ÒTRADITIONAL
MEDICINALS FOR WINTERÓ
Winter
may have officially arrived on December 21st, 2007 but for most of
us winter arrived earlier this past month with an ice storm, bitter north wind
and several inches of blowing snow. Along with it come all those really fun
activities- shoveling and shoveling and, more shoveling. Even if you are a winter sports
enthusiast you are giving your muscles and joints an incredibly hard workout in
the cold. Our bodies could use some help from some of natures most enduring and
simple herbs too offset the stress of the cold.
Warm
up and cool down all at the same time with Ginger. This is one of my all time
most favorites, and so versatile. When coming in from the outdoors nothing
warms the body like a soothing cup of ginger tea with a twist of lemon and
sweetened with a bit of honey. Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory properties
that help reduce muscle and joint soreness. Known as an adaptogen ginger boosts
immunity and strengthens digestion. Ginger soothes a sore throat and calms a
cough. It raises body temperature and eases the aches and pains of flu and
cold.
DonÕt
throw those ginger tea bags out. While drawing a hot bath heat two quarts of
water along with the ginger tea bags and bring them to a boil for 5-7 minutes.
Pour the boiled tea into your bath for the most soothing winter bath youÕve
ever experienced.
For
overworked sore muscles, minor sprains, strains or injuries from falls without
fracture use arnica. This hardy herb grows high in the Sierra Madre Mountains as
well as the Siberian plains and works well for cold weather trauma and injury.
This gentle hard working plant will reduce bruising, swelling, pain and
inflammation. Apply Arniflora gel directly to the injured area immediately. I
canÕt stress enough how important it is to use this herb immediately upon
injury.
For
the aches and pains of flu and cold use White Willow bark. The forerunner of
aspirin this herb works like aspirin to reduce fever and ease associated aches,
pains and inflammation.
To
help fight off viral infections use any one of the following immune
strengtheners: Echinacea, Golden Seal, Astralagus or Cats Claw. All of these
herbs have been shown to have anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal
properties. Echinacea known to us as the Purple Cone Flower is a good choice.
Common to the Midwest it resonates well with those living here. Golden Seal is
particularly good for bronchial coughs and colds. Use Astralagus in place of
Echinacea if you are sensitive to ragweed.
Herbs
work naturally with the body and during times of illness and may produce
symptoms of cleansing, which many confuse with a worsening of their illness. If
your symptoms are severe, lessen the use of the herb or switch to another herb
that may resonate with your body and symptoms without as many cleansing
symptoms. Never ignore serious symptoms.
With
the onset of the snow and the bitter cold the last of my herbs have tucked
their heads down under a blanket of snow for a long wintersÕ nap. Maybe we need
to mind the wisdom of our wise friends from the plant kingdom. If you are
struggling with a cold or that miserable flu that has plagued so many, nothing
heals like rest. Till next time, Rebecca.
1/10/08