Kitchen --- Cold Remedies
by Kahlee Keane, Herbalist
Winter and spring are times of what seems like endless colds and flu. I am often asked "Watcha' got for my cold?" Well, the answer is nothing. You see, from an herbalists point of view a cold has to run its course, all I can do is make suggestions that make you more comfortable and help the cold along its natural course.
First of all, colds and flu are most often caused by a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract with increased secretion of mucous, inflammation and irritation. Anything more than that and you had better consult your doctor.
Hopefully, the ingredients for most of my suggestions will be either already in your home or easily purchased:
Fresh Ginger Root - grated - Approximately 1 tsp. to 1 cup of boiling water. Add a pinch of cayenne, lemon juice and honey. This is great to get things moving in the lungs. Drink throughout the day as little or as much as you would like.
Mustard/Ginger Packs over the lung and upper back area 2-4 times daily (sound familiar?) works just as well now as it did in Grandma's time.
For clearing the sinuses - a vaporizer or pot of boiling water on the wood stove or heater, with a few drops of Eucalyptus oil, or pine, sage or rosemary, clears the head and gives you a lift!
Honey sinus pack - to stimulate the sinus area, spread honey over the sinus area, rubbing and patting for several minutes. This will clear sinuses and invigorate the whole area. It's great for the whole facial area as a toner and tonic.
Hot foot baths - Heat draws congestion away from a feverish head (cold packs to the forehead at the same time brings double relief). Sage/Rosemary/Thyme are great in the foot bath and you probably have them available in your pantry. (If you don't have these herbs individually try a little poultry seasoning.) If you have them, pine oil and eucalyptus oil make the soak more effective.
Sage Gargle - for a gargle to be most effective, you must gargle every hour. Here's a good one: 1 cup of Sage tea., 1 tbsp. of salt., 1 tbsp. Apple Cider Vinegar. A pinch of cayenne.
Bake a Lemon in the oven till the skin pops. Sprinkle a little honey on the opening and suck the juice. Easy, convenient and effective.