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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St John's Wort - No St John's Medical Assistance Needed

I have seen the herb St John's Wort ever since I can remember but in supermarkets, health shops and chemist as a processed medicine in various forms I thought it was about time it was looked into, after all, the products off the shelf all originate form the natural herb of St John Wort.

Why can't we find or grow our own St John's Wort and produce homemade tonics instead of paying high street prices? This is a versatile herb that can be used as a an effective medicine both internally and externally, as a drink, a flavourer, a dye and allegedly like so many other herbs brings out magical powers.

St John's Wort is also known as Tipton's Weed, Goat Weed or Klamath Weed. There are around 370 species of this herb from all around the world. St John's Wort is well known as an effective herbal treatment for many ailments. Medicinal use of the herb dates back to ancient Greece.

It can treat severe depression, alcohol cravings alongside bed wetting, and insomnia. It has been found to slow down or restrict the growth of HIV and AIDS in animals, watch this space. The oil extract of St. John's Wort is used for intestinal and stomach problems with the lotion form speeding up the healing of many skin problems, especially sunburns.

In Germany it is used for mild depression, especially in children and teenagers mainly based on the fact that it is cheaper and just as affective as more conventional medical remedies. Native Americans use it for anti-inflammatory, astringent and antiseptic symptoms.

It has yellow flowers and is a perennial herb, which grows wild in many meadows. It like well drained sunny positions where it will thrive. It used to be used to dispel evil by hanging plants over a picture in the house during St John's day after St John the Baptist. With this, the name St John comes from the history of its flowers and harvest on St John's day, 24 June. The word 'Wort' comes from the an Old English word meaning 'root.'

The plant seeds that are produced are small, numerous black three-celled capsules. The flowers have five yellow-petals that measure around 20 mm across coming out to bloom late spring and mid-summer. The leaves have distinctive dots that are translucent looking as if they have been perforated. There is a purple liquid extracted if the flowers or seedpods are squeezed, this can produce red and yellow dyes that are used from the herb.

St. John's Wort has been widely used by many cultures to exorcise demons and spirits. It is said that if you hang some around your neck it will scare off fevers. It is also believed in some circles that burning St John's Wort is effective for exorcisms. Still on the magical uses, it is also worn to strengthen the resolve of the wearer and him or her invincible in war.

Growing the plant is easy. You can transfer the plant as a whole into you own garden or grow it from seeds or cuttings. When harvesting you need to put it in a dark, warm place until it completely dries out. Once dried and will retain the active ingredients in the form of an herbal tea has long been enjoyed help with anaemia, headaches, jaundice, feminine problems and chest congestion. It has a pleasant, but slightly sour taste. Alternatively, you can use the herb in a press to extract the red oil it produces from the leaves. This will keep for a couple of years if kept in a dark container.

St John's Wort is used in some instances for flavouring distilled spirits. Finding this out give me mind to try it in a litre or two of my own homemade Bulgarian rakia next year.

Making your own St John's Wort infusion (technically tea) is simply a matter of putting 1 teaspoonful of dried St John's Wort in a small cup of hot water and steep for around 5 minutes. This should be drink twice a day one cup at the start and at the end of the day.

If you are into the natural colourings or dyes, you can use the top of the plant which make the yellow dye which is ideal for wool.

St John's Wort is a beautiful herb in many ways and certainly a herb to take serious with so many medical and other fringe benefits it possesses.