Natural Herbs For The Flu

In a viral infection the virus gets attached to the walls of the mucous membranes in the respiratory tract causing flu symptoms. Natural herbs provide an effective way to combat viral infections. The following herbs are the most popular flu herbs being used by herbalists today.

Cats claw is a multipurpose herb that treats asthma, inflammations of the urinary tract, arthritis, rheumatism, and bone pain. It is a cleanser herb for the kidney. Women used it to recover from childbirth. Also, it was used to cure deep wounds; inflammation and gastric ulcers. It is now used as a cure against viral diseases also. Cats claw is a woody vine that has thorns growing on the vine that look like the claws of a cat. It can reach over 30 m high into the canopy and has small, yellowish-white flowers. Cats claw is found in South America in the Amazon rain forest of Peru.

Pau darco is a herb derived from the inner bark of the Tabebuia Avellanedae/Tabebuia Impetiginosa (Taheebo) tree in South America. Its tea has been used for cancer victims. Lapachol is a chemical derived from pau darco, is active against viral diseases, is effective against the malarial parasite, inhibits herpes simplex, and restricts the virus that causes cold sores. Low doses of pau darco chemicals activate the immune system.

Jergon sacha is found in the Amazon forest, and in the rainforests of Brazil, Suriname, and Guyana, Peru, Colombia, and Ecuador rainforests. The juice of the fresh rhizomes of Jergon sacha is used as an antidote for spider bites, and for wounds of poisonous dart and arrow. The powdered tuberous rhizome of Jergon sacha is used orally to treat asthma, menstrual disorders, and whooping cough. The root powder of Jergon sacha is used for scabies. The decoction made out of the whole plant of Jergon sacha is put in baths for gout. It is also fancied as treatment for HIV/AIDS, cancerous tumors, gastrointestinal problems, hernias, hand tremors, heart palpitations, and enhancement of immune function.

Echinacea is one of the popular flu herbs in activating the immune system. It can be taken before an aliment happens, in anticipation. Ginseng is another one of the popular flu herbs to increase resistance to stress and disease along with improved energy and stamina. Hyssop can be used as a tea to reduce coughs and congestion. Garlic is a well known flu herb that supports the immune system combat infection. Onion has similar properties as Garlic and should be cooked with food during cold attacks. Ginger contains a dozen antiviral compounds, relieves pain, prevents and treats colds, sore throats and inflammation of mucus membranes. Peppermint treats bronchitis, colds and flu and reduces fevers by inducing sweating which cools the body. It works as a decongestant clearing blocked sinuses. Herbs like Lemon Balm tea promotes sweating and eliminates the toxins from the body. Catnip is good for feverish colds and the flu. Fenugreek is another flu herb that is used for sore throats and coughs. Juniper relieves coughs and flu is its steam after it is boiled with water is inhaled.

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Author: Patricia McDougall

Patricia McDougall B.Sc. is a
Chartered Herbalist and graduate of the
Dominion Herbal College, Canada.
Patricia is the Director of
Research and Development for
Amazon Botanicals LLC,
a leading manufacturer of
Amazon herbal preparations.
http://www.amazon-botanicals.com/Flu_herbs_s/37.htm
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Canadian Rosemary and Cheese Muffin Treats in Bulgaria

It was such a delight that even here in Bulgaria you can recreate a recipe that originated in Canada. We had some Canadian friends over and they took charge of the cooking. one evening The highlight of that Canadian food festival in Bulgaria was a herb based recipe that exceeded all expectations. Muffins with Rosemary and Goat's Cheese! Goat's cheese here in Bulgaria is called sirene.

They gave me the recipe and I have laid it out here for everyone to share.

The combination of rosemary, rasins goat cheese blend in to make a taste uniques and very special. These muffins were served alongside wild game this time round, but can be just as good with lamb, or pork dishes or even with salad.

Take note and enjoy this rosemary based herb dish.

Rosemary and Cheese Muffins Recipe

Serves 12

Ingredients:

¾ cups Fresh full fat milk
¾ cups White raisins
1 tbsp Freshly chopped rosemary
¼ cups Unsalted butter
1½ cups Sieved White Plain flour
½ cups Sugar
2 tsp Baking powder
¼ tsp Salt
1 Large Egg
8 tbsp Goat's cheese (Bulgarian sirene cheese)

Method:

Place the milk in a saucepan and warm a very low heat, add the butter and stir until melted. Remove from the heat an let stand for around thirty minutes until cooled down.

Mix the raisins, rosemary, sugar, flour and baking powder in a large bowl. Take the egg and whisk into the cooled milk/butter mixture. Add the ingredients from the bowl and mix lightly just until everything is moist. Taking 12 greased muffin cups, ladel one third of the batter into them. Then put 2 teaspoons of goat cheee in centre of batter in each respective cup. Top the cups, covering the cheese with with remaining batter equally. Bake for around 20 minutes in a preheated oven at 350F or to the point of the muffins having turned brown with a spring in the centre.

Notes:
You can serve these muffins hot or cold or cream cheese may be substituted for goat cheese. Even without any cheese at all these lovely Candian folk tell me that these muffins remain a superb treat! I don't doubt it.

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