Herbals
for
the flu season

 

 

 

Antibiotics

Inhibit the growth of an destroys viruses and bacteria. The herbs not only destroy germs, but help promote the body's own immunity.

A bitter herb that acts as a free radical scavenger. Protects against harmful effects of radiation and sun exposure. Good for skin disorders. Protects against the formation of tumors and cancer cells and relieves pain. Recommended for external use only. Taking it internally, especially in large doses and/or for prolonged periods, can cause liver damage. Do not take if you already have any kind of liver condition

Stimulates certain white blood cells and has anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties. Good for the immune system and the lymphatic system. Useful for colic, colds, flu, and other infectious illnesses. A valuable alternative to all antibiotics. Do not use if allergic to plants in the sunflower family.

Works against bacteria, fungal infections, inflammation, blood clots, and lipids Used for lowering cholesterol and blood pressure May increase effect of regular high blood pressure and anticoagulant (anti-clotting) drugs like aspirin or warfarin, affect glucose control in diabetic patients, and cause stomach upset.

One of the oldest recorded remedies, that is still extremely popular. Used to treat symptoms of colds and flu, as well as congestion due to inflammation of the mucous membranes, as well as other numerous conditions. Do not use if you are pregnant or have high blood pressure. Avoid excessive or long term use. Good to use one week on and one week off.

Three cups of the infusion daily will tone up the liver and digestive tract. Increases the flow of both the bile and urine. Good to use for reduction of excessive sexual desires. The tea is good for nervous stomach, poor appetite, gas and intestinal cramps. The cold tea taken before meals will increase digestion. As a poultice or fomentation is effective for boils, tumors, painful swellings and skin inflammations. Hops placed in a pillow will aid sleep.

The tincture added to water is an excellent mouth wash for spongy gums, pyorrhea and all throat diseases. Destroys putrification in the intestines and prevents blood absorption of toxins. It has been successful in treating chronic diarrhea, lung diseases and general body weaknesses. Has been used as a substitute for goldenseal. Do not take in large amounts or over a long period of time as it can be toxic. Do not take while pregnant. The resin is also used as an incense for purification purposes.

Thyme tea will arrest gastric fermentation. It is useful in cases of wind spasms and colic, and will assist in promoting perspiration at the commencement of a cold, and in fever and febrile complaints generally.
 
 

Cooling to the system and are used to reduce fevers; also called "refrigerants."

Alkalizes and detoxifies the body. Acts as a diuretic, eases inflammation, lowers cholesterol, balance hormones, and promotes pituitary gland function. Known as the “father of all foods”. Has been known to aggravate lupus and other auto-immune disorders. If you have an auto-immune problem avoid using.

It is regarded as a mild tonic in moderate doses, and is also diaphoretic, more especially when taken as a warm infusion, in which form it is used in attacks of muscular rheumatism and general cold. In large doses it is emetic and purgative.

Camphor has a strong, penetrating, fragrant odour,
a bitter, pungent taste, and is slightly cold to the touch like menthol leaves; locally it is an irritant, numbs the peripheral sensory nerves, and is slightly antiseptic; it is not readily absorbed by the mucous membrane, but is easily absorbed by the subcutaneous tissue- it combines in the body with glucuronic acid, and in this condition is voided by the urine

Excellent for all cases of bronchitis, pleurisy, coughs, colds and hoarseness. Good for all skin diseases applied as a fomentation. Add the tea to baths to soothe rashes and skin irritations. Drink the tea to build the blood.

A nerve tonic to promote relaxation and to enhance memory. Has a positive effect on the circulatory system. Promotes healing after childbirth.

Use for children and infants when signs of fever, colds and flu approach. Prepare the tea and sweeten with honey and give hot to feverish children while they are covered with warm blankets. Combine with catnip tea for nervous fevers, or hyperactive children with digestive disturbances. Peppermint and spearmint are other herbs that combine well with lemon balm to treat fevers.

Locally, it is a good astringent, whether as a gargle in sore throat, in pruritis of the scrotum, in uterine haemorrhage after delivery, or as a lotion in sunburn. It is said to be the best cure for severe, obstinate hiccough, and is helpful in jaundice and hysterical palpitation of the heart. The decoction has been found to be a good antiperiodic, useful as a substitute for quinine in malarial conditions, or for reducing the temperature in typhoid.

It is a popular and well-known remedy for coughs, consumption and chest complaints generally, notably bronchitis, and is an ingredient in almost all popular cough medicines on account of its valuable soothing properties.

(see lemons)

The oil is used chiefly as a flavouring agent, but may be used in the same way as oil of turpentine in chronic bronchitis. It is non-irritant to the kidneys and pleasant to take.

Excellent herb for almost any nervous system malfunction, mild, or chronic, from insomnia to hysteria. Has been used as an aid in treatment for addictions and alcoholism. Aids sleep, improves circulation, and strengthens the heart muscle. Good for anxiety, fatigue, cardiovascular disease, headache, and hyperactivity. Relieves muscle cramps, pain, spasms, and stress.

Has a long history of medicinal use as a mild sedative, pain reliever, and antispasmodic as well as in increasing coronary blood flow. Relaxes muscles. Clinical studies show that it significantly improved sleep quality for people suffering from mild insomnia while producing minimal side effects. One of its most appealing aspects as a sedative is that it does not interact with alcohol and produces no morning hangover. Like any other substance, it should be used in moderation.
 

Soften and relieve irritation of the mucus membranes.

Aloes is one of the safest and best warm and stimulating purgatives topersons of sedentary habits and phlegmatic constitutions. An ordinary small dose takes from 15 to 18 hours to produce an effect. Its action is exerted mainly on the large intestine, for which reason, also it is useful as a vermifuge. Its use, however, is said to induce Piles.

One of the best blood purifiers for chronic infection, arthritis, rheumatism and skin disease. Clears the kidneys of excess wastes and uric acid by increasing the flow of urine.

Demulcent, refrigerant. It is held in great repute amongherbalists, used mostly in the form of an ointment. The fresh leaves have been employed as a poultice for inflammation and indolent ulcers with most beneficial results. A poultice of Chickweed enclosed in muslin is a sure remedy for a carbuncle or an external abscess. The water in which the Chickweed is boiled should also be used to bathe the affected part.

Demulcent, expectorant and tonic. One of the most popular of cough remedies. It is generally given together with other herbs possessing pectoral qualities, such as Horehound, Marshmallow, Ground Ivy, etc.

Will help heal broken bones, sprains, and slow healing sores. Not for extended use, accumulates in the system. If used internally, use one week on, one week off. The dried herb is excellent as a poultice or in a bath.

A mild stimulant, diuretic and demulcent, useful in acute and chronic cystitis and in the bladder irritation of uric acid and phosphatic gravel; has also been employed in gonorrhoea. In action like Holy Thistle.

Emollient, demulcent, pectoral. The crushed seeds or linseed meal make a very useful poultice, either alone or with mustard. In ulceration and superficial or deep-seated inflammation a linseed poultice allays irritation and pain and promotes suppuration. The addition of a little lobelia seed makes it of greater value in cases of boils. It is commonly used for abscesses and other local affections. Linseed is largely employed as an addition to cough medicines. As a domestic remedy for colds, coughs and irritation of the urinary organs, linseed tea is most valuable. A little honey and lemon juice makes it very agreeable and more efficacious. This demulcent infusion contains a large quantity of mucilage

Most helpful in the nourishment of the body due to its ability to stimulate metabolism. Rich in iodine which the thyroid must have to properly function. Excessive use of kelp can produce goiter-like symptoms due to high content of iodine.

(see above)

(see above)

Soothes inflamed mucous membranes of the bowels, stomach, and urinary tract. Good for diarrhea and ulcers and for treatment of colds, flu, and sore throat.
 
 

Facilitate the excretion of mucus from the throat and lungs. Usually combined with demulcents, which are soothing.

(see above)

For persistent cough, asthma, and bronchitis. Use with caution. Avoid excessive or long term use. Do not use during pregnancy or while nursing.

(see above)

Asthma, sinus problems, lowers cholesterol, and lubricates the intestines. Lowers blood sugar.

(see above)

A mild stimulant, can help relieve the dragged-out, sluggish feeling that often accompanies a bad cold. An excellent expectorant but it promotes sweating, which can help break a fever. Also good for the digestion.

Has stimulating, expectorant qualities that make it excellent when trying to remove congestion from the lungs. This warm infusion mixed with equal parts of horehound is good for asthma and heavy mucus conditions. The infusion of hyssop alone is good for gas and to promote sweating when trying to break fevers.

(see above)

Reduces irritation due to coughs and bronchitis. Strengthens the lungs. Relieves stomach cramps and controls diarrhea.

(see above)

Tea is good for diarrhea, dysentery, piles, hemorrhoids, and gravel in the kidneys. The tea will help expel phlegm from the lungs. Use as a hair rinse will restore natural color. High in iron, silicon, potassium, and Vitamin K. Excellent for pregnant women as a tonic. Also increases the richness and amount of breast milk for nursing mothers.

Soothing to the lungs and urinary tract, has a healing, antibiotic effect when used topically for sores and wounds. Applied in a poultice, good for bee stings and any kind of bite.

Fights against fungal infection. Antiseptic properties help fight bacterial infection. Helps promote bowel regularity. Useful against parasitic infections. Not recommended for long term use.

(see above)

One of nature’s best medicines. Main influence is on the liver and it is an excellent blood purifier for conditions such as eczema, dropsy and diabetes. Because of its high content of mineral, it is used to treat anemia. Will increase the flow of urine and is good in kidney formulas.

(see above)

(see above)

As a blood purifier, it is highly recommended in all chronic skin diseases such as psoriasis, eczema, herpes and acne. By stimulating the liver and gallbladder, it helps to overcome constipation.

Provides an excellent, fully absorbable, non-constipating source of iron. Commonly used to replenish hemoglobin after a hemorrhage. Acts as a blood purifier and cleanser, and tones the entire system. Improves colon and liver function.
 
 

Expands blood vessels, inhibits clot formation, and scavenges free radicals Used for tinnitis (ringing in the ears), varicose veins, dementia, and dizziness; improves memory May cause stomach problems, headache, or skin rashes; large doses can cause diarrhea, restlessness, nausea, and vomiting

Stimulates the central nervous system; has some effects of estrogen Used for relieving fatigue and stress, and enhancing endurance May decrease effect of the diuretic furosemide; estrogenic effects can lead to vaginal bleeding and breast nodules; not recommended for pregnant or nursing women and patients with emphysema, fibrocystic breasts, high blood pressure, or cardiac arrhythmia

Suppresses anxiety and the central nervous system; local anesthetic Used for relieving mild anxiety and sleeplessness Increases effect of alcohol and other substances that depress the central nervous system; prolonged use leads to flaky, yellowing skin and impaired vision (stopping use reverses these effects); not recommended for pregnant or nursing women or patients with biologically caused depression

Works against depression and anxiety; may have some antiviral activity Used for mild to moderate depression and anxiety Should not be taken with regular anti-depressant drugs; may cause sensitivity to sunlight and stomach/intestinal upset

Inhibits male hormones, has some effects on estrogen; may be anti-inflammatory Used for relieving urinary problems due to benign prostate enlargement May reduce serum levels of PSA (prostate-specific antigen), a marker used for diagnosing prostate cancer; may cause stomach/intestinal upset or mild headache

The leaves are astringent and antiseptic. Internally, a decoction of 2 handsful boiled in a quart of water until reduced to half a pint has been used in the Levant in obstinate fevers. Both leaves and bark have valuable febrifugal qualities. The oil is a nourishing demulcent and laxative. Externally, it relieves pruritis, the effects of stings or burns, and is a good vehicle for liniments. With alcohol it is a good hair-tonic. As a lubricant it is valuable in skin, muscular, joint, kidney and chest complaints, or abdominal chill, typhoid and scarlet fevers, plague and dropsies. Delicate babies absorb its nourishing properties well through the skin. Its value in worms or gallstones is uncertain. Internally, it is a laxative and disperser of acids, and a mechanical antidote to irritant poisons. It is often used in enemas. It is the best fat for cooking, and a valuable article of diet for both sick and healthy of all ages. It can easily be taken with milk, orange or lemon juice, etc.