Ground Cover December 2014 [Winter Edition] | Page 3

Thymely Information

~  ubmitted by Fran Hedeman,
S
Herb Society of Dubuque

“Cold & Flu Teas”

Mr. Morgan’s idyllic description
extracted from lemon zest is a powerful antiseptic. If you
of winter may stir memories
have a cold and sore throat, the simplest of remedies is hot
of childhood activities, but we know that in reality winter
lemon juice sweetened with honey or sugar. The lemon
weather can be brutal. If you don’t find joy in sledding,
mixture is anti-inflammatory and kills germs.
skating, or skiing, the blowing winds may bring on the urge
BERGAMOT (Bee Balm or Oswego tea): This pleasant tea,
to settle before the fire with a warming beverage. The cup
beloved by the colonists, helps soothe a cough or sore throat.
that refreshes can be for pure enjoyment as you watch the
The volatile oils contain an ingredient called thymol, which
snow swirl outside your window, but if you are visited by the
acts as an antiseptic. Use one teaspoon dried in one cup of
cold or flu bug you may want a
water that has just come to
beverage that also helps to relieve
the boil. Steep covered for
“Winter came down to our home one night
the symptoms of winter maladies.
10 minutes.
Quietly pirouetting in on silvery-toed slippers of snow,
Steeped herbs provide both
And we, we were children once again.”
CATNIP: Catnip tea is a
refreshment and healing.
traditional cold and flu

--Bill Morgan, Jr.
A cup of China or India tea
remedy. Use one teaspoon
(Camellia sinensis), the oldest and
dried herb in one cup of
most renowned of all steeped plant beverages, is soothing
water that has just come to the boil. Steep 5-10 minutes.
and refreshing. For example, Toad, in Kenneth Grahame’s
CHAMOMILE: Most often taken before bedtime to promote
classic Wind in the Willows, is transported by the warming
sleep and relieve anxiety, Chamomile tea is also comforting
effect of hot tea and buttered toast and author Andrea Israel
if you are in the throes of a cold. Use one teaspoon dried
recalls the soothing effect of a mug of Earl Grey, with milk
herb in one cup of water that has just come to the boil. You
and sugar, presented by her mother to dispel a nightmare.
can steep just three to four minutes but for medicinal effects,
Tea, cocoa, and coffee (all herbs) are welcome additions
steeping for at least 25 minutes is recommended.
to a meal or a fireside chat after vigorous outdoor activity.
But if you are visited by one of the common infections of
LEMON BALM: When you are suffering from a cold or the
the season, you may find relief from an herbal infusion or
flu, sip a mug of lemon balm tea to ease stuffiness. Use one
decoction. If you place loose herbs or a tea bag of herbs in a
teaspoon dried herb in one cup of water that has just come
tea pot and pour in water that has just come to the boil, you
to the boil. Steep 5-10 minutes.
have made an herbal infusion. To make a decoction, place
If you dried herbs from the garden this summer and have
roots, branches, stems, peels, and other hard parts of plants
stored them in a cool, dark place, you are ready for the onset
in a pot or pan of water and boil them for a few minutes.
of winter diseases. But no worries. Even if you don’t grow
The time will vary according to the plant materials used.
herbs or didn’t have time to dry summer’s bounty, look
Some common and easily accessible herbal remedies follow.
These remedies are designed to alleviate symptoms and help
prevent illness, but if you are suffering from a serious bout of
the flu or debilitating bronchitis, you should certainly consult
your health care professional.

for the above mentioned herbs at local supermarkets and
smaller specialty markets. Many tea companies also offer
teabags containing blends especially created for the cold and
flu season. Look for a mix containing any of the above herbs
or elder, yarrow, peppermint, hyssop leaf, mullein, violet,
elecampane root, ginger root, and cinnamon bark. With a
little taste testing you can find a brew that is tasty and works
for you.

GINGER: You will probably find the dried form of this
herb/spice in your kitchen cabinet. Look for it fresh at
your local supermarket. According to Beka Dangora, a
certified herbalist, ginger’s anti-inflammatory action helps
in combatting bronchitis, colds, congestion, flu, headaches,
and sore throats. She recommends making a quart of
ginger tea to drink throughout the day. To brew, bring
one quart of water to a boil, add about an inch of grated
ginger, three shakes of cayenne pepper, and simmer for 20
minutes. Strain the tea and add the juice of one lemon and
1/4 cup of honey.

BEST WISHES FOR A HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON
AND A HEALTHY WINTER.

REFERENCES:

Aromatic Teas and Herbal Infusions by Laura Fronty
Herb Quarterly ( Winter 2014) “10 Herbs for Winter Health” by
Beka Dangora
The Book of Herbal Teas by Sara Perry
Taking Tea by Andrea Israel
The Tea Lover’s Treasury by James Norwood Pratt

LEMON: Lemons are rich in vitamin C and the essence
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