Winter Herbs

Cold and flu season ailments, as well as other climate related conditions, are upon us.  And now, more than ever, as winter weather approaches, is the time to inventory that medicine chest and make sure you have the right herbs you need to combat colds, flu, arthritic, skin and seasonal maladies. 

Here are some herbs that offer support for common ailments experienced during the winter months. 

Arnica Flower

Arnica Flower (Arnica Montana) soothes arthritic aches affected by seasonal changes. Keep this one in your cabinet year-round to help stop pain and minimize bruising and edema. Rub the tincture directly on the area, but do not use on broken skin. Arnica flower is also known as Leopard’s Bane, Wolf’s bane, Mountain Tobacco, Mountain daisy and European Arnica.

The plant and flower contain many active ingredients including compounds and volatile oils. The herb is believed to help increase circulation and helps reduce both pain and swelling from all minor injuries and postoperative swelling. Arnica is also touted as a means of relieving the pain from muscle soreness and sprain-related pain.

You can apply the tincture directly to the skin or add to an emollient for external use. Arnica Montana is a natural anti-inflammatory and has been used by herbalists to reduce the symptoms of rheumatic pain and swelling due to fractures and insect bites.

One of the most common uses of Arnica is the treatment of bruises, sunburn and other forms of skin irritation or inflammation.  The herbal tincture has also been used in a soothing foot bath. Do not apply on an open wound.

Astragalus Root

Astragalus Root (Astragalus membranaceus) Take this antiviral herb twice a day to prevent or treat colds and flu and to boost immunity. Astragalus is an herb that has been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as a powerful adaptogen herb that is very effective in building up the immune system to fight viral infections and the common cold.

Because Astragalus has a unique structure of polysaccharides it is capable of reducing the amount of nitric oxide released from the cells and reduces inflammation. The root extract calms the gastrointestinal tract and adrenal glands and prevents fatigue.

Astragalus discourages retention of salt and water and combats clots and has been used to regulate blood pressure and reduce high cholesterol levels.

And Astragalus also enhances the production of interferons that stimulate natural killer cells that keep an infection from spreading. Researchers also believe the root is helpful for those whose immune systems have been weakened by chemotherapy or radiation. 

Calendula Flower

Calendula flower, aka Marigold flower, (Calendula officinalis) Use calendula tinctures to soothe chapped skin and lips, rashes and scalp conditions.  A strong antiseptic and astringent with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, Calendula has been used to relieve the symptoms of rashes, minor burns, acne, eczema, skin inflammation and conjunctivitis. 

Mix a few drops with coconut oil and apply directly to the affected area.  Calendula flower, also known as pot marigold, has been used in compounds, oils, creams, and tinctures to treat minor skin problems. 

Chamomile Flower

Chamomile Flower (Maticara recutita) Among the most popular herbal supplements in Europe, this extract is commonly used for its soothing effects without side effects. This soothing herb works great as a dust-irritant reliever. It is also good for upset stomachs, heartburn and indigestion and to promote relaxation.  

Chamomile may soothe frayed nerves because it actually slows down the central nervous system and has a long history of use as a tranquilizer.  In liquid extract, Chamomile flower is useful in the treatment of tension headaches, PMS with nervous tension, over-sensitivity, menstrual pain, nightmares, depression with anxiety, neuritis, and fibromyalgia.

In tincture form, Chamomile flower helps calm ulcerative colitis, GERD, gastritis and improve digestion, supporting the gastrointestinal tract and easing a nervous stomach. Chamomile is frequently used to treat colic in infants and teething problems. It is useful as a natural treatment for allergies and works much as an antihistamine would.

The herb has been used to relieve morning sickness during pregnancy. It is also used to speed healing of wounds, skin ulcers, burns and to treat acne, eczema, and rashes, and is excellent for diaper rash.

Lomatium Root

Lomatium Root (Lomatium dissectum) The antiviral and antibacterial properties of Lomatium dissectum have attracted the interest of herbalists and Naturopathic physicians for the treatment of today’s most difficult viral diseases. It is considered to be an adaptogen by many herbalists.

Also known as Desert Parsley root, it was widely used by Native Americans to treat respiratory infections and skin conditions. It is believed to be beneficial for conditions including lung disorders, coughs, colds, bronchitis, tuberculosis, hay fever and asthma.

Extracts from the root of desert parsley have been applied to sores and used as an eyewash in the treatment of chronic contagious conjunctivitis caused by chlamydia. It is also effective in a wash for dry scalp and dandruff. Additionally, it contains properties that can make the blood more alkaline and may be beneficial for those who are suffering from acidic blood disorders.

Mullein

Mullein Leaf (Verbascum thapsus), an old and respected treatment for respiratory problems, stimulates the cough reflex and clears the lungs. Mullein extract has been used traditionally for bronchitis, asthma, and croup, and it is a great herb to have around for cold and flu season. It has a mild sedative effect and is said to promote sleep and to soothe the nerves.

Considered an antispasmodic, it helps to relieve stomach cramps, and works well as an astringent, antibacterial and antiseptic, as well as an effective mouthwash for a sore throat. Mullein extract can be added to a carrier oil, such as olive oil or sweet almond oil, and placed in the ears to soothe earaches and has been used to help heal ear infections. It may also be used externally to treat swollen joints, arthritis and muscle pain, by rubbing the oil on the affected areas. 

Cold weather and the fast pace of the fall and winter seasons expose us to many weather-related maladies. But before you go to the medicine chest and reach for pain or cold and flu medications, consider a more natural alternative to prevent and minimize your exposure to the elements.