As a mother, I want to keep my family as healthy as possible. I, personally, prefer natural remedies and always try holistic alternatives before turning to western medicine. We all know food is healthcare. We eat right, we feel right. In this sense, I guess, we are what we eat. As one who is referred to with the slang term as “crunchy”, my medicine cabinet looks much like one of a fairytale. Twigs, berries, herbs, and spices. We have zero OTC and pharmaceuticals in our home. In keeping with this dedication to non-toxic living, I make sure to always have these naturally derived medicines on hand to proactively prevent or combat viruses and bacteria when cold season comes around.
Elderberry has been deemed as the most effective flu treatment and prevention in alternative medicine. Elderberry is native to Europe, Africa, and parts of Asia, but it has become common here in the United States. The plant’s scientific name is Sambucus Nigra and for visual descriptive purposes looks similar to a blueberry with a more plum meets magenta purple hue. It has transient leaves, white flowers, and berries that turn gradually from green to red to dark purple when ripe. Sambucus Nigra is the most commonly used variety of this plant species of Elderberry for medicinal purposes. Research done has proven Elderberry benefits in Immune system support, meaning it has been shown to decrease the duration of common colds and improve flu symptoms. It is an antiviral herb that can be used to reduce inflammation and congestion from sinus infections and supports the lymphatic system. It has a linkage to lowering blood sugar levels meaning it can be used to relieve some issues in those with diabetes; in fact it has been found to even lower insulin dependence in T1 diabetics. Elderberry is used to help bowel movements and in its dark purple color has significant bioflavonoids, antioxidants and Vitamin A. Elderberry syrup can be used to ease allergies, improve gut health, and lower cholesterol. With all these miraculous benefits no wonder why it is listed as a number one in natural remedy must- haves!
Echinacea, much like elderberry, is an immune supporting herb. Echinacea is native to the North American coneflower discovered and used as a long-established herbal remedy for over 400 years by Indian tribes. In fact, before the introduction and mass production of antibiotics with allopathic medicine in 1950, echinacea was held in high regard by medical professionals. Over the past decade it has made quite a comeback with holistic medicine beginning to soar once again. Making the herbal extraction a 28 million dollar industry annually. This herb is special because it not only supports and strengthens the immune system but it also has reversing properties, similar to that of cannabinoids, in attacking cancers. “Medicinal value of phytochemicals contained in Echinacea is clearly evident and indicates that these agents, as well as phytochemicals not yet discovered in other herbs, may be valuable tools to combat tumors” (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2668539/ ). Echinacea helps to boost the immune system. It does this by cutting the chances of catching a common airborne cold by 58% and reduces the duration of the cold by nearly a day and a half. Echinacea is said to help pain associated with but not limited to: headaches, toothaches, bowel and gas pains, HSV, stomach aches, sore throats, and even tonsillitis. Also, like elderberry, it is a natural anti- inflammatory. It has topical benefits for skin rashes like eczema and psoriasis as well , which is why it's right behind elderberry at number two on my favorites list.
Ginger is known as a spicy herb and is a member of the Zingiberaceae family, along with it’s sister herbs turmeric and cardamom. Ginger has been used for centuries tracing back to ancient China where it coined the nickname “love herb”. Ginger sits at number three on my list because it contains a wide variety of important vitamins and minerals. It contains gingerol which is a potent antioxidant and anti- inflammatory compound. Some of the vitamins and minerals found in ginger are copper, manganese, magnesium, vitamin C, iron, fiber, vitamin B6, potassium, phosphorous, and trace amounts of zinc, calcium, riboflavin, and thiamin which gives it its most well known benefit of nausea relief. Ginger can also be used to protect and heal stomach ulcers, fight fungal infections, eases menstrual cramps, eases joint pain and inflammation, impedes bacterial infections, regulates blood sugar levels, and lowers cholesterol. Definitely an important member for your natural medicine collection.
Garlic is known to have antimicrobial properties and is very effective in killing bacteria. Garlic is one of nature’s strongest antibiotics and has been used as a virus killer since ancient times. What makes garlic such a potent natural germ killer is its pungent oily property called allicin. Allicin is what gives this spice its strong smell and makes it so effective. Actually, it is so effective that it can battle infections inside the body through topical application. You may have heard of the wives tale of putting crushed garlic clove in your sock while you sleep when sick, sounds wild but it holds truth. However, cooking garlic destroys the allicin compound so it has to be applied or eaten raw to honestly fulfill its impressive benefits which, is why it falls second to last. Keep your mouthwash close, no one likes garlic breath!
Manuka Honey is my final recommendation to keep on hand this flu season and upcoming allergy season. Manuka honey has been used for centuries, and its origin precisely pinpoints to Australia. This specific honey is produced by european honey bees known as Apis Mellifera. The Australian Manuka Honey Association (AMHA) has actually established a relatively high set of standards for authenticating manuka honey. It must be pure, natural, and exclusively Australian produced manuka and pass five tests in order to be certified. The test filters the honey and verifies if the honey derived has four specific chemical attributes and one DNA pop for Leptospermum scoparium in order to mark it as authentic manuka honey. These results have to be approved by an independent Australian lab. Manuka honey is considered to be a superfood. Its most well drawn and commonly seen benefits are sleep improvement, digestive system health support, it can enhance immunity and overall health, positively impacts allergies and provides sinusitis relief, can topically heal wounds and inflammationFF, has been said to boost energy and support the adrenal glands, and combats staph infections and does not allow for the growth and spread of drug resistant superbugs like MRSA.
All five of these raw medicines are quite spectacular. When science can approve these astounding qualities from earth made material proving them safer than lab generated medicines there's little surprise as to why these are hot commodities throughout american natural medicines today.
