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Getting Ready for the Cold and Flu Season
Although Echinacea and Goldenseal may be the first herbs you think
about when catching a cold, there are many herbs that are useful
for the different stages of a cold or flu.
General immune strengtheners can be used over fairly long periods
of time to strengthen and build the immune system. If you tend to
get sick easily or if you are dealing with or recovering from an
illness or long term ailment you might consider some immune tonics
such as Astragalus, Reishi, Marshmallow, Eleuthero (Siberian Ginseng)
or Green Defense.
Herbs for the prevention or onset of a cold 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 the immune system
fight off a cold before it sets in. Also try Zinc, Vitamin C, Astragalus,
Thuja and Balsam Root.
If you know you've got IT, it's time to try some herbs for cold
and flu. Herbs can be excellent at relieving symptoms and helping
the body to process and eliminate wastes. Helpful herbs include
Elder, Boneset, organic Goldenseal, Garlic, Lomatium, Osha, Echinacea
(smaller doses or mixed with other herbs) Under The Weather, or
Lemon-Aide. There is no substitute, however, for getting the rest
you need!
(Click here
to read the whole article)
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Echinacea
Echinacea is a perennial herb that grows from one to four feet
tall with cone shaped rose or purple colored flowers. Most species
are easy to grow by seed or root division. All are drought resistant
and need full sun although purpurea can grow in dappled shade. This
is a sadly over harvested plant in the wild so it is especially
wonderful to grow in one's own yard.
The entire plant can be used for medicine although the roots and
flowers are the strongest. Echinacea roots are harvested in the
fall after the plants have gone to seed. They can be used fresh
or dried whole for later use. The flowers are harvested as the blooms
begin to loose their luster and are best used fresh. The active
constituents in Echinacea are water and alcohol soluble. It is good
to take frequent doses as Echinacea does not remain in the body
for an extended amount of time. A dosage would be two "oo" capsules
or 20-60 drops tincture four times a day
Echinacea is probably best known for its immune stimulating properties.
It is said to be anti-biotic, anti-bacterial and anti-viral. It
increases the white blood cell's ability to fight, destroy and eat
foreign organisms. It stimulates T-cell activity, leukocyte activity
and phagocytosis. Use Echinacea with garlic and organic goldenseal
for flus, colds, fevers, sore throats and infections. Echinacea
is resistant to many viruses such as herpes, canker sores and influenza.
For this reason, it works well after vaccinations or a visit to
the dentist. It can help decrease the risk of infection and prevent
the spread of infections that have already occurred.
(Click here to read the
whole article)
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New
- Flower Essence Blending Bar at Meadowsweet Herbs
Flower essences are subtle yet powerful liquid extracts,
taken orally or applied externally, which are used to address
profound issues of emotional well-being, spiritual development,
and mind-body health. Now you can mix up a flower essence
formula without buying a whole bottle for each essence!
Another exciting option is to make an appointment with one
of our Clinical Herbalists to have them design a flower essence
blend for you. Select from any of Dr. Bach's original 38 flower
essences or his original Rescue Remedy blend.
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Prairie Rose Sievers,
Certified Massage Therapist |
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Massage At Meadowsweet
Herbs
Prairie Rose Sievers, Certified Massage Therapist
Born and raised in Northwest Montana, Prairie originally came to
Missoula in the fall of 2001 to attend the University of Montana
to study art. After a year of college her interests shifted towards
alternative health care and wellness. Believing massage therapy
to be a part of the basic foundation of vibrant health she graduated
from the Montana School of Massage in the spring of 2003 and is
certified in the state of Montana.
Prairie offers a number of massage modalities including Swedish,
Deep Tissue, Lymphatic, Pre-natal, and Sports Massage. Prairie's
personal methods of massage have evolved over time with primary
importance placed on individual assessment and open communication
with clients. Her massage has a firm but gentle touch and she often
uses aromatherapy and passive stretching to enliven the experience
and assist in needed healing. Prairie is an avid reader and brings
her interests in all aspects of human physical and spiritual development
to her exciting and enjoyable work with clients.
Health is her greatest passion and Prairie's interests in alternative
heath care and naturopathic medicine continue to grow with herbalism
and nutritional healing being choice areas of personal study. She
likes to think of food as medicine and enjoys gardening and cooking
for its therapeutic as well as nutritional benefits. These interests
grow out of her deep love for nature and its connection to nutrition,
physical health, and mental well-being.
Prairie is available for massage at the Meadowsweet Clinic on
Tuesdays between 10:15 am and 6 pm.
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