We’re coming into cold season where I live.  I thoroughly enjoy and rely on many herbal remedies to knock the stuffing out of germs and general icky feelings.  I’ve also spent a lifetime educating myself on the active properties and the contraindications of any herb that is ingested or applied topically. Now imagine me saying the next sentence to you while I nudge my glasses down to the end of my nose and shake my finger furiously in your face:

NEVER, EVER take herbal medicine with prescription or over the counter (OTC) drugs.

Herbs are a drug.  Alone or in fixed combinations with other herbs they can prove fatal if taken with OTC drugs or prescripts.  Just because the word “natural” is on an herbal product it does not, in any way, equate with an “all around stamp of approval for your body”.

I’m a big believer in knowledge, research, and educational sources.  If you are even thinking about using herbal remedies it’s your individual responsibility to cross-reference numerous sources and include your health care practitioner in the conversation of what works best for you and your chemistry.  We’re all wired differently my friends.

Some of my favorite remedies to be proactive during cold and flu season are:

¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper in a full jar of unsweetened grape juice. Shake it up. Drink 6 oz. daily. This travels well. Bring it to the office or when visiting relatives this holiday season.

Roasted Garlic. Take an entire bulb and pull off any loose papery skins. Cut about ¼” off the top of the bulb to see some of the fleshy white garlic cloves. Put it on an oven proof dish. Drizzle some olive oil on it. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes. Once cooked use a butter knife to slip the vitamin packed natural antibiotic goodness out of their papers and slather it on some thinly toasted rosemary ciabatta bread.

Nettle infusion. Bring water to a near boil and take off the heat. Measure a full teaspoon of dried nettle leaves and place in a cup. Pour the hot water on and cover the cup. Steep for at least five minutes. Strain. Add a couple drops of honey, as it’s slightly bitter in taste. Drink up to two cups a day. Nettle helps to purify the blood, and will assist in easing respiratory problems.

Rose hip infusion. Fully packed with Vitamin C this infusion is great for all over good health and will soothe a mild cough. Pour boiling water (note how the temperature is different than for nettles) over 1 ½ teaspoon of dried rose hips. One cup of rose hip infusion a day is plenty.

Feel chilled and can’t get warm?  Peel some fresh ginger root and put 1/4 inch slice in a cup with boiling water.  Add a small wedge of organic lemon and a couple drops of honey or agave nectar.

Herbs work gradually in your system.  Drinking nettles everyday will benefit your overall health.  If you feel that scratchiness starting to happen in your throat due to an oncoming cold try the rose hip infusion.

To ensure the best result when purchasing any herbs, purchase the highest grade you can afford.  Less expensive brands tend to use very old product that most likely has lost their active properties. 

For a list of herbal products from integrity based growers visit United Plant Savers and order their Nursery & Bulk Herb Directory.  Or receive it free with your membership contribution.

Tags: agave, contraindications, flu, ginger root, herbs, infusions, nettle, OTC, prescriptions, rose hips