We're going to start this off with flu cures. Colds and flu are brutal. Flu is a viral infection which causes a fever. This is natural because the virus cannot withstand high temperatures. A high temperature is the body's way of nuking a viral infection, and if you can withstand it let the fever run (but go to a doctor if it hasn't gone after 3 days). A cold is a bacterial infection, and natural antiseptics are best for a cold (and sore throat). Check out Heather's articles on propolis, honey, and manuka honey if you have a cold or flu.
We apologise that subjects seem to cross over between natural cures and crafts, but they often go hand in hand.
Influenza is often underestimated. It is a deadly virus which weakens the body. If you think that you may have flu, do not undertake any kind of physical activity, no running, no skipping, no cycling and no gym. The strain that this virus places on your internal organs is quite severe. If after a few days of rest and herbal remedies you have not improved, I urge you to visit your GP. Flu is not to be taken lightly. It is not a cold, but a major viral attack.
Herbs to use when sick with a cold
Autumn is the time of year when flu and colds are commonplace. The transition of seasons often leave our bodies feeling ravaged and can mar the most colourful seasonal show of the year. There are many herbs that assist the body in overcoming flu, colds and coughs, quickly and effectively. For example nasturtium flowers are a much loved orange addition to salads, but this herb is also very high in vitamin C. It is a very strong natural antibiotic and eating the raw leaf cures sore throats and helps to combat coughs and colds. Below is a list of some fresh herbs that should be used when the first signs of flu occur (not essential oils - only fresh herb).
Anise (Pimpinella anisum) Infuse the seed to treat coughs, colds, bronchitis, nausea and to cure a sore throat. Aniseed is a strong antiseptic and works wonders as a tea to cure a sore infected throat. When growing anise, plant it in the western portion of the herb garden.
Bergamot (Monarda didyma) Bergamot leaves contain thymol which is a strong antiseptic. Drinking the fresh leaf infusion opens clogged sinuses, soothes coughing, and relieves nausea and flatulence. Add a few drops to an aromatherapy burner to bring relief from a clogged nose, and soothe lungs suffering from a cold and cough. If used in a carrier oil bergamot can be applied as an antiseptic, however bergamot should never be used as a neat essential oil on the skin. Bergamot essential oil should always be used sparingly (1-2 drops is sufficient).
Cloves (Eugenia caryophyllus) An active compound present in cloves is named eugenol, which is a strong anti-inflammatory substance. It also protects against environmental pollutants such as carbon tetrachloride, and thus offers some protection against certain cancers and joint inflammation. The beta-caryophyllene found in cloves is a mild anesthetic and antibacterial substance, which has seen clove extracts used in throat sprays, mouthwash, and included in dentistry in temporary fillings, gum pain, and even root canal treatments.
The tiny clove is a natural antiseptic and disinfectant. Cloves infused as a tea relieves nausea and combats halitosis. Putting a drop of the oil in the ear is said to even relieve earache. This beloved spice contains vitamins B6 and C, minerals magnesium, calcium and iron, and are a good source of dietary fibre.
Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) A strong antiseptic. The aroma soothes coughs and relieves nausea. Its healing action comes from three types of components in the essential oils found in the bark. These oils contain active components called cinnamaldehyde, cinnamyl acetate, and cinnamyl alcohol, plus a wide range of other volatile substances. Cinnamon's ability to lower the release of arachidonic acid from cell membranes also puts it in the category of an anti-inflammatory food that can be helpful in reducing inflammation. Cinnamon’s essential oils qualify it as an antimicrobial food. This has been studied for its ability to help stop the growth of bacteria and fungi, including the yeast Candida. In laboratory tests, growth of yeasts that were resistant to the commonly used anti-fungal medication fluconazole was often (though not always) stopped by cinnamon extracts.
Cinnamon’s antimicrobial properties are so effective that recent research demonstrates this spice can be used as an alternative to traditional food preservatives. In a study, published in the August 2003 issue of the International Journal of Food Microbiology, the addition of just a few drops of cinnamon essential oil to 100 ml of carrot soup, which was then refrigerated, inhibited the growth of the foodborne pathogenic Bacillus cereus for at least 60 days. When the broth was refrigerated without the addition of cinnamon oil, the pathogenic B. cereus flourished despite the cold temperature. In addition, researchers noted that the addition of cinnamon not only acted as an effective preservative but improved the flavour.
This delightful rust brown spice is a wonder for people afflicted with Type 2 diabetes. Studies have revealed that cinnamon stimulates insulin receptors and inhibits the enzyme which deactivates them, thereby assisting the cell’s use of glucose. In fact less than one teaspoon of cinnamon a day reduces blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. Regular consumption of cinnamon also has the effect of enhancing the muscle’s insulin signaling passages thus preventing insulin resistance. Cinnamon was revealed to still have this effect regardless of fructose consumption.
The aroma which cinnamon exhibits has been scientifically proven to enhance cognitive processing, including visual motor speed, working memory, virtual recognition memory and attention processes. Revealing it as an invaluable christmas spice, so that we can remember the names of people we’ve only just met, and enhancing our social skills through memory recall of names and anecdotes at this year's party!
A rich source of dietary fibre, iron, manganese, and calcium, this comforting spice is more than worthy in its inclusion in christmas cakes, mince pies, and even our hot-cross buns.
Ginger (Zingiber officinalis) Ginger is a very effective herb for relieving motion sickness. One study of ginger revealed that as a cure for motion sickness, using plain ginger had a better effect than using the prescription drug Dramamine. This humble root reduces all of the symptoms associated with motion sickness from nausea, dizziness, sweating and shivers, and vomiting. This root also contains vitamin B6, potassium, magnesium, copper and manganese.
The anti-inflammatory compounds “gingerols” are also present in ginger. Clinical studies have revealed that these gingerols provide 100% relief to patients with muscular discomfort, and 75% relief of swelling and discomfort to arthritis sufferers. Thus providing relief and mobility to people afflicted with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. A study done in 2003 explains that the gingerol present in ginger inhibits the production of nitric oxide (a highly reactive nitrogen molecule). Nitric oxide converts to peroxynitrate which is a very damaging free radical. This free radical protection from ginger helps to prevent damage to lipids and lessens the depletion of glutathione. Glutathione is an antioxidant naturally produced by the body to fight free radicals. The lipids present in the body encompass everything from cholesterol to cell membranes. This reveals that consuming ginger has a highly beneficial effect on the body. Ginger has an immune boosting action on the body which is also due in part to its ability to promote sweating when affected by viral or bacterial infections. In Chinese medicine ginger is considered a fire element herb, and is thus prescribed for colds which is the perception of being overwhelmed with an imbalance caused by the water element. Hence the fire of ginger dries up the water of the cold. Restoring balance and biological harmony.
Garlic (Allium sativum) Garlic is antibacterial, antiseptic, and antibiotic. It assists in bringing fevers down, treats coughs, colds, bronchitis, headaches and pneumonia. Garlic contains vitamins A, B1, B2 and C.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Infuse the root (can use bought powder) to ease a cold. Soothing for a sore throat and excellent for nausea. Ginger is also a powerful antioxidant.
Honeysuckle flowers (Lonicera caprifolium) Infuse the flowers into a tea for relief from coughs. The honeysuckle plant contains salicylic acid which is a form of aspirin. Do not ingest in large quantities.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia / Lavender spica) The fresh leaf and flower infused as a tea soothes throat infections, relieves headaches, reduces inflammation and is a mild painkiller.
Lemon (Citrus Limon) Lemons are anti-fungal, antiseptic, strengthens the immune and circulatory systems, and detoxifies the liver. Lemon juice added to your herbal tea helps to heal mouth ulcers and cold sores, and because of its antiseptic properties neutralizes bacteria and speeds healing as it is a strong antioxidant. This fruit is rich in potassium and high in vitamins B and C, and is effective against sore throats, colds, coughs and headaches. Lemons are alkaline and are therefore useful as a food additive as it assists in neutralizing acidity in the body.
Lemon Thyme / Thyme (T. x citriodorus, Thymus praecox, T. serpyllum) A strong antiseptic, combats chills, coughs, colds and sore throats. Thyme is believed to stimulate the production of white blood corpuscles and aid capillary circulation, helping the invalid to a speedy recovery. The aroma relieves cold symptoms and headaches.
Lemon Verbena ( Aloysia triphylla) Infuse the fresh leaf into a tea to relieve nasal congestion, soothe coughs, and relieve nausea. Nausea is often experienced with nasal congestion because the mucus drains down the back of the throat into the stomach.
Marjoram (Origanum majorana) The flowering head is wonderful infused into a tea for colds and headaches, and helps to ease aches and pains associated with flu. Added to bath water it alleviates cold symptoms, relieves respiratory ailments, soothes aching muscles and alleviates headaches. (personally I don't like the taste, and it smells just like Radox green. So add it to bathwater)
Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) The fresh leaf is high in vitamin C, and relieves cold and cough symptoms. This herb is antibiotic and is effective against infected throats, severe coughs and bronchitis.
Onion (Allium cepa) The onion is antibiotic and rich in vitamins. Eating onions at meals whilst convalescing treats sore throats, laryngitis and relieves coughs, colds and bronchitis.
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) High in vitamin C and antioxidants, parsley is an effective expectorant.
Peppermint (Mentha piperita ) Infuse the fresh leaf into a tea for relief from cold and flu symptoms. It also relieves aches and pains caused by illness and soothes headaches. The aroma from the steaming tea helps to clear sinus congestion.
Spearmint (Mentha aquatica) Infuse the fresh leaf for relief from a bad cold, soothes aches and relieves headache.
Sweet Violets (Viola Adorata) The fresh leaf infused as a tea clears sinuses and prevents post nasal drip. This phenomenal herb is an expectorant and clears mucus from the lungs and sinuses. The flower helps to cure coughs and colds, bronchitis and headaches. The fresh leaf helps to combat bronchitis and catarrh.
Make a bouquet garni with as many of these herbs as you have at hand, tie it up and hang from the bath tab while filling the bath, then unhook and leave to infuse your bathwater. The skin absorbs a lot (which is why we don't like chemicals in our washing powder or creams), and you will absorb the health benefits via osmosis. To make a bouqet garni of herbs simply stuff them in a hanky (or sock). Place the herbs in the middle of a napkin or handkerchief. Tie the sides together in the middle with a ribbon or length of string. Hang this under the hot running water when drawing your bath. Then use the bag as a loofah to wash with. Replace with fresh herbs every day and use this treatment for one week.
Heather's never fail flu syrup
One cup flower of honeysuckle Forces the cough and pain to buckle One cup healing lemon thyme Away cough, muscles feel fine One cup pretty marjoram Soothe my head, away with phlegm
One cup of parsley green Out with mucus, I can breathe in One cup of peppermint so strong Cold and cough won’t linger long One cup of spearmint sweet Aches are gone from head to feet
Two cups sweet violet leaves No more mucus, cough or wheeze Two cups of nasturtium bitter Makes me strong and fitter Two cups of verbena lemon Flu gone and health back in
Three slices of lemon yellow Throat is fine come tomorrow One sprig of lavender fair Sore throat gone, pain not there One sprig of fragrant bergamot Soothed throat, nose unblocked
One teaspoon dried aniseed Starves the cold and health does feed One teaspoon dried powdered ginger root Clears the blood and gives illness the boot One teaspoon of powdered cinnamon stick No more cough because I’m not sick!
Using the herbs in the rhyme above, this is how you make it
To make the syrup gently heat one tub of honey in a pan. Do not allow the honey to reach a high temperature or to bubble or boil. Place the fresh washed herbs into the honey and stir with a wooden spoon. Add the ginger root, cinnamon and aniseed. Allow the mixture to brew on a medium heat for approximately half an hour. Every five minutes stir the honey herb mixture. When the fresh herbs look shriveled and dried remove the pan from the heat and allow to cool slightly. Drain the honey mixture through a sieve into a clean sterilized jar and refrigerate. Use this as a syrup for flu, coughs and colds, taking one teaspoon in a cup of tea (without milk) every hour during the day, and one cup with two teaspoons just before bed.
This remedy quickly and effectively stops a running nose, streaming eyes, and the ghastly headaches associated with flu. The cough takes about four days to subside with this remedy, but there are no side effects or drowsiness. I use honey to create the syrup because honey is antibacterial, antioxidant, antibiotic, antiseptic and anti-fungal. The propolis found in honey does not destroy the body’s intestinal flora, unlike chemical antibiotics. It also contains calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, phosphorous and protein, which are essential for cell repair. Honey is a great ally to have against the viral war because through osmosis (taking fluid out of a cell) it helps to starve infected cells of essential fluid whilst assisting the healthy cells which metabolize the sugars in honey to speed healing. A few drops of honey placed in the ear relieves earache and drinking the honey with your tea soothes a sore throat.
Harvesting and drying your own herbs is a perfect way to create your own flu and cold tea blends. Always harvest herbs on a waxing moon. Hang in sparse bunches in an airy room, but dry out of sunlight. Leave to dry for two weeks. When the dry leaf crumbles easily between your fingers, crush the leaves in a pestle and mortar and store in a dark glass jar. I recommend using preserve jars as they seal well and come in an assortment of colors. I store my dried herbs in dark green preserve jars.
Home dried herbs contain no preservatives (many store bought herbs contain a preservative) which is why it is essential to store the herbs in dark jars to prevent discoloration.
Dry lemon peels on a flat surface, and add to your tea blend using a pepper grinder as lemon peel dries extremely hard. One teaspoon of dried herb is equivalent to one cup fresh herb. Create a tea blend for flu using the herbs recommended above (leaving out the garlic and onion) and use Earl Grey tea as a base. Earl Grey has bergamot oil already present and the tannin in tea is an effective antioxidant. When making tea, use two teaspoons of the dried herb in a teaball. Infuse in boiling water for five minutes and serve with one slice lemon and one teaspoon honey. Alternatively use one teaspoon of each herb (from the list above) placed in a coffee bodum, allow to stew for five minutes in boiling water and serve in the same manner.
Bath Salts
Another way to use essential oils to prevent and help to cure flu and colds is to use them in the creation of bath salts. In a well sealing jar pour 250 ml Himalayan salt crystals, or even better epsom salts. Add five drops each of marjoram, eucalyptus, camphor, peppermint, and lemon essential oils. Put the lid onto the jar and shake well. Leave to stand at least one day before using. Add two teaspoons to a bath.
If you desire colored crystals just add a few drops of food colouring to the salts and oil.
Another way to prepare herbal bath salts is to macerate the fresh herb leaf with the salts in a pestle and mortar. Thyme, marjoram, peppermint and pine make a great fresh herb bath salt combination. Put one herb into the pestle and mortar at a time and work well with the salt. Remove the crushed herb and replace with the next herb, finishing with fresh pine needles. (I'm lucky enough to be growing my own pine tree outside the garage).
Home Made Cough Syrup
Make your own cough syrup. Onions are extremely effective against coughs. Peel and dice one large onion. Place the diced onion into a sterilised preserve jar. Cover liberally with 500 mls of brown sugar. Leave to stand for a few days. The sugar draws the fluid out of the onion creating a thick brown syrup. If you feel the need to liquefy the syrup further add 50 ml of molasses and 100 ml boiled water. Stir well. Use one teaspoon of the onion cough syrup every hour until the cough subsides. Taking a teaspoon instantly subsides cough spasms. It doesn’t taste wonderful but it is a miracle cure for wracking coughs.
Make a Decongestant Necklace
I suffer from winter sinusitis. One cure I have found for this ailment is the aroma of marjoram and lavender / and or / menthol essential oil (Dischem has it cheap in winter!). I work the essential oils into my wooden Tibetan prayer beads and wear it as a necklace. Having the fresh oil right under my nose clears my sinuses and cures the sinus headache.
It is easy enough to make your own beads out of paper maché or salt dough. Leave the balls to dry on skewer sticks or toothpicks. Liberally coat with essential oil. I make a few extra that I paint orange to make orange bead bracelets that I wear when I feel even slightly unwell. Alternatively wet ground cinnamon (creating a stiff dough) and roll it into beads. While still wet string with elastic thread. Makes a deliciously fragrant necklace, the aroma is released as the beads warm up with body heat.
Antiseptic Room Spray
Make an antiseptic room spray by boiling lemon peel, lemon verbena, peppermint, and pine needles together in water. Allow to cool and strain into a pump action dispenser. Spray curtains, carpets and bedding, holding the spray two feet away from the fabric to kill airborne germs. Store the spray in the refrigerator.
Alternatively buy a small bottle of vodka. Add the essential oils to the vodka and use that instead (the alcohol evaporates quickly - and in itself is a germ killer).
This makes a great gift too! If you want to give scented room sprays, simply zest 6 lemons, leave the zest int he vodka (I use a jar for this) in a warm sunny place for a week. (The longer you leave it the stronger it gets). Decant into a spray bottle using a tea strainer - and voila, you have lemon linen spray (and air freshener) - which kills germs and disinfects. You can use this on toilet seats too (very handy in your handbag if you have to use a public loo.) Mix it up by infusing lavender flowers into vodka / garden mint / orange peel / lemon verbena etc (whatever you have growing).
Scented Tissues
Tissues are essential to have on hand when suffering with phlegm and colds. Help the decongestion of the sinuses by scenting your tissues with essential oils. Cut a square of cardboard that will easily fit into your tissue box. I use the cardboard from the top of my egg box. Place five drops of peppermint or menthol essential oils onto the cardboard and place it under the tissues in the bottom of the tissue box. Leave wrapped in a plastic bag for two to seven days. These tissues will help to decongest the nose and lungs, and the box kept next to the bed helps in the aromatherapy treatment of the patient.
* Mix it up. You can always have scented tissue, just use the essential oil of your choice on the square of egg box cardboard, and voila, you have instant scented tissues that also perfume a room.
* You can include the toilet roll if you're feeling creative. Put a few drops of essential oil on the inside of the toilet roll - releases fragrance every time you use the toilet!
If you're sick - eat orange foods!
The brightly colored orange pumpkin is a much loved symbol of autumn. Orange fruits, vegetables, and flowers are everywhere at this time of year and our blessed mother earth is sending us a loud message with the colors of the season. Orange is the universal color of physical healing. This color vibration has an instant effect on the body.
Mother earth knows that during autumn we need an added boost for our immune system and this she has given in her bounty of orange foods. Beta-carotene is what gives fruits and vegetables that distinct orange color and is a potent antioxidant which assists our immune systems in fighting viral and bacterial wars. Vitamin C content is often high in orange foods.
Pumpkin and butternut squash are rich in beta-carotene, this is used by the body and converted into vitamin A, and contain a number of minerals with vitamins C and E. The pumpkin family are effective against infections and inflammation, boosting the immune system, vibrant with the color orange. Carrots are effective against colds, glandular infections, bronchitis and ear infections. They are a strong antiseptic which help in the healing of throat infections, and the beta-carotene content along with vitamins A, B1, B2, C, E, PP and K boost the immune system.
Create a healthy ‘flu fighting soup using pumpkin or butternut, acorn or gem squash, orange peppers, red peppers, tomatoes, carrots, and orange sweet potato. Add some orange juice just before serving. Beta-carotene is only fat soluble. To assist an invalid to absorb the essential nutrient add a teaspoon of butter (it IS a healthy fat) to a cup of hot soup. Stir well. Always add a good amount of salt to a pumpkin or butternut vegetable soup as it enhances the flavour (for the dull taste buds caused by a stuffy nose) and helps to cure sore scratchy throats.
Salt for a sore throat and Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis is a common winter / autumn ailment and the greatest cure at the first sign of a rough scratchy throat is a salt gargle. Dissolve two teaspoons of salt in a glass of water and gargle every morning and every evening. This should be used as a preventative measure by everyone during this season.
Salt kills any bacteria lurking around the tonsils.