Which herbs are useful for winter ills and chills?
This is something I get asked a lot - which easy to find herbs are useful to have for winter ills and chills? Maybe it's a good idea to harvest and dry them or find them before you get sick so they're on hand in case you fall ill.
🌱Mullein, Verbascum thaspus, seems to be the herb on everyone's lips right now. It is a wonderful herb that grows prolifically in the wild in disturbed soil. I do have it self sowing in my garden too as I know my garden is spray free and that's something you need to be aware of when wild harvesting. It is an incredible decongestant and the simplest thing to do with the furry leaves is to make a tea from them.
🌱Elderberry, Sambucus nigra, is best known to be taken as elderberry syrup. This deliciousness is one of the safest immune supporting blend for children and is a wonderful antiviral. It can be taken by the teaspoon and, as it tastes nice, kids tend to be compliant with taking it. It's very easy to make too. I like to freeze what I'm not needing straight away. Check out this recipe from Wellness Mama https://wellnessmama.com/remedies/elderberry-syrup/
🌱Elderflower, Sambucus nigra, and YEP tea is a pleasant tasting tea made from equal parts (by volume) dried yarrow, elderflowers and peppermint. Elderflower has a natural affinity with the lungs, clearing the airways and the lungs. When combined as YEP, you are adding antibacterial, antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory actions.
🌱Thyme, Thymus vulgaris, is that cute garden herb that the bees go mad about when it flowers. It is also a top-notch antimicrobioal and antiviral, gets rid of phlegm, and soothes coughs. It makes tasty lemon thyme syrup which is seriously good. Chop one unwaxed lemon finely and steep in honey overnight. Make 1c of stong thyme tea the following day. Cool until slightly more than body temperature, strain and mix with honey & lemon mixture.
🌱Ginger, Zingiber officinalis, has wonderful support to soothe coughs and ease congestion, kill bugs and reduce inflammation. Ginger is one of my favourite spices, so it's no hardship when I'm sick to have some ginger tea or grated frozen root ginger in honey. Yum!
🌱Garlic, Allium sativum, is known for its germ killing power. This is best left for 10 mins after chopping before you add it to your cooking to increase its sulphuric compounds. Chopping it then adding it to honey is a more palatable way or having raw garlic.
🌱Marshmallow, Althaea officinalis, has anti-inflammatory and demulcent actions meaning it soothes sort throats and where there is a cough.
🧉Honey is a delicious antimicrobial in its own right so it pairs well with some of the herbs I have mentioned.
Photo is of elderflowers. I love that frothy creamy coloured flower and all of the health benefits that go with it.
Elderflower, Sambucus nigra