Meadowsweet Herbs

Flu season seems to have hit a little later this year. There are many herbs and natural remedies that are useful for the different stages of influenza. These are some of our top picks.

Preventatives:

General immune builders can be used over fairly long periods of time to support the immune system. Herbs and supplements for the prevention or onset of flu are best used at the first signs of illness or if you have been exposed to someone who is sick. Larger doses of Echinacea are best to help support the immune system to fight off an illness before it sets in. You might consider some immune tonics such as:

• Astragalus
• Reishi
• Vitamin D3: liquid (our preferred form), capsule, or chewable for kids
• Zinc
• Vitamin C

Essential Oil Blends:

Thieves Oil (available pre-mixed at Meadowsweet). Blend equal parts of the following:

• Eucalyptus radiata
• Rosemary
• Cinnamon
• Clove
• Lemon

Immune Booster Oil

• 2 drops Eucalyptus radiata
• 2 drops Niaouli
• 3 drops Tea Tree
• 3 drops Ravinsara
• 4 drops Thyme linalol
• 4 drops Bergamot

Use either blend as a body oil by mixing 12 drops of the essential oil blend per 1 ounce of a fixed oil such as jojoba, almond or grape seed oil. Add 10 drops, mixed in a tablespoon of bath salts, milk or yogurt, to a soothing bath for a cold or flu. These blends can be inhaled directly through a tissue or used in an aromatherapy diffuser to “clean the air” if you are exposed to someone coughing or sneezing. For external use only.

Onset: If you know you’ve got a bug

Herbs can be excellent at relieving symptoms and helping the body to process and eliminate wastes. There is no substitute, however, for drinking lots of fluids and getting the rest you need! Helpful herbs include:

• Elder
• Lomatium
• Garlic
• Usnea

For the Later Stages:

In addition, you can pick and choose from herbs in the categories below based on your symptoms. If there are signs of an infection present such as fever or dark yellow or green mucus, you might try antimicrobial herbs such as:

• Oregon Grape Root
• Goldenseal (organic)
• Garlic

If there is respiratory involvement such as coughing, wheezing or sore throat, consider some herbs for the respiratory system. Eucalyptus essential oil can be inhaled as a steam. Helpful herbs that may be taken internally include:

• Black Cohosh
• Licorice
• Elecampane
• Mullein
• Marshmallow

Have a fever? Try this recipe:

Diaphoretic Tea

• 2 parts peppermint
• 2 parts elder flower
• 1 part yarrow
• 1 part boneset

Pour 2 cups of boiling water over the 2 tablespoons of the loose herbs and steep for 1/2 to 2 hours. Strain the herbs from the tea and add honey if desired. Drink hot as needed.