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Pharmacy Links

HERBAL TREATMENT: COLDS, FLU AND FEVER; CRAMP AND SPASM

March 30, 2009

Colds, flu and fever

The classic herbal treatment for colds and flu uses sweating therapy with diaphoretic herbs:

2 parts Elder flowers

2 parts Peppermint leaves

1 part Yarrow herb

Infusion: 1 cup every 4 hours during acute phase, otherwise 3 cups per day

Catnip or Lemon Balm (or any other diaphoretic herb) may be substituted for any of the above. Take one or more cups of the hot infusion and, if possible, follow immediately with a hot bath. Then rest in bed with warm covers, taking regular doses of the infusion every 4 hours.

Countless cases have shown that this treatment, begun at the first sign of a cold, flu or fever, will minimize symptoms and hasten recovery.

To the basic formula, highly effective in itself, can be added Garlic Oil (1/2 teaspoon every 4 hours) and Composition Essence:

1 part Cayenne Pepper (powdered)

1 part Cinnamon bark (powdered)

1 part Clove buds (powdered)

Decoction: 1 tablespoon every 4 hours during acute phase, otherwise 3 tablespoons per day

One of the famous formulations of the nineteenth century herbalists, Composition Essence is used for general debility and convalescence, and can be taken at the first sign of any acute illness, cold, flu or fever.

For colds in babies and small children, use only the mildest of herbs: Lemon Balm, Catnip, Chamomile or Raspberry Leaf, infused, sweetened with a little honey, and given a teaspoon at a time, keeping the child warm and well covered.

Cramp and Spasm

An excellent remedy for relieving all types of cramp and spasm, severe and mild:

4 parts Cramp Bark

1 part Ginger root

Decoction: 1/2-1 ñèð as required, not to exceed 3 cups per day

Other formulas which can be used:

Valerian root

Infusion: 1/2 -l cup as required, not to exceed 3 cups per day

3 parts Skullcap herb

1 part Hop flowers

1 part Valerian root.

Infusion: 1/2-1 ñèð as required, not to exceed 3 cups per day

3 parts Chamomile flowers

1 part Vervain leaves

1 part Ginger root

Infusion: 1/2-1 ñuð as required

Combining a small amount of a stimulant herb such as Cayenne Pepper, Cinnamon or Ginger with antispasmodic herbs will provide warming qualities and a quicker-acting effect.

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