Skimming Stones | Sula's Blog | Sula1968 A South African poet, potter and mother
When it comes to health matters before running to a doctor I like to try natural healing methods. This week I had rotten sinusitis and a bad cough. I had a look at what herbs I had available then looked up the medicinal benefits in my herb books. I have 2 books by Jekka McVicar and a Margaret Roberts book. I’m feeling a lot better now without going on antibiotics.
Herbal teas can be made in a plunge pot and best left to steep for about 5 mins.
I used ginger and lemon verbena more for flavour and the following herbs.
Marjoram / Oregano (a few sprigs) – Eases indigestion, anxiety attacks, menstrual cramps, nausea and the aches, pains and fever of heavy colds and flu. Used to treat respiratory conditions like bronchitis and asthma. This plant is one of the best antiseptics owing to it’s high thymol content.
Thyme – Anti bacterial, anti fungal and antiseptic, some researchers say it can kill bacteria in 40 seconds. Used for sore throats and hangovers. You can also make a thyme tea to use as a gargle or mouthwash for sore throats and infected gums. Warning avoid altogether if pregnant.
Sage – This herb is antiseptic, antifungal, antispasmodic and a systemic antibiotic. Tea infusion great for colds and aids digestion. It contains oestrogen, so is helpful in menopause. Mouthwash or gargle from tea for sore throats, laryngitis, tonsilitis, mouth ulcers and infected gums. Warning – Don’t drink the tea for more than a week or 2 at a time as its strong antiseptic properties can cause potentially toxic effects.
Mint – Mint’s key actions are digestive, antispasmodic, pain relieving and antiseptic. Also adds nice flavour.
Lemon Balm – Anti-viral and anti-bacterial, helps lower fevers and improves digestion.
As with all things I believe in moderation, I only have 1 cup of herbal tea a day when ill, you know what they say about too much of a good thing. Also be sensible, you will know if you are really ill and need to see a doc, don’t be silly about it.
I recommend getting a good herb book. If you are ill take what you have in the garden and look up the benefits to make teas. Please note I am not an expert just a person with a few good books and a herb garden.
Update 15/5/13
When I wrote this I was referencing general herb books. Since writing this I now own the Margaret Roberts book “Herbal Teas for Healthy Living” (link to e-book), you can buy the book at The Margaret Roberts Herbal centre. In this book she suggests that it is better to make several teas during the day each time with an individual herb as combining some can reduce their efficacy. The book gives several recipes for different ailments and I highly recommend it.
I don’t drink ordinary teas. I usually buy my teas in rather than make infusions, but all these sound lovely. My favourite tea at the moment is a Canadian tea called 100 Mysteries. It is an Ayervedic tea which smells of almonds. Mmm. Delicious.
ooh sounds lovely!!
Great post. Now I want some mint tea. I, too, always go the natural route. Better results, unless it’s something serious. Nobody knows your body like you do.