Return to Health by Kathy Mccabe & OpenAI
In a world increasingly drawn to natural and holistic health solutions, herbal remedies have reclaimed a significant spot in our wellness routines. Whether you’re battling a cold, recovering from a bout of flu, or seeking relief from a persistent cough, herbs can offer gentle, effective support. Since I am recovering from a nasty bacterial infection, these are all herbs I’m currently taking for my own return to health. Here’s a look at some popular herbal remedies that can aid in recovery from common illnesses.
Echinacea: The Immune Booster: Echinacea is perhaps one of the most well-known herbs for immune support. Often used at the first sign of a cold, Echinacea is believed to stimulate the immune system, helping the body fight off infections more effectively. Studies have shown that Echinacea can reduce the duration and severity of cold symptoms when taken early.
Ginger: Nature’s Antiemetic: Ginger is renowned for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It’s particularly effective in soothing nausea and digestive upsets, which often accompany illness. Ginger tea, made from fresh ginger root, can be a comforting way to alleviate symptoms and boost your body’s natural healing processes.
Elderberry: The Flu Fighter: Elderberry has been traditionally used to treat flu and cold symptoms. Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, elderberry can help reduce the duration of flu symptoms. Research indicates that elderberry extract can shorten the length of flu symptoms by about four days.
Peppermint: The Decongestant: Peppermint is another versatile herb with a range of benefits. Its menthol content helps to clear congestion and soothe sore throats. Inhaling peppermint steam or drinking peppermint tea can provide relief from respiratory discomforts.
Turmeric: The Anti-Inflammatory Powerhouse: Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound with potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It’s particularly beneficial for reducing inflammation and aiding recovery from illnesses that involve chronic inflammation. Adding turmeric to your diet, perhaps as a golden milk latte, can support overall recovery.
Chamomile: The Calming Healer: Chamomile is well-known for its calming effects, which can be particularly beneficial when illness disrupts sleep. Beyond its soothing properties, chamomile also has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial qualities, making it a good choice for supporting recovery from a range of ailments.
Garlic: The Natural Antibiotic: Garlic has been used for centuries as a natural antibiotic. It contains allicin, which has antimicrobial properties that can help fend off viruses and bacteria. Incorporating raw or lightly cooked garlic into your diet can enhance your immune response and speed up recovery.
Home Remedies you can make today
Cold and Flu Elixir: which consists of calendula, echinacea, elderberry, and elderflower, as well as a host of other ingredients. The recipe – originally from Herbal Academy – is available in my herbal ebook at Herbal eBook – Herbal Journal
Fire Cider: This is an excellent tonic for daily use – as well as helping to return to health after illness. It has garlic, turmeric, ginger, horseradish, apple cider vinegar, and much more. It is potent and can be harsh to take so there are numerous ways to use it. I am the get-it-done kind of person so I will put a teaspoon or so in a shot glass, add some water, and drink it down. There are numerous recipes but I prefer to start with the original by Rosemary Gladstar, which can be found at Fire Cider Recipe by Rosemary Gladstar – Mother Earth News. I also highly recommend the book Fire Cider! By Rosemary Gladstar and others which includes the original recipe, and many variations. It’s available on Amazon in Kindle and paperback versions – but I prefer the paperback so I can make notes in the margins!
While herbal remedies can provide substantial support in recovery from common illnesses, it’s essential to use them wisely and consult with a healthcare provider, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications. Integrating these natural remedies into your wellness routine can not only aid in recovery but also promote overall health and resilience.
Embracing herbal remedies can be a valuable addition to your recovery toolkit. Remember to consult healthcare professionals to ensure these natural aids complement your overall treatment plan effectively.
References
- Harvard Health Publishing. (2016). “Echinacea for Colds.” Retrieved from [Harvard Health](https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/echinacea-for-colds)
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2020). “Echinacea.” Retrieved from [NCCIH](https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/echinacea)
- Mayo Clinic. (2021). “Ginger: A Versatile Herb.” Retrieved from [Mayo Clinic](https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-ginger/art-20364670)
- Journal of Functional Foods. (2019). “Elderberry Supplementation for the Treatment of Influenza.” Retrieved from [ScienceDirect](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464619305699)
- WebMD. (2020). “Elderberry: Uses and Benefits.” Retrieved from [WebMD](https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-434/elderberry)
- Medical News Today. (2020). “Peppermint: Health Benefits and Uses.” Retrieved from [Medical News Today](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/peppermint)
- Cleveland Clinic. (2021). “The Benefits of Turmeric.” Retrieved from [Cleveland Clinic](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/the-benefits-of-turmeric/)
- Healthline. (2020). “Turmeric: Health Benefits and Uses.” Retrieved from [Healthline](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/top-10-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-turmeric)
- National Institutes of Health. (2019). “Chamomile: A Herbal Medicine of the Past with Bright Future.” Retrieved from [NIH](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2995283/)
- Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. (2016). “Garlic: Antimicrobial Action.” Retrieved from [Oxford Academic](https://academic.oup.com/jac/article/58/4/653/691020)
- WebMD. (2020). “Garlic: Uses and Benefits.” Retrieved from [WebMD](https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-300/garlic)
By Kathy McCabe with OpenAI
Kathy is an herbalist/naturopathic practitioner who is constantly researching to expand her knowledge. She came to herbalism after her migraine medicine was suddenly removed from the market and she had to find something new. After discovering the magic of herbs she’s never looked back. She is accredited by the International Practitioners of Holistic Medicine (IPHM) and is an Associate Member of the American Herbalist Guild.