Herbal Flu

[moldy]

Pretty sure I have the flu. I had a flu shot early this season,but it has not been all that effective (we've had a handful of folks that tested positive for Flu A even after having the shot). I've been subsisting on fluids and dayquil/nyquil for a few days.

Finally (yeah, and I"m the herbalist!!) decided to try some elderberry concentrate and lemon balm tincture. Feeling much better within a matter of minutes.

Wish I was a faster learner!!

 

[summerthyme]

Darn, girl! Elderberry needs to be front and center of your meds cabinet at this time of year!

Remember, for it to be truly effective, it needs to be taken *early and often*. It doesn't kill off virus... it just prevents the virii from reproducing. We've found that taking it at 3-4 hour intervals is most effective... if you stretch it much farther thsn 4 hours, the viral load starts increasing, and symptoms worsen quickly.

I even will set an alarm if someone seems to have a nasty case (H1N1 in 2009 was wicked) and make sure they get itbat least every 4 hours at night.

We seem to have influenza going around... several toddlers running 103 degree fevers, but without any symptoms to explain it... no sore throat, ear infection or lung congestion. I've been selling syrup (and giving away the recipe for next year) like crazy.

Hope you feel better soon!

Summerthyme

 

[moldy]

Told DH we need to plant a bunch. It does quite well here - just need to get it started. ST - do you grow your own? Where do you get plants from?

 

[summerthyme]

Yes... it grows wild here, so i just found a healthy clump, dug out several suckers, and moved them to a spot in front of the dog kennel. My biggest problem is the damned English Sparrows... they'll often eat the berries even while still green! If i want a crop, i need to use bird netting.

But aside from that, they're about foolproof.. i haven't ever had an insect problem (although there is apparently some sort of borer that likes them... I just cut out any dead canes while doing dormant pruning). They will tolerste fairly deep shade, but will produce better in partly/mostly sunny spots . I've noticed the wild plants thrive in "edges" (along the woods), and in moist soil, like along the creek bank.

Summerthyme

 

[Heliobas Disciple]

We discovered another wonderful remedy for coughs and throats. I don't know if it will cure the flu, but has definitely helped with any cough/sore throat. It's a honey syrup from Mexico that is sold in Walgreens, Walmart and Amazon. Read the comments, we also found it stopped the coughs after two or three doses. Amazing stuff. (standard disclaimer: consult your physician before taking any over the counter remedies, they may have a counter effect to medications you are currently taking and you could have allergic complications)

https://www.amazon.com/Broncolin-Propolis-Honey-Syrup-11-4/dp/B00329U70O

HD

 

[moldy]

For my cough, i have been taking an Osha tincture. Seems to really help loosen that stuck dried out gunk in my lungs where I can get it up and out. Also feels like my lungs get more tidal volume when I take it.

 

[Pinecone]

That's good to know, moldy. Thanks.