Tag Archives: Cold

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Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

Name:  Peppermint

Latin:  Mentha piperita

Other Common Names:

Family:  Mint

Parts Used:

Vitamins/Minerals:  Calcium

Used for:  Fights inflammation, is a bronchiodilator, has some effect against headaches, can be a coffee substitute, and is an effective element in cold and flu preparations.  It is also good for most digestive issues.  It can ease pain, and supports proper liver and nerve function.  One of the reasons it makes a good coffee substitute is that the stimulation it gives comes from a healthier angle.  Peppermint stimulates because of the nutritive value and by increasing circulation.  It wakes the system up, rather than agitating it.  Because it is kind of a catchall, I often use it to make medicinal teas more palatable, as it assists in mitigating unpleasant flavours.

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Uses for Pets:

Directions & Warnings:

Edibility:  So many different ways.  In water, in tea, in cocoa, in lemonade, in cookies, in cakes, in frosting, in…..  I also saw a suggestion for mixing sprigs of it in with peas, which I will have to try.

Other Uses for:  Bugs don’t like it when fresh and growing, so it can be used as a barrier along a house, or as an assist for more delicate plants.

Growing:  Mint likes shade, so if you have a darker area that you aren’t sure what to plant, mint is a good fill-in.  A bit literally, actually, because it really likes space, and will propagate itself in a number of ways all over the place.

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Horseradish (Cochlearea armoracia)

Name:  Horseradish

Latin:  Cochlearea armoracia)

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Family:

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Vitamins/Minerals:

Used for:  Horseradish can be used to promote healthy digestion and increase the appetite.  It can be applied to wounds, sores, swelling, and tumors as a poultice.  Excellent for us during colds and flus, especially if preparing the root is part of the treatment.

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Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Name:  Licorice

Latin:  Glycyrrhiza glabra

Other Common Names:

Family:

Parts Used:  Root

Vitamins/Minerals:

Used for:  Licorice acts as a stimulant for the immune system.  It also decreases inflammation.  It can be used for Laryngitis, and will help to clear the throat of mucous.  It can be used as a mild laxative.   As it is more soluble in water than milk thistle, it is sometimes more useful as a liver aid.  Due to its innate sweetness, it can be useful in combination with bitter herbs, as it lends a natural sweetness beyond that of sugar.

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Directions & Warnings:  Due to the way in which licorice effects the liver, it should be used with care, or avoided entirely, by dabetics.

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Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans)

Name:  Nutmeg

Latin:  Myristica fragrans

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Used for:  Interestingly enough, this plant actually provides two spices.  Nutmeg comes from the interior, mace from the exterior.  Nutmeg is useful against digestive upset – particularly diarrhea, gas, and vomiting.  It is a potent antimicrobial.  There is evidence that it may also be anti-rheumatic.  Used sparingly, as an oil, it can assist in the relief of sciatica, neuralgia, and rheumatism.  When the scent is inhaled, it can also assist with respiratory infections.  One of the tricks with nutmeg is that one can be reused several times before it is exhausted.

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Directions & Warnings:  Nutmeg should be used sparingly, both as a spice and a medicinal.  Toxic overdose levels can be achieved using 2 whole pods.

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Juniper (Juniper communis)

Name:  Juniper

Latin:  Juniper communis

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Used for:  Juniper helps to dilate the bronchial tubes, it is an antiseptic, and especially useful with urinary problems.  The tea can also be used to ease insect bites and stings.

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Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)

Name:  Mullein

Latin:  Verbascum thapsus

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Family:

Parts Used:  Leaves, Flowers

Vitamins/Minerals:

Used for:  Used primarily for respiratory problems, as a tea.  If made as a milk tea, rather than a water tea, the effectiveness of mullein for non-respiratory problems is increased, and it can be used to treat diarrhea and digestive issues.  Made into a poultice, it can help to ease swollen glands.  The flowers steeped into an ointment can be effective against diaper rash, frostbite, and bruises.  Historically it has also been used to slow or stop internal bleeding, however, if those problems exist, it is likely best to avail yourself of Western medicine.

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Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus Globulus)

Name:  Eucalyptus

Latin:  Eucalyptus Globulus

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Family:

Parts Used:  Leaf

Vitamins/Minerals:

Used for:  This is an herb to use with a fair amount of caution, and only in small doses, particularly when taking it internally.  A smattering of flakes will be plenty for a full quart jar of loose tea.  Eucalyptus helps to dilate capillaries for better circulation, which can be useful when dealing with migraines.  A small amount on the tongue can quell nausea.  It is an antiseptic, which means it can be good for wounds, or as a scent or steam to inhale for internal infections.  When diluted with olive oil or vitamin E, the oil can be applied as an ointment.  The oil is also a decent insect repellent.  For coughs, it actually outstrips Robitussin as an expectorant.

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Directions & Warnings:  Eucalyptus is very useful, but you must be careful with the dosages, as it can be incredibly toxic when overdone.

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Cinnamon (Cassia)

Name:  Cinnamon

Latin:  Cassia

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Used for:  Cinnamon works as a warming tonic.  It can help to prevent colds, and warms the hands and feet of those who feel cold all the time.  It has been used, over time, as an appetite enhancer, an antimicrobial, an antispasmodic, an anti-rheumatic, and an anti-fungal.  Cinnamon can ease certain sort of pain – primarily joint, muscle, stomach and tooth.  Cinnamon can also be used to assist with some of the effects of diabetes.  It has a fairly profound effect on blood sugar levels (as I know from all too personal experience.)  This is lovely if you need to drop your sugar, but use caution if you eat sparingly or have not eaten recently.  Cinnamon tea can be made by steeping a stick or a scant tsp in a cup of boiling water for 10+ minutes, and is a good winter tonic.

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Directions & Warnings:  As this herb effects blood sugar, if you have not eaten recently, drink the tea while eating a couple of crackers or the equivalent.

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Cardamom (Eelettaria cardamomum)

Name:  Cardamom

Latin:  Eelettaria cardamomum

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Family:

Parts Used:  Seeds

Vitamins/Minerals:

Used for:  Cardamom seeds can be used to freshen the breath, improve digestion, and improve appetite.  They are known to help tonify and condition the stomach, liver, and intestines.  They can relieve coughs, mitigate bronchitis, assist against fevers, and ease inflammation of the mouth and throat.  Cardamom also helps to strengthen the immune system.  It is a useful aid during pregnancy for nausea, as it is a pregnancy-safe digestive aid.  There is evidence that cardamom may also be an anti-viral.

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Honeysuckle

Name:  Honeysuckle

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Used for:  Immune system booster.  A strong tea made from the flowers has been scientifically established to be antiseptic, anti-microbial, and anti-bacterial.  It has been shown to have a particularly strong action against staph infections, including the antibiotic resistant strains, and is used to this purpose in Germany and Japan.  Due to the broad range of things it fights, and its effects on the immune system, honeysuckle can be used to ward off colds and flus.

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