Lotions and Potions for Winter Ailments

Prevention: At this time of year, in the air and all around us, there are viruses, considering that not everybody catches colds/flu, the deeper cause must exist at the level of our immune system. Our immune system can be in either a deficient or overly stressed state. Therefore prevention is better than cure, towards the end of the summer coming into the winter it is advisable to take some Tonics to build our resistance before the onslaught of winter. This would be our first strategy, also rebuilding the immune system after a bout to prevent recurrence. This is also applicable for coughs and chest infections.

·         If prone to winter ailments, stimulate immune system before the winter and between bouts.

 
When you have a winter ailment, we follow a 2 prong approach:

 
·         Immune Stimulants:  to stimulate the immune system to fight pathogens.

·         Induce perspiration. Herbs classified as Diaphoretics and warming/cooling stimulants assist the body in throwing off the external invading pathogens through the pores of the skin.

Illness is also divide into 2 categories: Wind Heat and Wind Cold

The symptoms can be divided into patterns of wind-heat or wind-cold on the surface (exterior).

The wind-heat pattern of influenza is far more common than other types.

1. Wind-heat invades the exterior

Fever and chills (with fever more pronounced than chills), sweating, headache, cough with thick yellow mucus accompanied by a swollen, red and painful throat, dry mouth and slight thirst. The tongue is red and its coating thin white or slightly yellow.
•  pale face, pallor of the lips and nails, dizziness, palpitations, these symptoms show the condition is mixed with blood deficiency.
• If the influenza is complicated by dryness, there will be dry cough and dryness of the throat, mouth and nose. If there is irritability, thirst, five palms heat, a red and dry tongue with scanty coating.

2. Wind-cold invades the exterior

Fever and chills (the chills may be severe even if the temperature is raised), absence of sweating, headache, congested runny nose, frequent sneezing, itching throat and slight cough. There is slight clear mucus or no mucus at all. The tongue coating is thin and white.
• If patients have shortness of breath, dislike of speaking, lassitude and spontaneous sweating, this shows that wind-cold is mixed with qi deficiency.

 
Phlegm

In the early stages the sputum is watery while in the later stages it becomes sticky.

Yellow - damp heat,

Whitish - Cold

Treatment

Wind-heat: To dispel the wind-heat when it invades the superficial portion of the body, use Acrid (pungent) but cool herbs

• If heat predominates, there is more likelihood of headache and body aches.

Use cooling diaphoretic herbs which will act on headache and body aches.
• If wind-heat, or wind-cold transform into heat and lodge in the Lung, giving rise to high fever, cough, asthmatic and coarse breathing, a red tongue with yellow coating. Use cooling herbs that act on the lungs.
• For heat combined with dryness, use cooling diaphoretic herbs which are also Demulcent.

Wind-cold: To dispel the wind-cold when it invades the superficial layers of the body, use acrid but warm herbs.

If there is no sweating use Diaphoretic formula.

 
If there is a tendency to auto-perspiration = warming dispersing herbal formula...

In between conditions use immune system stimulants.

 
Other useful bits:

·         After exposure to cold, take a tea of fresh ginger with brown sugar or honey.

·         Lemon in tepid water: Lemon is full of vitamin C which will help improve resistance and fight infection.

·         Wear a scarf as wind invades through the back of the neck.

Immune stimulating Herbs for tonifying before/ between ailments:

 
Astragalus: (Warm Herb), specific herb for strengthening the surface immune system. Invigorates vital energy, Restorative, strengthens resistance, restores damaged immunity, promotes tissue regeneration, is cancer inhibiting, antiviral, adaptogenic, protects and strengthens the heart and the liver, is tonic to the lungs and enhances digestion. Many scientific studies have verified its immune enhancing action. Astragalus is a powerful "non-specific" immune system stimulant. Instead of activating our defence system against a specific disease organism, astragalus nourishes immunity by increasing the numbers and activity of roving white blood cells, the macrophages.

As an immunostimulant, astragalus engages and activates every phase of our immune system into heightened activity. In one study, the activity of macrophages was significantly enhanced within six hours of treatment with astragalus, and remained so for the next Antiviral.

Contraindications: Because it has a metabolically warming and drying nature, astragalus is not recommended to use if there is any accompanying acute inflammation, fever, or noticeable dryness of the skin and mucus membranes. Antiviral medications:Astragalus may increase the effects of some antiviral medications such as acyclovir and interferon. Cyclophosphamide: Astragalus may also counteract the immune-suppressing effects of cyclophosphamide, a medication used to reduce the chances of rejection in transplant recipients.

Echinacea (Cool, Pungent Herb): Stimulates body’s immune system against all infections and inflammatory conditions. Antibacterial and antiviral. Take every 2 hours while condition is ongoing and 3 times a day for 3 weeks for prevention. Use of echinacea is restricted to no longer than eight weeks at a time. After this time echinacea losses its effectiveness and may even diminish immune function. Regular users, need "break" periods.

Contraindications: Individuals with any autoimmune diseases or  liver disorders should not take echinacea. There is some concern that echinacea may reduce the effectiveness of medications that suppress the immune system. For this reason, people receiving organ transplants (who must take immunosuppressant medications should avoid this herb.

Schisandra Berry: Slightly Warm. Adaptogenic and Tonic, strengthen the immune system. Contraindications: Avoid if taking blood thinning drugs,

Goldenseal: Cool. Used for infection and inflammation of the mucus membranes of the respiratory, genitourinary and Digestive systems including gastritis, ulcers and colitis. This herb helps build resistance to infections and is used for colds and sore throats. Powerful effect in drying the mucus membranes and inhibiting a wide range of hostile microorganisms.

Contraindications: Pregnant or breastfeeding women as well as those with high blood pressure should use avoid goldenseal...

.

Shiitake: Shiitake mushrooms are approved in Japan as an anti-cancer drug because of its immune stimulating effects. Studies have found this mushroom to contain lentinan and peptidomannan both polysaccharides that have shown to stimulate white blood cell activity and stimulate the production of interferon, which is effective against viral infections such as herpes and influenza. No Known contraindications.

Usnea:  is another immune-stimulating herb. It is almost as powerful as Echinacea in its anti-microbial action, with a special affinity for the urinary and respiratory systems.No known contraindications.

Thyme: is a tonic and helps boost the immune sytem with a specially affinity for the lungs.

Garlic: antibacterial and antiviral against influenza virus. Reduces mucus, useful for ear infections.

Contraindications: Antiplatelet medications, Blood-thinning medications. Diabetes medications, Protease inhibitors. It is thought that garlic may behave similarly to a class of cholesterol lowering medications called statins  and to ACE inhibitors  It is not known, therefore, whether it is safe to take this supplement in large quantities with these medications or not.

Boneset: A particular polysaccharide in boneset was found to stimulate immune cell function. It stimulates resistance to viral and bacterial infection and reduces fever. Diaphoretic. Loosens phlegm.

Contraindications: Patients with liver disease should avoid boneset, and no one should take it consistently for longer than six months. Boneset is not recommended during pregnancy or breast-feeding. Boneset should not be used when a high fever (over 102 degrees F) is present. No known drug interactions.

Cooling Diaphoretics

  Echinacea

  Yarrow – Lungs, yellow mucous, with stomach complaints. Tonic, Febrifuge.

Contraindications: Overuse may cause skin photosensitivity, dizziness and headaches in some people.  Avoid during pregnancy. No Known Interactions

Vervain – Lungs/Expectorant, with sore throat, digestive complaint.

Contraindications: Do not take while pregnant

 
Elderflowers – Lungs, with earache, yellow mucous .Expectorant,

Catarrh, Chills, Colds, Fever, Flu, Headache, Respiratory Infection,     

Contraindications: Avoid in cases of fluid depletion, as Elder activates the release of fluids.  Do not  use if taking drugs that lower blood sugar levels and the drug theophylline

 
Lemon Balm, Lungs, with stomach complaints.Anti viral, specific herpes simplex virus.

Contraindications: Do not take if on thyroid medication or during pregnancy.

 
Feverfew – with headache.

Contraindications: Do not take while pregnant or taking blood thinning medication.

Chrysanthemun – lungs, with headache. No Known Contraindications.

Peppermint – Lungs, with stomach complaints, muscular pain or headache.

Contraindications: Only in moderation during pregnancy and not by those with a history of miscarriage.

 
Cleavers: Diaphoretic, Febrifuge, Lymphatic Cleanser, Refrigerant. Specific for swollen lymph glands.

Contraindictaions: Loop Diuretics, spironolactone, Thiazide Diuretics, Triamterene.

Honeysuckle: Diaphoretic, Expectorant, Febrifuge, Refrigerant.

Cough, Diarrhoea, Fever, Flu, Headache, Lymphatic Congestion, Sore Throat,

Contraindications: Avoid in cases of excess phlegm or inflammation in the upper respiratory tract.  Don't use in cases of watery diarrhoea, due to internal coldness. 

Meadowsweet: Diaphoretic. Febrifuge. Fever, Gastritis, Headache,

Contraindications: Avoid if sensitive to salicylates, such as those in aspirin. Interactions: Bismuth Subsalicylate, Ticlopidine.

Warming Diaphoretics

Nettle – Lungs/expectorant/ respiratory tonic, with blood deficiency, body aches/headaches

Contraindications: Avoid if taking any of the following; Anticonvulsants, Barbiturates, Benzodiazepines, Drugs for insomnia, Tricyclic antidepressants, ACE inhibitors, Beta blockers, Calcium channel blockers ,Diuretics. Antiplatelets Anticoagulants include heparin and warfarin.

Cinnamon – Lungs, with stomach complaints

Contraindications: Do not take during pregnancy. No Known Interaction.

 
Fresh Ginger: Lungs, with stomach complaints / body aches. Chillblains/poor circulation. Cold sores.

Contraindications: Do not take if you suffer from peptic ulcers/gallstones. No known Interactions.

Basil: Lungs, stomach, White Mucous

Contraindications: Best avoided by pregnant and nursing mothers. No Known Interactions

 
Hyssop: Expectorant sore throat, White/clear mucous. Excessive mucus.

Contraindications; Avoid during pregnancy.

Sage: Lungs, with aches/Pains. Sage is a potent broad spectrum Antibiotic, and immune stimulant. Expectorant and diaphoretic, sage is especially effective against sore throat and upper respiratory illness, and infections where there is an excess of mucous.

Contraindications: Do not take during pregnancy or if suffering from epilepsy.

 
Garlic: antibacterial, antiviral, Antiseptic, immune-stimulating, diaphoretic. Garlic is rich in antibiotic powers and strengthens the immune system.

 
Cooling Expectorants: For Hot, Dry Phlegm. Dry Cough, difficult expectoration, swollen lymph glands.

Horehound: Expectorant, Diaphoretic. No known Contraindications.

Slippery Elm: Demulcent, Expectorant, Sore throats, bleeding from the lungs, dry throat. No Known contraindications.

 
Warming Expectorants: Clear/white phlegm, coldness, pale complexion.

Elecampane: Soothes lining of lungs, reduces mucus. Chesty Coughs

Contraindications: Do not take during pregnancy.

 
Thyme: Tonic for immune system and lungs. Chest infections.

 Contraindications: Do not take during pregnancy.

 
Antitussives: Sedate cough

 
Mullein: Expectorant, demulcent. No Known Contraindications.

 
Red Clover: Cool. Antitussive, Expectorant, Nutritive.

Contraindications:  Antiplatelets, Anticoagulants, Oral Contraceptives, Anticancer drug tamoxifen, Allergy drugs, Antifungal drugs, Cancer drugs, Drugs for high cholesterol. Heparin, Oestrogens (Combined), Ticlopidine, Warfarin

 
Coltsfoot: Warm/Pungent. Expectorant, Demulcent. Specific for spasmodic coughs. Anticatarrhal, Immune Stimulant.

Contraindications: Do not take for more than 3-4 weeks, during pregnancy, while breast feeding.

 
Lungwort: Expectorant, Demulcent, Sore throat. Coughing up of blood.

Contraindications: Do not take while pregnant or breastfeeding.

Other Useful Herbs:

Marshmallow: Cool, Demulcent for lungs, inflammation of the lungs. Soothes the mucus membranes. Sore Throat.

Contraindications: None Known

 
Self Heal: Cool. Febrifuge, Tonic

Conjunctivitis, Fever, Flatulence, Gastritis, Lymphatic Congestion, Sore Throat. No Known Interaction.

 
Example of Formula:

Dry Cough with Heat; would include demulcent herb, cooling diaphoretic and immune stimulant.

Cold with Chills; Warming Diaphoretic.

What to Eat or not Eat When Treating a Cold:

Resting the Digestive System; it is advised to eat as lightly as your particular frame and constitution will endure. If you are one of those frailer and more malnourished types, you should eat light nourishing soups or thin rice porridge. If you are more excess, complete fasting for a day or two, taking only tea or boiled warm water is in order. For the middling, thin rice porridge (or any warm whole grain cereal) is best. In general, blackbean chili and rice soup with the addition of coriander, cumin seed, chili and garlic is a good dish to take when treating a cold or flu

Avoid greasy, fatty, sugar rich foods, dairy as they will all increase mucus.

• Foods which increase resistance to influenza:

Cold condition: before and during epidemics regularly consume leek, spring onion, garlic, onion, caper, date, walnut, sweet potato.

Hot condition: before and during epidemics regularly consume artichoke, radish, dandelion leaf, chicory, mint,, mungbean, sprout, pear, grapefruit, lemon, orange, water chestnut,  pomegranate.

All conditions: before and during epidemics regularly consume olive, apricot, almonds, fig, chinese yam, black fungus.

 
Useful Glossary

 
Antipyretic: Prevents or reduces fever.

ANTITUSSIVE: Relieves coughing.

DEMULCENT: Soothing, bland. Used to relieve internal inflammations.

Provides a protective coating and allays irritation of the membranes.

DIAPHORETICS: increase eliminative secretions through sweat glands, thus faciliting elimination of toxic and accumulative waste matter.

EXPECTORANTS: act upon the mucosal membranes of the respiratory tract, facilitating catarrhal discharge.

FEBRIFUGE: Reduces fever.

RESTORATIVE: Restores normal physical activity.

 
Other:

Chapped Lips: Any healing herb in petroleum jelly.

Cold Sores: caused by Herpes simplex virus, usually occur infection or exposure to sunshine or wind. Echinacea, St.John’s Wort, Lemon, Lemon Balm