Ask the Herbalist Column and Articles by Herbalist Dr. Kingsbury

This information is for educational purposes only. You are responsible for the actions you take with the information you receive.

1. Are there herbs and foods that can help prevent colds and flu or reduce symptoms?
2. What can help with sinus congestion and headaches during flu season?
3. Any help for earaches?
4. During the winter, I often feel depressed. What herbs can help?

1. Are there herbs and foods that can help prevent colds and flu or reduce symptoms?

Garlic is a common folklore kitchen remedy that has been used successfully for generations. It boost immune response and increases blood flow throughout the body. The freshly minced clove is best to access the active ingredient allicin which has powerful broad spectrum antibiotic properties. Add it to soups and meals at the end of cooking for optimal nutritive value. It is also delicious served on fresh baked bread as a warm snack. For a refreshing vitamin C drink with extra zip, add a chopped garlic clove to one cup orange juice in the blender. Other immune boosting foods include carrots, winter squash, yams, dark leafy greens, shitake mushrooms and sea vegetables. All are great additions to winter stews.

To make a tea to strengthen your natural defense system, bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a glass container (corning ware pot). Reduce heat and add 2 Tbls. of Echinachea root, 2 tsp. Marshmallow root, and 1 slice of Ginger root. Simmer the roots for 15 minutes then remove from heat. German researchers report Echinachea root to increase production of T cells, strengthen tissues from assault from a broad spectrum of viruses, bacteria, and fungus. It has antibiotic properties similar to penicillin. If you are taking large dosages (2 cups or more of tea a day or more than 40 drops of tincture a day), it is recommended that you take it for 2 weeks then stop for a week to allow your body's natural intestinal flora to reestablish. A dropper of Immunity Unity tincture taken directly in the mouth can ease sore throat discomfort. You can take it preventatively 5 drops twice a day for extended periods of time. Taking an Probiotic or Acidopholus supplement (one tablet with your largest meal) can also intestinal flora in balance. Culpepeper a 17th century Herbalist recommended Marshmallow root to soothe respiratory irritations from coughs, irritated digestive tract, and flu. Chinese studies shows Ginger root helps kill influenza virus. It also increase lymphatic circulation and soothes upset stomach. When you don't have time to make tea, a couple of ginger root capsules can ease nausea or cramps effectively. You can flavor your tea with Peppermint if needed, add 1 tsp. and steep for 10 minutes after you take it off the heat. It is an FDA approved remedy for the common cold. The active ingredient menthol has decongestant and germicidal properties. Garden Sage is another flavoring tea herb that contains astringent tannins and was recommended by the famous 12th century nun Hildegard of Bingen to soothe sore throats and reduce cold symptoms.

For prevention I like Astragalus root in tea or tincture.

2. What can help with sinus congestion and headaches during flu season?

To clear nasal congestion an herbal steam with dried herbs or essential oils is quite effective offering immediate results. My favorite is to add 5 drops of Lavender essential oil to a cereal bowl filled with boiling water. Arrange a comfortable place to sit at a table and place a towel over your head then lean over the bowl as you inhale the healing herbal steam. I blend a formula called Aller-tea in tea or tincture that has helped eliminate sinus headaches and infections when taken on a regular basis. This formula contains three nurturing herbs, Alfalfa leaf, Chickweed, and Nettle leaf. Alfalfa leaf neutralizes blood acids that can lead to Nettles has natural antihistamine properties and can help eliminate post nasal drip. It is also high in chlorophyll and minerals soothing tired adrenals and easing stress. Chickweed helps reduce mucous and has a cleansing action on the system.

Read about Earconing below for another treatment I often use for sinus headaches and allergies.

3. Any help for earaches?
Topically a couple drops of Saint John's wort oil or garlic oil on a cotton ball placed in the ear can often ease earache over night. Internally an Echinachea root tincture or tea for its anti-viral, anti-bacteria, and anti-fungal properties is often more effective than antibiotics that tend to upset the bodies natural immune response. Five drops in juice or water once or twice a day has helped many parents cope naturally with ear infections that young children go through. Along with 1 garlic capsule a day and 2 capsules of Spirulina powder sprinkled in apple sauce many children avoid the more invasive therapies of current medical practices.

Earconing, also known as Earcandling, cleans toxins from the system and is helpful for sinus congestion and allergies. The ancient cone process was originally used in native and folk cultures for purification prior to initiation rites. In the treatment process, one end of the herbal cone is lit and the opposite end is placed in the ear. Smoke from the cone descends into the ear canal, through the Eustachian tube, and into the lymph system osmotically, dislodging ear wax, yeast, parasites and toxins that contribute to earache, infections, or hearing problems. Due to increased flow of the cranial fluids, subtle changes are often felt in energy throughout the body with improvements in sight, hearing, balance, as well as ease in breathing.

4. During the winter, I often feel depressed. What herbs can help?

Saint John's wort has received global attention lately as clinical studies report it's antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects when taken internally. Recently the British medical Journal published a review of 20 controlled studies involving more than 1,700 people with clinical depression, where St. John's Wort extract was found to be as effective as prescription antidepressants like Prozac in alleviating mild to moderate symptoms. Christine Northrup says the active ingredient "hypericin has shown to inhibit serotonin ands norepinephrine re-uptake by the brain, thus increasing levels of these beneficial chemicals over time." There are more studies suggesting use of Saint John's Wort tincture for treatment of bedwetting, AIDS and other immune system disorders.

General standard dosages for internal use from a fresh flower tincture is 10 drops -1 tsp. diluted in water three times a day. Clients have found the tincture to be offer immediate results while capsules often take 2-6 weeks to feel results. Hypericin's benefits decrease when the plant is dries as fresh flower tincture or oil is best. When buying capsules, look for freeze dried extracts for optimal potency.

Nutritionally you want to be sure your diet has a good balance of usable protein, complex carbohydrates, fresh green vegetables, and calcium rich foods. Sesame Tahini butter on a piece of whole grain toast is a great snack that is high in calcium. A baked potato in the afternoon is a good snack to regulate brain chemicals.

Lavender essential oil is used externally for its beneficial antidepressant properties. Rejuvenating tips can take a few second to 20 minutes depending upon the amount of time you have. Simply inhaling the vapors from an open bottle under your nose can lift your mood. For a warm facial shake 3-5 drops on a warm washcloth, close your eyes and wake up your face. An herbal steam can relieve nasal and bronchial congestion, an leave you feeling refreshed. To make a steam; pour 2 cups of boiling water in a bowl, add 3-5 drops essential oil, make a tent by covering your head and the bowl with a towel, inhale relaxation for 5-15 minutes. When you have more time, add 5-10 drops of essential oil in a tub of water. Relax for 20 minutes with a candle to unwind from a hectic day. This can often help relieve insomnia.

This information is for educational purposes only. You are responsible for the actions you take with the information you receive.

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