Ezekiel 47:12 And on the banks, on both sides of the river, there will grow all kinds of trees for food. Their leaves will not wither, nor their fruit fail, but they will bear fresh fruit every month because the water for them flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for healing.

 The History of Herbalism:

Herbalism or folk medicine is a practice that utilizes plants and plant extracts. Seeds, berries, roots, leaves, flowers, and bark are the plant parts used to make herbal therapies. Historical records indicate the use of medicinal plants dates back 5,000 years to the Sumerians who lived in Mesopotamia and describe well-established uses for such plants as thyme and caraway. Studies performed by archeologists show that the practice of herbalism goes as far back as 60,000 years ago to the region of Iraq and 8,000 ago to China.

Growing up in the Appalachian region I have always been intrigued by the mountain traditions of my great grandmother and great grandfather including the study of herbs and edible plants. The mountain people were somewhat mistrusting of doctors, and besides that, the nearest doctor was a long hard journey down the mountainside. Herbalism was a tradition of necessity handed down from one generation to the next.

Since the inception of Westernized medicine over the past decades, the use of herbs for medicinal use has been challenged by practitioners because of a lack of scientific evidence compared to that of contemporary medicine. However, herbal medicine has made a resurgence and has gained popularity because of the chemical side effects and adverse reactions caused by pharmaceutical drugs.

Herbal Cold and Flu Remedies

Astragalus (Astragalus Membranaceus)

Some may know this plant as Milkvetch or Locoweed. It is a perennial that is native to Asia and is used in traditional Chinese medicine. Astragalus can be grown in zones 6 to 11 in North America. This herb stimulates the immune system and promotes the formation of antibodies that increase the production of T-cells, boosting white blood cells that fight infection. Slice this root and add to soups or take as a tea. Be sure to remove the root before consuming. People with autoimmune disease, type 1 diabetes, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis should not use Astragalus.

Catnip ( Nepeta Catria)

Catnip is not just for Kitty; it has been found to have medicinal benefits for humans. Part of the mint family, catnip has a sage mint flavor. Catnip stimulates perspiration and is used to treat fever, it has been used throughout history to treat coughs, hives, viruses, and is also known for its calming effect and as a mood booster. Serve as tea or on a salad. (Do not take if you are pregnant or nursing.) Catnip contains a compound found in it that is similar to those found in the herbal sedative in Valerian.

Echinacea ( Echinacea Purpurea)

Not only is it a beautiful flower, but it is an essential healing herb that is most effective when taken at the first sign of infection. Echinacea contains several chemicals that give it therapeutic effects these are alkamides volatile oils polysaccharides and glycoproteins. Take this herb for immune system stimulation, colds, upper respiratory infection, flu, and bladder infections you can take it up to three times a day for no more than 10 days. Place flowers, roots, and leaves of the Echinacea plant in a pot, then pour in boiling water and let steep to the desired strength, strain and remove roots, leaves, and flowers.

Mullein ( Verbascum Thapus)

One of my favorite herbal remedies we use on the homestead often. Mullein has been used to treat respiratory problems, cough, whooping cough, colds, tuberculosis, bronchitis, pneumonia, flu, earaches, swine flu, fever, allergies, and tonsillitis. This plant grows in many regions of the United States. Here in Eastern Tennesse, it grows abundantly on our homestead. The leaves are harvested from the bottom of the plant and can be used fresh or dried to make many products. We enjoy Mullein as a tea by taking a quart jar placing fresh Mullein in the jar and pouring hot boiling water over it we let it steep for at least 3 hours. You can keep Mullein tea in the refrigerator and use it throughout the week. You can also make it by the cup as well just put a few leaves in a cup pour in boiling water and steep for 10 minutes strain the leaves from the liquid. Mullein can also be made into oil using a hot press or cold press method. Using olive oil or coconut oil as a carrier oil with Mullein leaves use a double boiler to gently heat the oil and flowers for 3 hours. Strain and store in a glass jar. Using the cold press method steep the Mullein flowers in olive or coconut oil for 7 to 10 days. This oil can be used for gout, earaches, inflammation, and pain.

Ginger (Zingiber Officinale)

Ginger is rich in anti-inflammatory properties which increase the body's immunity. Ginger also induces sweating which makes it an effective herb for breaking a fever and relieving other cold and flu symptoms. Ginger is also great for upset stomachs and nausea. Enjoy as a tea by using a 1/2 tsp. of dried ginger or even better grate fresh ginger and add to a cup of boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes and make sure to strain out the powder or grated ginger pieces. You can add honey, lemongrass, or lemon if you like.

Horehound ( Marrubium Vulgar)

This herb is has been traditionally used for making cough syrup. Horehound is a member of the mint family and has a long history of health and wellness properties. Traditional preparations include tinctures, teas, candy, and syrups. To make your own horehound syrup boil 1 ounce of fresh or dried horehound leaves in 2 cups of boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain the leaves and measure the liquid that remains and add twice as much honey to the liquid and mix thoroughly. (Don't use store brought honey, raw or local honey is best.) Take 1 tsp. up to 4 times a day. (Do not use if pregnant or nursing.)

Hyssop (Hyssopus Officinalis)

Hyssop has been used for centuries, even as far back as biblical times. Hyssop is used for upper respiratory infections, coughs, colds, and asthma among other conditions. Hyssop tastes like a mix between sage and mint and can be used to flavor meat dishes and soups. Hyssop may have been one of the bitter herbs eaten at Passover. This herb is also anti-bacterial and can be used to make your cleaning supplies. (Don't use this herb if you are pregnant or nursing.)

Elderberry (Sambucus Nigra)

'The medicine chest of the people.' Elderberry has many therapeutic uses. Elderberry syrup and extract can reduce cold and flu symptoms, it also is used to reduce cholesterol. For best results against cold and flu take at the first sign of symptoms. You can make this simple tea when you feel like your immune system needs a boost. Add water, dried elderberries, and a cinnamon stick to a small saucepan and stir well. Heat on high just until the tea starts to boil. Turn the heat down to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes. Let the tea cool for 5 minutes, then strain the tea through a fine-mesh strainer, put it into a mug, and enjoy. To make elderberry syrup, use 3/4 cups of fresh elderberries, 3 cups of water, 1 tsp. dried or fresh ginger, 1 tsp. cinnamon and 1tsp. cloves. In a large pot bring the water, elderberries, cloves, ginger, and cinnamon to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until half of the liquid is reduced. Allow the liquid to cool, then strain out all the berries with a strainer. Press all the liquid out of the berries with the back of a spoon. Add raw honey mixing well. Syrup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two months in an airtight jar.

Garlic (Allium Sativum)

For over 5,000 years, people have used garlic for its many health benefits. Garlic has antiviral, anti-inflammatory as well as anti-fungal properties. Garlic is also known for its benefits in lowing blood pressure and treating hyperlipidemia. Eating garlic in foods daily helps to cut down on the occurrence of colds. Fermented garlic and honey are an awesome way to utilize garlic because you get a one-two punch from the garlic and also from the honey's healing properties. To make, peel garlic cloves and fill the glass jar 1/2 to 3/4 full of the garlic cloves and pour raw honey to cover the cloves. (Be sure to use raw honey because it still has the bacteria and yeast in it to ensure proper fermentation.) Cover the jar with a loose-fitting lid to leat out the gasses that form from the fermentation. Set the jar in a dark place, and turn the jar upside down every few days to ensure the garlic cloves are staying coated with the honey. (Make sure to tighten the jar lid before turning over the jar, and after when right side up, loosen the lid again.) Ferment for 1 month, but you can use it throughout the fermentation process.

Marjoram (Origanum Majorana)

Marjoram is nature's decongestant, it can help you breathe easier by inhaling its vapors. Simply making a tea with this herb can help with a runny nose, colds, coughs, sore throat, and ear pain. Enjoy marjoram in food, or you can make a tea by using fresh or dried marjoram in 1 cup of boiling water and let it steep for 10 minutes. Strain the Marjoram from the liquid and enjoy!

Cinchona Bark (Quina)

The Cinchona tree grows in South America, near Venezuela. It is known for its medicinal properties. It contains equine which is used to treat Malaria and can be used to treat colds, flu, swine flu, mouth and throat diseases, heart arrhythmias, and cancer. There are some chemicals in cinchona that can slow the heart, cause constipation, and affect the nervous system. Cinchona seems to be safe for most people when used appropriately. Large amounts can be unsafe and can be deadly. Symptoms of overdose include ear ringing, headache, nausea, diarrhea, vision disturbances, allergic reactions, bleeding, hives, and fever. (Do not use this product if you are pregnant or nursing, or if you have stomach ulcers or are having surgery because of bleeding risk.)

Disclaimer: This post isn't meant to be exhaustive. Please read more about these herbs and discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist before using them.