My 'Go To' Cold & Flu Remedies

Classic Cold and Flu Herb Tea

If you're cold or flu has a feverish element or you have chills this old fashioned tea blend may help you feel better, it’s one of the first remedies I make when I feel a cold taking root, I first came across it in herbalist Non Shaw’s book ‘Herbalism An Illustrated Guide’ back in 1998 when I was just getting in to discovering the wonderful health benefits of herbs. It contains just three herbs and I add a little honey to sweeten it. The yarrow increases perspiration, that process helps you ‘sweat’ the cold out, the elderflowers reduce inflammation and soothe the irritation of the mucus membranes whilst the peppermint is antiseptic, decongestant and anti-spasmodic all useful properties to have on hand when suffering from a cold. Combined this tea blend may help to reduce a fever, ease congestion and soothe a sore throat!

I make this tea up in jam jar quantities and keep it in the cupboard, ready for immediate use each 'Part' in the recipe is 20g but you can make a little or a lot, just use equal part measures.

Ingredients:

• 1 Part Dried Yarrow
• 1 Part Dried Elderflowers
• 1 Part Dried Peppermint Leaves
• Water
• Honey to serve

Combine the herbs and mix well and store in a glass jar out of direct sunlight. When suffering from a cold, place 1 teaspoon (approx. 5g) of cold and flu tea per 250ml cup, in to a tea pot or cafetière, pour on boiling water and leave to infuse for 1-5 minutes, depending how strong you like your tea. Strain in to a cup and sweeten with a little honey. Drink a cup up to 3 times a day.

If you don’t care for the flavour of the herbs in the above tea blend, ginger makes a good alternative and you can use ground ginger powder or ginger root to make a soothing tea that will help increase perspiration, ease coughing, it’s anti-viral in action and can offer mild relief from aches and pains. Add some lemon and honey as both are soothing to a sore throat.

Herbal Decongestants

If the nose and chest are congested a blend of decongestant herbs can get you breathing again, you can either take a warm bath to which a few essential oils known for their decongestant properties such as eucalyptus, peppermint, thyme and rosemary have been added, or put dried herbs or oils into a bowl and use a towel placed over the head as you lean over the bowl to create a steam bath. Inhaling the vapours for 3-5 minutes can help open up the airways and help to relieve congestion. You can also make your own vapour rub for easing congestion.

Congestion Ease Vapour Rub

Ingredients:

• 30ml Sweet Almond Oil (Use grapeseed oil if you suffer from nut allergies.)
• 5g Beeswax (Grated)
• 10 Drops Eucalyptus Essential Oil
• 8 Drops Peppermint Essential Oil
• 5 Drops Camphor Essential Oil

Put the grapeseed oil into a glass bowl over a pan of hot water and stir in the beeswax until melted, then stir in the eucalyptus, peppermint and camphor essential oils. Pour into a clean, sterilised dark glass jar and leave to cool, label and used within 6 months. To use, massage the vapour rub over the chest, neck and throat. Using a decongestant rub before sleep can help to relieve congestion and discomfort, allowing you to fall asleep more easily. Other oils with decongestant properties can also be used such as juniper berry, rosemary and lavender.

Cold & Flu Season is Upon Us Again...

Article © Debs Cook
Image by Bob

Winter is just around the corner so now is a good time to look at what you can do to help prevent a cold, or help send it packing as quickly as possible when you or your family succumb to those miserable coughs and sneezes which often strike during the colder months of the year. We often hear that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”, so today we look at what a cold is, the symptoms, and how you can use herbs to help ease the symptoms of a cold. Of course it goes without saying that id you do catch a cold, you should ensure that you drink plenty of fluids, keep warm and get lots of rest. Try not to overdo it, and if your symptoms persist or get worse consult your GP.

What is a Cold?

The common cold is an infectious disease affecting the upper respiratory system, which includes the nose, throat, bronchia and the lungs. When your body is under stress for whatever reason, it may not act as it normally does by trapping the viruses before they do damage, dry atmospheres such as those caused by central heating systems, and not getting enough fresh air can also aid the cold virus to take root. Dry atmospheres cause the mucus membranes of the nose to become swollen making ideal ‘plump cushions’ of tissue for the cold virus to rest upon, get itself comfy and breed. When the respiratory system cannot eliminate the cold virus at source, it quickly takes over causing cell damage, inflammation and various other symptoms of a cold.

Symptoms

A cold can last 7-10 days in duration, in some people the symptoms work in a cycle, starting with watery eyes, sneezing and a sore throat, followed by a runny nose, with nasal congestion hot on its heels. Other symptoms include aching or weak muscles, fatigue, headache, shivering and sometimes a loss of appetite. Once the body is under attack from all these symptoms, it can then become vulnerable to secondary infections including bronchitis and sinusitis. In order to rid itself of the cold virus, the body produces more mucus to help trap and ‘flush’ the cold out, but often this mucus can become dry and nasal passages can become blocked and leave the sufferer with that classic ‘stuffy head’ feeling,  often a cough will develop at this stage.

A cough is the body’s way of clearing the bronchial airways; they can be divided into two types which require different treatments. Loose, phlegmy and moist coughs are known as ‘productive’ and require remedies that will help the body rid itself of the mucus. Dry, tickly coughs are known as ‘non-productive’, and have no mucus to expel; dry coughs require the chest to be soothed of inflammation.

Help Yourself

Unwittingly we can assist cold viruses to breed at this time of year by eating rich food, drinking more alcohol than usual when we socialise, and even by using central heating systems. Rich, sugary foods as well as alcohol can weaken the immune system and some foods such as milk and cheese can even encourage the body to form mucus. Hot dry air, courtesy of our centrally heated rooms can create a breeding ground for germs and viruses, so regularly give rooms a blast of cold fresh air by opening the windows, or get out for a walk in the fresh air as often as you can. If getting out isn’t possible, use a diffuser adding bug busting essential oils like eucalyptus and peppermint, or compliment the season and use antibacterial cinnamon oil, with some antiviral ginger oil.

There are a variety of cold soothing home remedies you can make yourself using herbs that may help you get through the cold and flu season. Hot honey and lemon drinks are easy to make and are soothing to the throat, the lemon helps boost your vitamin C levels.

Elderberries have been used for their immune boosting, antiviral and expectorant for centuries. They have been used to make a soothing winter drink known as Elderberry Rob, and are rich in vitamins A and C. They can also be used to make a soothing elixir that can help at the first sign of a cold or flu, you can read more about Elderberries here.

Adding garlic to the diet when suffering from a cold can be beneficial it’s antibacterial and antiviral. Chillies and cayenne pepper are decongestant and expectorant and they can have a warming effect on the body. 

Next week I will share 2 of my favourite 'Go To' winter cold remedies, classic cold and flu tea and my favourite homemade vapour rub. Whilst you wait check out some of my previous articles Five Useful Herbs for Winter and Herbs for making Winter Teas.

Anti-Stress Sweetmeats

Each year many of us look forward to the festive season, but as it fast approaches, for many it can often feel less like the way it is portrayed to be as the season of gift giving that culminates in idyllic family get-togethers, and more like a huge stress festival.

There is too much to do and too little time to do it in, as we frantically run around trying to find the best gift for Great Aunt Maud, whilst sorting out the food shopping, festive menu and so, so much more!

To help Course Director Zoi Maraki is sharing her recipe for a stress busting seasonal treat that can be made quickly to help ease the stresses of the season. Keep in mind as this recipe contains nuts it is not suitable for making if you have a nut allergy.

Dry Ingredients 1 Scoop Ashwagandha Powder 1 Scoop Siberian Ginseng Powder 1 Scoop Astragalus powder 1 Scoop Slippery Elm Powder 2-3 Scoops Organic Ground Almonds Wet Ingredients 1 Tablespoon Tahini 1 Tablespoon Chocolate Almond Butter 1 Teaspoon Manuka Honey 1 Cup Organic Maple Syrup

Method

Mix the dry ingredients and then add the rest of the wet ingredients. Roll the dough into small balls. Coat the balls with desiccated coconut. Enjoy with a cup of coffee.

N.B. A scoop in the recipe is approx 20g

Supporting The Immune System Herbally - Part 2

Image: Gaby Stein
Article: Debs Cook

There are a wide variety of herbs and spices that can help the body’s immune system and whilst each herb can be of benefit to different parts of the body, some of them have an effect on more than one area, here I'm looking at the areas that are best targeted by each herb, as well as those that are in need of additional support during the winter months.

Astragalus Root  is an adaptogenic herb that may be a beneficial way of helping the body protect itself from the stress to the body generated by illness, be that physical, mental, or emotional stress. It is also used in Chinese medicine to help boost the immune system, one of its actions is to help to trigger the creation of immune cells in bone marrow and lymphatic tissue.

Echinacea  is one of the most common herbs that is associated with helping the immune system to fight infection and disease where winter colds and flu are concerned. It has anti-inflammatory, and also fungicidal and antibacterial properties which help the body to check the development of viruses. It is also a good herb for using for respiratory illnesses and to help soothe the throat in cases of laryngitis, tonsillitis, and help to ease colds and flu. In 2012 at the Common Cold Centre at Cardiff University, Wales, the largest clinical trial of echinacea as a means of preventing cold symptoms took place, following similar trials in Germany. The results of the 2012 trial are still being debated, but the results claimed that of the 750 people tested, the echinacea extract treatment cut the number of recurrent colds suffered by those with weak immune systems or a history of catching several bouts each year by 60%. Echinacea can be taken in capsule form, the root can be added to soups, teas and even used to make soothing ice lollies for sore throats.

Elderberries  are another immune boosting herb with antiviral and expectorant properties they are rich in vitamins A and C, and can help to soothe sore throats and help to calm fevers. They can also be used to make a soothing elixir and if the elixir is taken in teaspoonful doses three or four times a day at the first signs of a cold, it may prevent a cold from developing. If it does develop, the cold may be milder and last for a shorter duration if elderberry tincture is taken. You can read more about the benefits of Elderberries in our article Herbal Focus: Elderberries.

Garlic is more commonly associated with culinary recipes, and added to a wide variety of dishes but it is a powerful immune boosting ally as well, one of my favouirite ways of taking garlic is by infusing freshly chopped garlic into honey and then adding that to drinks hot drinks, or just to have a spoonful if I'm feeling run down. Garlic has antibacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal properties, it is also reputed to work in a similar way to antibiotics. In fact garlic is so good at preventing a germs ability to grow that it’s said that just 1 milligram of allicin, a sulphur compound found in garlic, can have the same potency as 15 standard units of penicillin. Garlic contains more vitamin C per 100g than any of the other members of the onion family!

Ginger viewed by many as a spice, ginger deserves a place in your arsenal of immune support, it is antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and contains natural antibiotics. It can help boost the immune system by increasing circulation in the blood stream which helps the immune system by increasing the amount of oxygen getting to the tissues of the body which helps it to remove toxins and viruses. Ginger tea is an excellent remedy for colds and flu, you can also add ginger to soups and to bathes to help boost circulation.
Caution: Some people are allergic to ginger, avoid this herbs included if you are allergic to it.

Hyssop is yet another useful immune system boosting herb that has antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. Hyssop has traditionally been used to help the body fight off colds and flu, and is useful for respiratory infections and to help ease coughs, bronchial congestion, and sinus congestion. Add to teas and tisanes, use to flavour chicken soups and to make immune boosting syrups and elixirs.

Peppermint can be added to teas and gargles for sore throats and for stomach upsets, peppermint is antiviral and antimicrobial, and it also contains potassium, calcium and vitamin B, all useful constituents to help the immune system fight off viruses like colds and flu.

Sage is an herb that has antiseptic and antibacterial properties and like peppermint is an ideal herb to make into a tea or gargle for helping to soothe the throat and chest. Sage has expectorant and diaphoretic properties and is a great alley to the immune system in cases of respiratory illness, and infections where the immune response is to create excess mucous to eliminate the foreign body to the system.

Shiitake Mushrooms again like ginger and garlic, many people will categorise these mushrooms as culinary only, but these tasty mushrooms are antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and are used in Chinese Herbal Medicine for treating bronchial conditions. Recent studies have identified a phytonutrient compound called lentinan found in shiitake mushrooms, the compound is a polysaccharide that can help boost the immune system’s ability to deal with killer cells like cancer. Try mixing them with dried goji berries, ginger, garlic and echinacea root to make a delicious cold busting chicken soup like this Goji Berry & Chicken Soup (second recipe on page) a recipe from the first series of James Wong’s “Grow Your Own Drugs” programme which contains Shiitake Mushrooms.

Siberian Ginseng is another adaptogenic herb which may help the immune system by reducing levels of stress much like astragalus does. The herb contains constituents called eleutherosides, which are believed to stimulate the immune system. Recent studies have shown that when Siberian ginseng is taken within 72 hours of a cold or flu beginning, the duration of the illness can be significantly reduced. The root is antiviral and antioxidant, it can help the body to resist infection and increases oxygen in the blood which encourages the movement of foreign bodies from the body at a faster rate, and it also helps in cases of respiratory illness. Add to teas and tisanes, take in capsule form and add the root to soups and stews.

Hedgerow Fruits Elixir

This wonderful fruity elixir is full of immune boosting ingredients like elderberries which are antiviral and can help boost the immune system, the bilberries are antioxidant and can have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body. Sloe berries are full of vitamin C and have a depurative action which means they can help remove impurities from the body, they also have a febrifuge actions, which means they can help to reduce a fever.

Ingredients:

125g Dried Bilberries
125g Dried Elderberries
125g Dried Sloe Berries
125g Dried Rosehips
Cold Water to cover
100g Golden Castor Sugar (Per 100ml of finished fruit infusion)
15ml Brandy (Per 100ml of finished syrup)

Method: Put all the dried fruits in a pan and cover with enough cold water to cover, bring the water to the boil then turn down the heat and allow the berries to simmer until they are soft. Allow to cool slightly then strain through a nylon sieve or muslin cloth to remove any seeds or pips and tough skins from the fruit.

Measure the juice you have in a jug and calculate the amount of sugar you require, you will need 100g per 100ml of liquid, so 500ml will require 500g sugar. Once you’ve figured out how much sugar you need place the fruity liquid in a clean pan, add your sugar and bring the two to a boil stirring occasionally, once the liquid has come to the boil, turn down the heat and allow to simmer until the liquid is thick and syrupy, this takes between 25-40 minutes.

Once you have a syrupy consistency, allow the syrup to cool slightly then add 15ml of brandy for every 100ml of syrup. Bottle the syrup and store, the syrup with keep for 12 months unopened, but once opened keep it in the fridge and use it within 14 days. Take 1 teaspoon of elixir 3 times a day to help boost the immune system.

Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to source the most up to date and accurate information, we cannot guarantee that the remedies in our articles are effective, when in doubt, consult your GP or a qualified Medicinal Herbalist. Remember also that herbal remedies can be dangerous under certain circumstances therefore you should always seek medical advice before self-treating with a homemade remedy, especially if you are pregnant, breast feeding or suffer from any known illness which could be adversely affected by self-treatment.

Supporting The Immune System Herbally - Part 1

Image: Bruno Glätsch
Article: Debs Cook

Our immune systems, are made up of special cells, proteins, tissues, and organs, which together help the body to fight off infections from germs and prevent bacteria and other micro-organisms from attacking the body. When everything is working as it should, our immune systems do a fantastic job of keeping us healthy and infection free, but when the immune system gets compromised that’s when the problems begin. One of the common occurrences of compromised immune systems at this time of year is the rise in cases of cold and flu over the winter months.

The immune system doesn’t just help us fight of colds and flu, it also protects us from viruses such as chicken pox and mumps, and from harmful bacteria like e-coli and other forms of bacteria that can cause ear infection, meningitis and tonsillitis, so it’s important that you keep your immune system in tip top condition and keep it functioning properly to help you ward off these potential threats.

What Does Our Immune System Do?

The immune system has 3 types of responses depending on what the body is attempting to fight off, these are: - an anatomic response, an inflammatory response, and an immune response.

When the body exhibits an anatomic response, it reacts by attempting to physically prevent foreign bodies from entering the body. An example of an anatomic response would be the release of tears when a foreign body gets in to the eye to try and ‘flush’ it out, the mucous membranes and the skin provide the first line of defence to the body. If the foreign body still manages to take hold, the body exhibits its next line of defence which is the inflammatory response. The inflammatory response attempts to target the foreign body and eliminate it from the body, an example of this action is sneezing, producing mucus in the nose and chest and increases in body temperature to help eliminate foreign body.

If the inflammatory response fails to eradicate the foreign body the final stage kicks in, known as the immune response. The immune response forms the core of the immune system and is made up of white blood cells, which fight infection by eradicating antigens [a foreign or toxic invader to the body e.g. bacteria]. During times when the body is fighting off infection, around ¼ of the white blood cells in the body, known as lymphocytes, migrate to the lymph nodes and produce antibodies, which help the body to fight the illness. The lymphatic system is part of the circulatory system, and includes lymph nodes, vessels, the spleen, thymus, tonsils and the bone marrow.

The best way of ensuring that your immune system functions as it should, is to make sure you are doing everything you can to look after it. Every part of your body, including your immune system, functions better when it doesn’t have to fight off unnecessary onslaughts to its function, like the problems caused to the immune system by smoking and drinking alcohol. Other ways you can help your immune system are by taking regular exercise, cutting down caffeine consumption and maintaining a healthy weight. It will also be of great benefit if you keep your blood pressure under control, ensure you get enough sleep each night to help the body recover from daily stress and strain and eat a healthy diet full of antioxidant rich fruit and vegetables, whole grain foods and cut down on saturated fats.

Diet wise make sure you eat plenty of foods containing vitamin C and E, both of these vitamins help the immune system to function, vitamin C can be found in oranges, berries, and green leafy vegetables like broccoli and spinach. If you smoke, you especially need to boost your vitamin C intake because smoking reduces the rate that your body absorbs vitamin C. Taking vitamin E helps to prevent cell damage, it can be found in wholegrain cereals and sweet potatoes are a good source of vitamin E. Ensure you include enough omega-3 fatty acids from oily fish like salmon and trout and also by adding flaxseeds and oil to your diet, these fatty acids play a vital role in helping your immune system prevent problems such as heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis and skin problems like psoriasis.

Foods rich in natural probiotics such as live yogurt help to promote ‘friendly bacteria’ in the gut, these friendly bacteria can help your immune system fight off bacteria and disease that attack the digestive system. Eating starchy, wholegrain carbohydrate rich foods also benefits the digestive system, these foods will also help give the body energy to fight off infection. Minerals such selenium and zinc are also very beneficial to immune system health, so eat zinc and selenium rich foods such as pumpkin seeds and brazil nuts.

Join us next week for part 2 of this article which will look at 10 Immune Boosting Herbs and include a tasty recipe for Hedgerow Fruits Elixir.

Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to source the most up to date and accurate information, we cannot guarantee that the remedies in our articles are effective, when in doubt, consult your GP or a qualified Medicinal Herbalist. Remember also that herbal remedies can be dangerous under certain circumstances therefore you should always seek medical advice before self-treating with a homemade remedy, especially if you are pregnant, breast feeding or suffer from any known illness which could be adversely affected by self-treatment.

Herbs for Making Winter Tea’s

Image by Jill Wellington
Article: Debs Cook

Herb teas are tasty and most herbal teas are caffeine-free with the exception of teas such as Maté also known as Yerba Mate, and Green Tea, which contains some caffeine in this article we look at 12 of the most useful herbs for making herbal teas during the winter months.

Making a pot of herb tea is easy; add 1 tablespoon of dried herb or 1 teaspoon of ground spice such as cinnamon to every 600ml (1 pint) of water. Simply put the herb into a teapot or cafetière and pure over the boiling, stir, then leave to brew for 3-10 minutes depending on the herbs used and the strength of tea required. Strain, sweeten with honey or your preferred sweetener and serve.

Chamomile: A useful tea for young and old alike; it’s soothing and sedative and is great for helping to ease stomach ache, indigestion, nausea and helping insomnia. Chamomile also has anti-inflammatory properties; it is a bitter herb which can help to promote digestion. On its own its best to sweeten with honey as it can be too bitter for some, especially children. Cold leftover chamomile tea placed on cotton wool pads can be used to relieve tired eyes or used as a final rinse for light hair.

Cinnamon: This warming spice makes an excellent addition to a tea blend or used on its own; it helps to warm the body and boost circulation making it a great tea to take when suffering from colds and chills. Cinnamon has antiseptic, astringent and sedative properties and can be used to soothe stomach ache and diarrhoea. Use 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon in 600ml of water. Leftover cinnamon tea can be used as an antiseptic wash for minor cuts and abrasions or dabbed on to insect bites.

Fennel: Another tea that is great to drink when you have indigestion, it’s also a useful tea to drink when you have a windy stomach. Dieters have been known to drink fennel tea to help stave off hunger pangs. With its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties it’s been used to ease tooth and gum discomfort and to ease sore throats. For best results lightly crush your fennel seeds in a pestle & mortar before placing in to your teapot. Leftover fennel tea can be used as an aromatic rinse for the hair.
Caution: Fennel seed has diuretic properties and should not be taken by people with kidney problems.

Ginger: Another warming spice, it makes a good addition to teas to sip when you have a chesty cough with its warming and expectorant properties. Ginger is also antiseptic, detoxifying and digestive. It can help to bring down a fever and break down catarrh and phlegm, soothe indigestion and warm the body when suffering from chills. Ginger tea is also a pleasant means of reducing the nausea which is experienced by some people when travelling; take a flask of ginger tea with you to sip during the journey. Leftover ginger tea can be used as a wash for minor cuts and grazes, it can also be added to foot baths to help boost circulation.
Caution: Some people are allergic to ginger, avoid this herbs included if you are allergic to it.

Hibiscus: Also known in some countries as ‘Sorrel’ is a great herb to drink as a tea when a fever needs reducing, with its febrifuge (cooling) properties hibiscus can help to bring down a fever; it’s also contains vitamin C, a useful vitamin to include in your diet when suffering from colds and flu. It’s great for helping digestion and for improving the appetite, combine it with rosehip to boost the vitamin C value.

Lemon Balm: This delicious citrusy tea is useful to have in the cupboard not just in the winter but all the year round, it has antiviral, digestive and antibacterial properties and is terrific for helping to soothe stressed nerves, tension headaches and for helping to combat insomnia. Its analgesic properties make it useful for easing tooth and gum pain, try swilling a warm infusion of lemon balm tea around the mouth to ease aching gums. Lemon balm tea can also bring relief to mild cases of ingestion and may calm stomach cramps most often associated with period pain. Leftover lemon balm tea can be added to lotions for treating cold sores.

Liquorice Root: This aromatic anise scented and flavoured root makes a tasty way of adding natural sweetness to tea blends, on its own it’s useful as a tea to sip when suffering from chesty coughs. It’s antispasmodic, expectorant and emollient properties make it soothing to the lungs and bronchia and can help relieve congestion. Liquorice root is also useful for soothing heartburn; combine with peppermint for maximum effect.
Caution: Pregnant women should not consume liquorice, neither should people with heart, liver or kidney problems, those people suffering from diabetes, high blood pressure or problems with fluid retention should also avoid liquorice. It should also be noted that liquorice can interact with certain medications, including diuretics, ACE inhibitors, corticosteroids, laxatives, diabetes medications, oral contraceptives, MAO inhibitors, steroids, blood pressure medications, hormone therapy and digoxin. If you take any of these types of medicines consult your GP before you include liquorice in your daily diet.

Peppermint: This is the tea most commonly associated with the ability to ease an upset stomach and aid digestion, but did you know that peppermint tea also has analgesic, antiviral, antiseptic, refrigerant (cooling when used externally) and tonic properties? Peppermint can also be a warming and stimulating herb when taken as a tea and has been used for centuries for its soothing properties and its ability to ease stomach aches, indigestion, nausea, hiccough and heartburn. Leftover peppermint tea can be added to mouthwashes and used as an antiseptic wash for minor cuts and abrasions.

Rosehip: A tea made from rosehips can help boost your vitamin C levels, which is beneficial when suffering from winter colds and flu. They have astringent, refrigerant and anti-inflammatory properties and are rich in antioxidants and bio-flavonoids. Rosehips can also have a mild laxative effect and are mildly diuretic; they have been used for centuries to help de-stress the body and have been used as a general tonic for the blood. Use leftover cold rosehip tea to cleanse and nourish the skin.

Rosemary: As a tea or infusion, rosemary is drunk when suffering from migraine and minor headaches, with its antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal and astringent properties it’s another beneficial winter tea, its warming and stimulating and can help ease congestion, soothe coughs, clear phlegm and soothe a sore throat. Rosemary tea has a wonderful tonic action that is beneficial to the nervous system and the mind. It can also act as a digestive and can soothe colicky cramps and spasms. Leftover rosemary tea can be added to lotions and creams for the skin, it can also be used as a mouthwash and an antiseptic skin wash.

Sage: At the first sign of a sore throat, sip a cup of sage tea with honey, sage is highly antiseptic and is great for soothing sore throats, and easing chest complaints such as bronchitis, and also for reducing congestion due to catarrh and phlegm. Sage is also astringent, antioxidant and digestive, it’s been used to ease period pain and to lessen the effects of hot flushes in menopausal women. Sage tea can also be drunk to ease nausea, settle the stomach and to relieve indigestion. Leftover cold sage tea can be used as a wash for minor cuts and sores or added to homemade mouthwashes to soothe mouth ulcers and sore gums.

Thyme: Another highly antiseptic herb that is antibacterial, antiseptic and astringent. Thyme is also a warming and stimulating herb that can help ease chesty coughs and bronchial problems with its expectorant properties. It makes a useful addition to teas to soothe the body in cases of exhaustion and anxiety, lemon thyme shares the same properties and also makes a tasty tea for sore throats and coughs. Thyme tea can also be used in steam inhalers to help open the nasal passages when blocked due to congestion. Leftover thyme tea can be added to gargles for sore throats and used as an antiseptic in creams and lotions; it can also be used to wash minor cuts and grazes.

Lemon Thyme Soother

Ingredients:

1 Teaspoon Dried Lemon Thyme
1 Litre Organic Lemonade.
Honey to serve.

Method: This wonderfully soothing lemon drink is ideal for helping to ease a sore throat and it is simplicity in itself to make. Bring 1 litre of organic lemonade to the boil in a pan, to which you’ve added some dried lemon thyme leaves, turn off the heat and leave to steep for 10-15 minutes, add a teaspoon of honey and warm the drink through again if needed. Sip it slowly to soothe a sore throat and ease nasal congestion.

Good Winter Herbal Tea Combinations To Try:-

Chamomile & Lemon Balm, for sleeplessness.
Liquorice & Peppermint, for heartburn.
Hibiscus & Rosehip, for immune boosting.
Sage & Thyme, for sore throat and congestion.
Cinnamon & Peppermint, for digestion.

Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to source the most up to date and accurate information, we cannot guarantee that the remedies in our articles are effective, when in doubt, consult your GP or a qualified Medicinal Herbalist. Remember also that herbal remedies can be dangerous under certain circumstances therefore you should always seek medical advice before self-treating with a homemade remedy, especially if you are pregnant, breast feeding or suffer from any known illness which could be adversely affected by self-treatment.

Five Useful Herbs for Winter

Image by Marina Pershina
Article by Debs Cook

There are many herbs and spices that can be of benefit during the winter such as black pepper, cinnamon, cloves, echinacea, elderberries, garlic, marshmallow, turmeric and yarrow, all of which are excellent herbal ally’s when the winter months arrive. I’ll write about some of the above in more detail in the future, but for now I wanted to focus on five herbs that I recall my Nanna making use of in the winter.

We'll start with Eldeflower,  which are often considered to be highly effective in managing upper respiratory congestion and infections. Although these fragrant flowers are most often associated with summer cordials and soothing eye gels, they make a useful winter friend, and can be perfect for drying up a runny or blocked nose. The flowers contain flavonoids and small amounts of mucilage and tannins, a perfect combination for soothing, healing and protecting mucous membranes. Elderflower's are a key ingredient in the classic winter cold and flu blend and were often added to lotions and creams to help protect the skin from drying winds.We have a lovely recipe for making Elder & Lemon Thyme Throat Lozenges at the end of this article.

Next up we have Ginger which featured in one of my Nanna’s favourite cough treatments which involved mixing a pinch of ground ginger with a teaspoon of honey, it wasn’t for the children as the resulting medicine produced a burning sensation in the throat which was hard for children to deal with. The adults thought it was a worthwhile remedy because it helped treat the winter cough that accompanied colds and flu, I’ve come across another version of Nanna’s remedy which called for the pinch of ginger to be mixed with ¼ teaspoon of sugar, I guess a spoonful of sugar does help the medicine go down after all! In traditional Chinese medicine, hot ginger tea is taken at the first sign of a cold is believed to offer the possibility of averting the infection. It should be noted that some people can be allergic to ginger, if you are one of these people than avoid consuming ginger its consumption.

Rosemary has such universal uses, that I can easily understand why Nanna wouldn’t be without it, its antiviral, astringent, anti-inflammatory, diaphoretic, a stimulant, stomachic and has tonic properties make it a powerful winter ally. I use fresh and dried rosemary (depending what I have available) in steam inhalations to help unblock the nose and get you breathing easily again.

Rosemary has been valued for its stimulant, stomachic and tonic properties for centuries, in fact Robert James an 18th century physician and author of the ‘Pharmacopoeia universalis’ published in 1747, wrote that rosemary when made in to a conserve was an “excellent remedy in vertigoes arising from a cold cause, as also in cold distempers, in consequence whereof it is an excellent stomachic.” In “A Lyttle Herbal” published in 1550 the ability for rosemary to fight off infection was highlighted, this time as a vinegar the author wrote “Take the flower of rosemary and boyle them in fayre cleane water to the half and cole [cool] it, and drynke it for it is much worthe against the evyls of the body.” Rosemary was also an effective means of preventing infection and disease and was one of the ingredients added to Marseilles Vinegar which helped to prevent infection when the plague struck in France in the 17th century.

Sage is another universal herb, the name Salvia derives from the Latin 'salveo', which means to heal, my Nanna used sage's healing properties to great effect in winter, chickens were plastered with the leaves before roasting, leaves were chopped and made into stuffing’s, added to soups and stews and they went into liniments, syrups and gargles for sore throats. The anti-bacterial, antiseptic, astringent, carminative, stimulant and tonic properties makes sage an excellent herb to have on stand-by in the winter.

Nanna made a gargle for sore throats that contained sage, honey and lemon juice, if anybody complained of a sore throat they were given the gargle. Her sage gargle was where I first discovered that dried sage tasted better than fresh sage, something I still believe to this day, drying sage mellows the flavour making it less bitter and sharp to the taste buds. The volatile oils present in sage have an excellent antiseptic effect which can be of benefit to the upper respiratory tract and to help clear the throat and lungs of infection, and help to minimise congestion in other parts of the body. Sage can also help to stimulate the digestion, which is the real reason we have sage and onion stuffing when we eat fatty meats like pork.

Finally Thyme, the volatile oils in thyme are an effective antimicrobial which makes it an excellent way of easing respiratory infections. When you add thyme to food and home remedies it can also help to combat infections, it is wonderfully antiseptic, carminative, diaphoretic, disinfectant, expectorant, sedative and a tonic to the system, making it another useful herbal ally for winter. Thyme went in to the steam inhalations when the cold was on the chest as well as in the nose, it’s an excellent decongestant and was added to teas and soups, as grew older I came to favour using lemon thyme in teas as it has a much nicer flavour, and less bitter than thyme itself. my favourite cold cure recipe for Lemon Thyme Throat Soother can be found at the end of next weeks Herbs for making Winter Teas article.

Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to source the most up to date and accurate information, we cannot guarantee that the remedies in our articles are effective, when in doubt, consult your GP or a qualified Medicinal Herbalist. Remember also that herbal remedies can be dangerous under certain circumstances therefore you should always seek medical advice before self-treating with a homemade remedy, especially if you are pregnant, breast feeding or suffer from any known illness which could be adversely affected by self-treatment.

Herbal Summer Travel Essentials

When you’re away on holiday sometimes you can experience cuts, bruises, upset tummies, sleeplessness and a variety of other minor ailments. It’s not always easy to go to a doctor or find medical support whilst away, so taking a small kit of essential herbal supplies that includes things such as plasters, bandages and gauze, and a selection of herbs, herbal oils and creams away with you, can be of great benefit for taking care of minor cuts, bruises and attacks of nausea and headaches. Here’s a few to consider packing for your travels: -

Aloe Vera Gel – Gels or lotions made from aloe vera are excellent for using to soothe minor burns, scalds and also sunburn. All you need to do is apply the gel to the affected area and let it do its work.

Calendula Cream – Calendula is both antiseptic and anti-inflammatory, it’s a lovely soothing cream that can be used for minor cuts, grazes, insect bites and also nappy rash. Ensure cuts and grazes are thoroughly cleaned and free of any dirt or grit before you apply calendula cream.

Chickweed Cream – This remedy is often used to help sooth eczema, but it is also a useful cream to have in your remedy box, it can help sooth minor burns or scalds. Chickweed also has the ability to help draw out impurities from the skin in things like boils and abscesses, it also rather useful for helping to remove splinters from the skin and soothing insect bites and stings.

Comfrey Ointment – Is great for applying to sprains, swelling and bruising. Although comfrey does encourage cell growth and can help heal up cuts quite quickly, it is not antiseptic and its rapid healing properties can lead to abscesses if is used on a wound that has not been thoroughly cleaned, so ensure that you have thoroughly cleaned the wound and preferably used an antiseptic cream before applying comfrey ointment.

Tinctures of Arnica and Witch Hazel – Both of these tinctures are useful added to water and made in to a compress to help bring relief to tired and aching legs and can also speed up the healing factor of bruising. Witch hazel tincture can also be added to soothing lotions for soothing minor burns and sunburn and because of its astringent nature it can help minor cuts and grazes to stop bleeding. Add a little witch hazel tincture to water and use a cotton wool ball soaked in the solution to help clean the cut or graze and staunch the blood flow. It’s also useful for taking the sting out of insect bites.

Herbal Teas

Herbal teas can also double as skin washes and rinses, good tea herbs include fennel for digestive upsets, lemon balm for headaches, especially irritating tension headaches and elderflower and yarrow are good to have if there is a chance that you could pick up a cold whilst away, both are excellent anti-catarrhal herbs and can help to reduce fevers.

Chamomile Tea - An infusion of Chamomile flowers can be taken as herbal tea for nervous upsets, it’s soothing and gentle and useful to sip if you’re having problems sleeping. Chamomile tea can be turned in to a steam inhalant to help sufferers of hay fever get some relief, but make sure that you’re not allergic to members of the asteraceae family first! Left to go cold and some cotton wool pads placed in it, it can be placed on the eyes to help bring relief to tired eyes. The tea can also be used as a hair rinse to lighten blonde hair, and added to a facial steam to help cleanse the skin of impurities.

Ginger Powder - Ginger powder can be taken to help relieve the symptoms of dyspepsia - heartburn, bloating and flatulence - and morning sickness, indigestion and period cramps, it can be taken as a tea or in capsule form. It may also help to bring relief to arthritic and rheumatic pains, soothe migraine headaches and soothe tired and aching muscles.

Peppermint Tea – Is good for soothing nausea, upset stomachs and IBS, like ginger it can also be taken for dyspepsia. If symptoms last more than three days seek professional advice. Peppermint tea that has been allowed to cool can be used as a hair rinse for greasy hair, and as a facial tonic, or added to a foot bath to help sooth tired aching feet. Cold peppermint tea can be used as a cold compress to help sooth tension headaches. Try combining ginger and peppermint and drinking as a tea to get the best from both herbs.

Essential Oils

There are a number of essential oils that can be useful to add to your holiday essentials kit, rosemary oil is great when diluted in a carrier oil for easing aches and pains caused by arthritis and rheumatism. Thyme oil is a great antiseptic and it’s also antispasmodic to, so it’s useful to massage into cramping and aching muscles, after it’s been diluted in a suitable carrier oil of course!

If you’re going abroad, chances are that mosquitoes will be a problem, the oil most often used to repel mosquitoes is citronella, but oils that contain citronellol and geraniol such as basil, cedarwood, eucalyptus, geranium, lavender, lemongrass, rosemary and tea tree all have insect repelling properties. Use any of the oils mentioned above or below at a ratio of 2-3 drops of essential oil to 1 tsp of carrier oil and rub on to the skin to deter flying pests.

Citronella Essential Oil – Is an excellent way to deter fleas and flying insects such as mosquitoes, in general it only works in close proximity and if used in a bug deterrent spray it needs to be applied often. Add to citronella oil to lotions, creams and soaps, and to shampoos for the hair. Add to washing water for floors and surfaces where antiseptic, insect repelling and antibacterial properties are required.

Lavender Essential Oil – Diluted in a suitable carrier oil, lavender oil can be used to soothe bites and stings, its antiseptic and antibacterial properties may help prevent a bite or sting from becoming infected and it can help the skin to heal. When diluted in a suitable carrier oil it can be used on minor burns, cuts and grazes and can speed up the healing process. A few drops on your pillow may help you get to sleep, and diluted it may help ease headaches and migraines. Add to lotions, creams, soaps, face masks, foot powders and bath salts for the skin, and shampoos for the hair.

Tea Tree Essential Oil – Like lavender, tea tree oil is antiseptic, antibacterial and it’s also anti-fungal, diluted in a suitable carrier oil it can be used topically to ease cold sores and if applied when the first symptoms appear may stop the sore developing all together, it’s also useful for applying to warts, and other fungal infections such as athlete’s foot. Add to shampoos for dandruff sufferers, lotions, creams, balms, salves, washes and soaps where an antiseptic and antimicrobial action is required.

Debs Cook is the IT Media Manager for the DHM, she is a self confessed herbaholic who loves to write about the way herbs were once used and about the herbalists that used them. You can find out more about Debs over on her Herbal haven blog.

Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to source the most up to date and accurate information, we cannot guarantee that remedies in our articles are effective, when in doubt, consult your GP or a qualified Medicinal Herbalist. Remember also that herbal remedies can be dangerous under certain circumstances therefore you should always seek medical advice before self-treating with a homemade remedy, especially if you are pregnant, breast feeding or suffer from any known illness which could be adversely affected by self-treatment.

Spiced Fig & Rosemary Syrup

Article by Debs Cook

We are just around the corner from the over indulgences that the festive season presents to the delicate balance of our digestive systems causing upset and discomfort. In days gone by, our ancestors would have turned to good old syrup of figs when constipation took hold, a remedy that certainly got things moving again, but for some the remedy was worse than the problem it set out to cure; although it wasn’t as bad as another old remedy for constipation, the dreaded castor oil!

For some, figs are the Marmite of the herbal world, you either love them or hate them or your digestive system does. This modern day version of the old fashioned syrup of figs recipe, is loosely (pun intended) based on an recipe from herbalist Christopher Hedley - I discovered the recipe when I used to edit the website for the Herb Society many moons ago. The rich fruitiness of the figs is complimented by the warming herbs and spices, all of which help to get a sluggish digestive system moving again.

Makes 6 x 100ml or 2 x 300ml Bottles

16 Dried Figs
500ml Water
250ml Runny Honey
2 Tbsp. Dried Rosemary
1 Tbsp. Ground Ginger
3 Whole Cloves
1 Bay Leaf
1 Cinnamon Stick, broken
Juice & Zest of 1 Whole Orange

Method: Dice the figs into small pieces and put them in a pan, take a little muslin bag or use a tea ball if you have one and place the cinnamon, cloves and rosemary in it, then add this to the pan along with the bay leaf, simmer these ingredients in 500ml of water until they are soft and tender, this will take 15-20 minutes. After this time pour the figgy liquid into a jug, discard the spices and bay leaf but reserve the cooked figs.

Make the contents of the jug back up to 500ml with cold water and add the honey to the liquid, then heat the mixture through gently, stirring all the time, until the honey has dissolved.

Remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly, then add the orange juice and zest, ground ginger and the cooked figs and put the mixture in to an electric blender and blend together until the syrup is smooth. Pour the syrup into clean, sterilized amber glass bottles, label and store in a cool place. The syrup will keep for 2-3 months if stored in the fridge.

Take 1- 2 dessert-spoons when the digestive system needs a boost. Small children, 1-2 tsp up to three or four times a day, or until relief is obtained.

Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to source the most up to date and accurate information, we cannot guarantee that the old remedies in our articles are effective, when in doubt, consult your GP or a qualified Medicinal Herbalist. Remember also that herbal remedies can be dangerous under certain circumstances therefore you should always seek medical advice before self-treating with a homemade remedy, especially if you are pregnant, breast feeding or suffer from any known illness which could be adversely affected by self-treatment.

7 Healing Herbs Found in the Kitchen

Article by Debs Cook

There is a quote that is attributed to Hippocrates the 5th century father of herbal medicine that goes "Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food", although some people believe that its a misquotation, whether it is or not, there is a lot of truth in the quote today with all that science continues to show us about the medicinal properties of herbs. Yet when most people step in to the kitchen to prepare the mint sauce that they will have with their Sunday lunch, they are doing it for flavour and not because they are aware of any medicinal benefits that mint in the mint sauce can provide.

When cooking, most of us know that a little basil will enhance the flavour of tomatoes and that sage can be a perfect partner for poultry dishes, and in kitchens across the world herbs are used to create flavour sensations and bring out the flavours of so many dishes, but what about the health boosting benefits of these herbs? Like spices, a topic we’ll visit soon, culinary herbs aren’t just flavour enhancers they have powerful health benefits such as antioxidant, anti-bacterial, digestive, diuretic and carminative properties, they can help to keep the memory sharp and calm an upset stomach, choosing the right combinations of herbs to add to your meals, really can result in food being your medicine.

Basil contains compounds which help the stomach to digest food, gas - sometimes referred to as wind - is caused by undigested or poorly digested food, basil can help reduce intestinal gas and aid digestion. Scientists believe that the eugenol found in basil, that is also found in cloves is partly responsible for the digestive effect of basil, eugenol helps to ease muscle spasms.

As well as aiding the stomach to digest food basil also has antibacterial, antimicrobial, antidepressant, antioxidant, anti-rheumatic, antispasmodic, aromatic, carminative, emmenagogue, galactogogue, ophthalmic, stomachic and tonic properties. Basil oil mixed with Sweet Orange oil was subject to a study in 2012 on the effectiveness of anti-microbial formulations for acne, with improvements to the skin of up to 75% in those taking part.

The herb contains volatile oils including linalool which has insect repelling properties and methyl chavicol which is being studied for its hepatotoxic properties. Flavonoids including cineole and methyl cinnamate help to generate the balsamic, cinnamon like aroma of basil. Organic compounds present include rosmarinic acid which is being studied worldwide for its antiviral, antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Fennel Seeds have aperitif, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, antiseptic, anti-spasmodic, carminative, depurative, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, galactogogue, laxative, stimulant, stomachic, tonic and vermifuge properties. Fennel seeds contain around 50-60% volatile oils including anethole, fenchone, limonene and methyl-chavicol, the latter is highly antiseptic and stimulating to the nervous system and also the immune system.

Fennel also contains anisic aldehyde a compound that is very similar in composition to the vanillin found in vanilla, both chemicals are disliked by insects such as mosquitos. The seeds also contain antioxidant, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory flavonoids including glucuronide, quercetin and rutin. The seeds also contain polysaccharides, tannins, resin, minerals including calcium, copper, magnesium, manganese and phosphorus, and vitamins including A, B1, B2, B3, B6 and C.

The seeds and extract are used by herbalists to relieve intestinal spasms or cramps due to its carminative properties, more recently studies have linked fennel with the ability to reduce pain, cramps, and duration of dysmenorrhea and give a reduction in symptoms. The carminative properties of fennel helps it to ease bloating, wind, and digestive spasms in the small and large intestines, sipping a mug of fennel tea can may prove beneficial to people with digestive upsets. Fennel has also been used to help eradicate bad breath, especially if the problem causing the bad breath is coming from the intestines.

Garlic has anthelmintic, anti-asthmatic, anti-bacterial, anti-cholesterolemic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, cholagogue, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, febrifuge, fungicide, hypoglycaemic, repellent, stimulant, stomachic, tonic and vasodilator properties.

Chemically garlic contains many useful volatile oils including allinin, which converts from allicin a sulphur rich organic compound found in garlic which is currently undergoing studies for its potential anti-thrombotic and anti-inflammatory properties. Garlic contains and rich source of vitamins including A, B, C and E and minerals including, calcium, copper, iron and selenium.

The polyphenol content in garlic is responsible for its antioxidant properties one such polyphenol contained in garlic is allixin which is being studied in relation to developing drugs for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders of the brain. Plant sugars including myrosinase are also found in garlic. Proteins, lipids, amino acids are also found in garlic, as are sulphur compounds which are also found in other members of the allium and mustard families, in garlic sulphur compounds include antioxidant ajoene, allylpropl which is one of the constituents that make eyes water when garlic and onions are cut, and sallylcysteine which is currently undergoing research for its potential to lower cholesterol levels.

A new study looking at Garlic for Hypertension, published in March of 2015 by the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences in Beijing, looked at garlic’s ability to reduce blood pressure and to evaluate the efficacy of garlic in hypertensive patients concluded that “…garlic is an effective and safe approach for hypertension.”

Marjoram is a close relative of oregano and has a host of beneficial properties including: - Analgesic, anaphrodisiac, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, cholagogue, diaphoretic, digestive, disinfectant, emmenagogue, expectorant, hypotensive, sedative, stimulant, stomachic, tonic and vasodilating.
It contains monoterpenes including borneol, linalool, sabinene hydrate and terpineol, all of which have antiseptic and anti-viral properties.

Other monoterpenes include carvacrol at around 50%, which can help to inhibit the growth of bacteria, which is why it’s often added to foods to help prevent bacterial contamination. Pinene which is a natural insect repellent, sabinene is also present and contributes to the spicy note to the fragrance of marjoram.

Marjoram also contains bioflavonoids including caffeic acid, which has shown to have immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties in laboratory tests. Rosmarinic acid, another bioflavonoid found in marjoram also has an ant-inflammatory action and like caffeic acid has antioxidant properties. A recent study into ‘The effect of Marjoram (Origanum majorana) Tea on the Hormonal Profile of Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome’ published by the Department of Nutrition and Food Technology, Jordan in February 2015 looked at how ‘in traditional medicine, marjoram is reputed for its ability to restore hormonal balance and to regulate the menstrual cycle.’ The study concluded that “the beneficial effects of marjoram tea on the hormonal profile of PCOS women because it was found to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the levels of adrenal androgens.”

Peppermint is another aromatic herb which is often associated with its ability to soothe an upset stomach, the herb has a wealth of beneficial properties including: - Anodyne, antiseptic, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-parasitic, aromatic, carminative, cholagogue, diaphoretic, refrigerant, stomachic, stimulant, tonic and vasodilating. Amongst its chemical constituents peppermint contains volatile oils including menthol which can be used as a topical analgesic to relieve minor aches and pains, like muscle cramps, sprains and headaches, it also gets added to decongestant formulas and remedies for dyspepsia. Peppermint also contains the flavonoids luteolin which has anti-inflammatory properties and rutin, another anti-inflammatory constituent that also has antioxidant properties.

Pulegone found in peppermint oil has insecticidal properties, as does the eucalyptol. Peppermint also contains phenolic acids which include rosmarinic acid which has anti-inflammatory properties and salicylic acid which also has anti-inflammatory as well as pain relieving properties, but products containing it should be avoided by people who are allergic to salicylates. Triterpenoids like ursolic acid are also present, ursolic acid is currently being studied for its potential use as a cardio-protective drug. Tannins, resins and a variety of vitamins including B complex and C and minerals including potassium, magnesium and selenium are also present.

Peppermint oil is stimulating to the senses, and as such it has recently been studied for its ability to improve exercise performance, in January 2014, researchers at the Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences in Iran, published a study on the ‘Instant effects of peppermint essential oil on the physiological parameters and exercise performance.’ Results of the study ‘revealed significant improvement in all of the variables after oral administration of peppermint essential oil. Experimental group compared with control group showed an incremental and a significant increase in the grip force (36.1%), standing vertical jump (7.0%), and standing long jump (6.4%).’

Rosemary is yet another wonderfully aromatic herb that has antiseptic properties, it also has antispasmodic, antiviral, aromatic, astringent, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardiac, carminative, cholagogue, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, nervine, ophthalmic, stimulant, stomachic and tonic properties. Chemical constituents in rosemary include tannins, volatile oils of borneol which helps rosemary with its insect repelling properties and camphor which as well as being a repellent is also an antimicrobial. Rosemary also contains flavonoids, including apigenin which is a natural yellow dye that was once used to dye wool, it also contains disomin which is undergoing research for its potential to treat neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's it also has anti-inflammatory properties.

Rosmarinic acid is found in rosemary, it was first identified as a chemical compound in 1958, it is found in many other plants of the lamiaceae family to which rosemary belongs, including basil, lemon balm and peppermint, the compound has antiviral, antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The tritepenoid ursolic acid found in rosemary is used in the manufacture of some antitumor agents, other Triterpenoids found in rosemary include betulinic acid which is known for its anti-retroviral, anti-malarial, and anti-inflammatory properties. A recent study published in July 2015 by the Laboratory of Human and Animal Physiology in Greece and their partners looked at the consumption of Rosemary Tea and its ability to function as an anxiolytic and to have an anti-depressant like behaviour.

Sage, historically has a strong affinity with the mouth and throat and was used as a gargle for easing sore throats and as a means of treating tooth problems such as gingivitis. It was said to help the teeth and gums and became a popular ingredient in tooth powders of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Sage is prized in many cultures for its healing and medicinal properties, it has anti-bacterial, anti-diarrhoeal, anti-hydrotic, antiseptic, anti-spasmodic, aromatic, astringent, carminative, cholagogue, emmenagogue, galactofuge, stimulant, tonic and vasodilator properties. It’s also taken by many women approaching the menopause for helping to reduce night sweats and hot flushes.

Its chemical composition includes volatile oils, amongst them borneol which is a natural insect repellent and caryophyllene which has anti-inflammatory properties as well as being insect repelling. Sage also contains diterpenes and triterpenes, one of the major triterpenes is ursolic acid, which is being researched for its potential to induce apoptosis in certain types of cancer cells. Phenolic compounds in sage include rosmarinic acid which has antiviral, antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Sage is also rich in flavonoids, salvigenin has cytotoxic and immunomodulatory properties whilst hispidulin is anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Glucosides, plant sterols and tannins are also present. Sage is also being linked to being able to potentially treat dementia and cognitive impairment due to its anti-inflammatory nature, a study published in June 2014 by the Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine in Italy looked at ‘Salvia officinalis L. and Salvia lavandulaefolia L. which both have a longstanding use as traditional herbal remedies that can enhance memory and improve cognitive functions. Pharmacological actions of S. officinalis and S. lavandulaefolia on healthy subjects and on patients suffering of cognitive decline have been investigated. Aim of this review was to summarize published clinical trials assessing effectiveness and safety of S. officinalis and S. lavandulaefolia in the enhancement of cognitive performance in healthy subjects and neurodegenerative illnesses.’

Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to source the most up to date and accurate information, we cannot guarantee that remedies in our articles are effective, when in doubt, consult your GP or a qualified Medicinal Herbalist. Remember also that herbal remedies can be dangerous under certain circumstances therefore you should always seek medical advice before self-treating with a homemade remedy, especially if you are pregnant, breast feeding or suffer from any known illness which could be adversely affected by self-treatment.