For Colds and Flu
Echinacea
The medicinal uses of Echinacea are plentiful: fighting off colds, flu and sore throats; for slow-healing and/or infected wounds, hives, boils, insect bites, or such maladies as psoriasis or eczema; and for urinary-tract inections.
Echinacea contains immune-stimulating agents - echinacea purpurea and echinacea augustifolia, which help the body generate interferons, which destroy bacteria and viruses before they flourish.
The polysaccharides echinacoside and echinacin, stimulate a number of reactions in the lymph and immune systems:
1. First, the interferons.
2. Next, the lymphocyte cells form antibodies against germs.
3. Finally, the macrophage cells destroy both viruses and bacteria by ingesting them.
This macrophage process lasts only 10 days, the greatest stimulation occurring between days 3 and 6 of the treatment. Thus, it is important to take Echinacea as soon as you feel symptoms coming on.
Tea Preparation
Pour 1 cup boiling water over 1 tsp of thoroughly chopped roots, steep for 10 min., and then strain. The bitter-tasting tea can be sweetened with honey. Tea bags can be purchased in stores, but the fresh roots are much more potent than the dried plant.
For colds, flu and sore throats: make Echinacea tea (above) and drink 2-3 cups daily for 5 days.
For wounds, hives and boils: pour 1 cup boiling water over 1 tbsp. of dried herb, steep for 10 min., strain and cool. Soak a cloth in the tea, apply it to the infected part and change every 2-3 hours.
For urinary-tract infections: make Echinacea tea (above) and drink 2-3 cups daily until symptoms disappear.
Word of Caution: Those who may have an immune disorder such as lupus should use this herb only under the advisement of an herbal professional.
Future Additions:Eucalyptus
Ginger
Thyme
Anise
See Herbal Teas With...Calming Effects See Herbal Teas With...Healing Powers