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Focus on Herbs: Cold Remediesby Lynne Latella Winter is fast approaching, with all its festivities and maladies. Along with merriment and jolly times come headaches, fever, sore throat, watery eyes and runny noses. Indeed, winter provides the perfect setting for quite a dose of misery. As unpleasant as these symptoms are, it's nature's way of getting rid of toxins, waste and bacteria buildup that the body can't handle. That is, however, little comfort when you are in the throes of a full-blown cold or flu. Conventional, off-the-shelf drugs may relieve symptoms, but can also dry out the mucous membranes, inhibit the immune system and introduce unfriendly agents into the system-all of which suppress the body's natural ability to eliminate toxins. Fortunately, many natural remedies can ease discomfort and accelerate recovery. If they are used at the first sign of a cold or flu, there is usually a better chance of quick recovery. Because there is a vast array of natural remedies, each with specific properties, it is impossible to cover the entire gamut of options in such a short article. A few of the more important ones are vitamins A and C, zinc, garlic, olive leaf, astragalus, echinacea, goldenseal, horehound, mullein, propolis, licorice, fenugreek, hyssop, and myrrh. The Coop carries a large assortment of brands and types of remedies, ranging from singles and formulas to tinctures, capsules, teas and chewable tablets. It is recommended to keep a basic supply of these natural remedies on hand in the event an unwelcome visitor comes calling. Folk remedies, too, are inexpensive and can quickly come to the rescue. For example, mixing 1 Tbs. apple cider vinegar in a glass of warm water, and drinking 3-4 glasses per day, can balance the system, thereby making it more difficult for colds to get a foothold. A strange but effective Alaskan remedy entails scooping up a handful of snow and burying one's nose in it to relieve stuffiness. Naturally, the ideal situation is to avoid getting a cold. But excessive stress, improper eating and fatigue make most people more vulnerable. It's nice to know that if winter isn't kind to you, the Coop is there to provide both medicinal ingredients for your own concoctions, and ready-to-use remedies to help you feel better quickly. Here are a few suggestions for simple remedies that can be concocted at home to ward off the discomfort of winter symptoms, and bring fast and safe relief. Ginger Toddy Mix 1 tsp. ground ginger in 1 cup hot water, flavored with honey or maple syrup to taste. Ginger quickly settles to the bottom of the cup, so continue to stir while drinking. Drink before bedtime, and stay covered up during the night to promote sweating. This concoction produces profuse sweating, which breaks up a fever and relieves congestion. Hot Stuff Simmer 1/4-tsp. cayenne pepper and 2 tsp. chopped onion in 1 cup water for 10 minutes. Strain before drinking. This breaks up a head or chest cold. Clove Clearout Add 2 tsp. cloves to 1 pint boiling water. Use as a vaporizing and inhaling solution. Clove Cocktail Steep 5 cloves in 1 cup boiling water, and sip to relieve chest colds, coughs and bronchial conditions. Cold Concoction Mix 1/4-tsp. vitamin C powder, 2 tsp. elderberry syrup, 1/2-tsp. turmeric, contents of 1 echinacea capsule and 1/4-tsp. propolis extract in a glass of aloe vera juice. Aromatic Inhalant Add 6 drops of eucalyptus oil to 1 cup boiling water. Form a tent and inhale. Throat Soother Mix 1 Tbs. slippery elm bark powder and 1 pint boiling water into 1/2-cup honey. Take a teaspoon every few hours to relieve coughs and sore throats. |
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