauce pan, simmer over low heat for about 15 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and let the syrup steep for about 15 minutes. Strain the honey mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. Store the cough syrup in a sealed glass jar. Refrigerate for up to 6 months.

Licorice Root Tea

For most of us, the first sign of viral infection is a sore throat. To ease the discomfort and get well sooner, sip 6 ounces of licorice root tea once in the morning and once at bed time. Licorice’s active ingredient [ glycyrrhizin] is an anti-inflammatory that reduces swelling of mucous membranes and shrinks swollen capillaries. Plus, licorice’s antiviral speeds up recovery by blocking the growth of new viruses. Try Alvita Licorice Root Tea – About $ 6.00 for 24 bags, at drugstore.com or local GNC’s.

Fight Joint Pain With Ginger

Ginger root relieves osteoarthritis aches as well as or better than aspirin and ibuprofen, it blocks inflammation- yet ginger goes one step further by breaking down acidity in joint fluid. Often joint fluid is responsible for the searing pains in knees and hips. A teaspoon of ground ginger sprinkled on foods or in beverages will help ease pain and stiffness. For daily relief, take ginger capsules. Because ginger is a blood thinner, consult with your doctor before taking ginger in any form.

Ginger Packs For Aching Joints

There is strong evidence that sipping ginger tea or taking a ginger supplement reduces the inflammation linked to arthritis aches and pains. But, sometimes ginger tea and ginger capsules can lead to gas and stomach upset.  Why not try a ginger poultice instead? Soak a light weight washcloth in freshly brewed ginger tea. You can use ginger tea bags, ground ginger or freshly grated ginger. Wring the washcloth out slightly and place it on the affected area for 15 minutes. Repeat several times weekly. Ginger’s natural anti-inflammatory compounds [ gingerols and shogaols ] penetrate deeply into the joints and help reduce swelling and pain.

Herbs ~ On Being Thankful

Always leave a thank you gift when harvesting fresh herbs. As you prune away and lay the herbs in your gathering basket or apron, place breadcrumbs, copper pennies, cornmeal, or apple slices around the plants. This shows gratitude towards these beautiful and helpful plants. By giving back something to them, this balances out the interaction between us and them. Never take more than 1/3 of any herb plant. Even though herbs are generous and gracious and would not complain to us, we must remember they are alive, and we should not take away too much of their life force. Always thank them before you depart. Always ask their permission before you remove stems, flowers, leaves, or dig up their roots.

Blessed Imbolc to my brothers and sisters. May you know prosperity and happiness like never before.

~ Meadow Walker