Easing Into winter

Natural Treatments for Winter ailments

As the cold weather approaches stock up on natural remedies to keep those Winter ailments at bay. Here are our recommendations:

Echinacea. This seems to be the no.1 immune boosting herb for keeping winter ailments such as colds and flu at bay. Dosage: 5 drops of tincture in water 2-3 times daily or up to 6 capsules daily while you feel unwell.

Sambucol. Elderberry extract has been shown to dismantle the flu virus and considerably shortens the duration of its course. Dosage: take in either tincture or lozenge form – suck a lozenge every 4 hours until symptoms subside.

Eucalyptus. This is especially good for respiratory problems such as bronchitis, sinusitis and chest congestion. Dosage: rub into chest throat or nostrils, or add 1 teaspoon to boiling water and breathe over the steam for 10 minutes x 2 daily to clear congestion.

Tea Tree Oil. This is good for sore throats and blocked noses. Use as a gargle. Dosage: put 11/2 tablespoons of tea tree oil in a cup of water and gargle when necessary. You can also put a few drops on a handkerchief and inhale as necessary to clear nose.

Mullein. Useful for coughs, chest congestion and catarrh. Dosage: take 5 drops of tincture in water every 4 hours.

Ginger. Good for reducing temperature by inducing sweating, also and chest congestion. Dosage: peel and grate a 1-inch piece of fresh ginger root. Steep for 5 minutes in boiling water and drink with fresh lemon juice and honey to taste.

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