HERBAL MEDICINALS FOR WINTERÕ
Winter may not have officially
arrived as yet, and most of us are trying desperately to hang on to this, these
last few warmer days- hope springs eternal. But alas winter will appear and along with it will come all
those really fun activities- shoveling, 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 to offset the stress of the cold.
Warm up and cool down all at the
same time with Ginger. She is one of my all time most favorite herbs, 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.
12/6/08