These products are best taken within the first 24 hours after the onset of symptoms. There are some important herbs to have on hand when you or your loved ones fall to another strain of virus. The black elderberry plant, sambucus nigra, has been used as medicine, only the berry and flower, and for food, baskets, dyes and instruments for thousands of years, here, by our Native Americans throughout the continent, in Europe, and in China. (Although it grows in abundance here in our area, it is important to know your small, round, black-blue berries and never eat its brother, the red elderberry.) Its wide range of uses is due to its capability of many actions. I counted 19 in Brigitte Mars’ little book on this sacred herb of many world cultures. Widely researched, especially in Israel, their flavonoids have been shown to have anti-viral effects against 8 strains of influenza A and B. Complete cure was seen in 90% of participates in only 2 to 3 days, accompanied with a reduction in aches and pains, coughs and congestion. Its anti-inflammatory action reduces the inflamed tissues of the lung, sinuses, eyes and bowels. Its dual anti-catarrahal and expectorant actions help clear up excess mucus yet its relaxative action can calm the spasms of bronchitis and asthma. Nature’s Way recommends 4 teasp. a day of their Sambucol during the intensive faze for adults and 2 per day for children. They recommend thinking of their syrup for any other virus as well, such as for the cold sores of herpes simplex. We have their new larger sizes on sale this month. We also carry the very delicious version from Vermont’s Honey Gardens Apothecary.

A newcomer to this country is an African relative of the germanium with a decidedly African name, Umcka. There’s a local doctor who has been sending in patients for it so I decided I would carry it for them. It too, has been shown to been helpful for bronchitis. The Zulu use the root for coughs, respiratory and gastrointestinal ailments. Several studies with 30 drops, 3x a day, reduced the serverity and duration in cases of bronchitis,

sinusitis and tonsillitis in thousands of people, children and adults (children take half the adult dose). It has a safe track record with only a small percentage (1.2-15.5%) with mild gastro upset or rash. We also have Nature’s Way Umcka on sale this month.

Astragalus is in the legume family, along with lentils, peas, soybeans, red clover and licorice. Astragalus can help a tired immune system that was challenged with one episode after another, whether it’s a chronic lung infection or chemotherapy, never really recovering before being hit again. Even the American Cancer Society has recognized its strengthening effect of those taking it. In traditional Chinese medicine it is recommended that the root be cooked in soups to help restore vital chi. I like to suck on the long tongue depressor shaped slice after it cooked for hours in a hearty and warming soup. They sell for 50c apiece and are in our herb section. Or we have a sale on Nature’s Ways single capsules or with Echinacea and Reishi, also anti-virals. For the kids and those who don’t want alcohol in their tinctures or don’t like taking pills, Herbs for Kid’s Echinacea and Astragalus Compound is a nice alternative. Speaking of tinctures, Herb Pharm tinctures are on sale at 25%, including special orders (the cut off date though, will be Dec. 24th). Look for usnea, a lichen, is you are prone to pneumonia. It is also effective against streptococcus, and staphylococcus as well as being an effective anti-fungal. We also brought in the western Native American herb, lomatium, another anti-viral agent. Herb has some wonderful combinations as well.