FLU AND COLD TEA

Plantain (Plantago major
Actions
Expectorant, demulcent, astringent, diuretic, externally emollient and vulnerary; anti-histamine,
anti-bacterial, anti-allergy, blood tonic, lymphatic, anti-haemorrhagic, antacid.
Uses
Chronic blood disorders, shingles, neuralgic remedy, diabetes, fever, kidney and bladder disorders, irritable bowel,
diverticulosis, ulcers, internal/external bleeding – excess menstrual loss,
hyperacidity, bronchitis, bruises, skin eruptions and disorders, wounds that refuse to heal, cystitis with blood.
· One of the most versatile herbs.
· Rich source of minerals.
· All body tissues feel its beneficial influence.

Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
Actions
Digestive, carminative, anti-spasmodic, diaphoretic, anti-emetic, mild sedative,
peripheral vasodilator, stimulant, emmenogogue, nervine.
Uses
Colitis, Crohn’s Disease, diverticulitis, fever, colds, eases anxiety and tension,
travel sickness, flatulence, colic, nausea and vomiting,
poor appetite, catarrh, infant’s convulsions.
· Refreshingly effective in simple indigestion.
· Of value in gall bladder disease.
Contraindications: Pregnancy, anxiety neurosis and nervous excitability.

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Actions
Diaphoretic, hypotensive, astringent, diuretic, antiseptic, anti-catarrhal, hepatic, stimulant, tonic,
emmenogogue, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, haemostatic,
anti-scorbutic, anti-pyretic, anti-rheumatic; a gentle relaxant.
Uses
· Is one of the best diaphoretic herbs and is a standard remedy for aiding the body to deal with fevers.
· It lowers blood pressure due to a dilation of the peripheral vessels.
· Stimulates the digestion and tones the blood vessels.
· Urinary antiseptic – indicated for infections.
· Excellent healer of wounds.
· Specific in thrombotic conditions associated with high blood pressure – prevents blood clots.
· Used internally and externally for a wide range of conditions.
· Dry skin and absent perspiration.
· Haemorrhage of mucous surfaces – nosebleed.
Contraindications: Large doses may cause headache. Not used during pregnancy.

Elder (Sambucus nigra)
Actions (Flowers)
Diaphoretic, anti-catarrhal, pectoral, anti-inflammation, laxative, emollient skin care product, diuretic, expectorant.
Uses
Common cold, flu, chills, early stages of fevers with dry skin and raised temperature, nasal catarrh,
sinusitis, tonsillitis, inflammation of mouth, throat and trachea (mouth wash and gargle),
night sweats, croup (combine with equal parts Coltsfoot), eyestrain, conjunctivitis,
eye twitching – cotton pads soaked in cold Elder tea apply to closed lids (patient lying down).
· The Elder Tree is a veritable medicine chest by itself.
· Leaves are used for bruises, sprains, wounds and chilblains.
· Useful ointment (leaves) for tumors.
· Flowers are ideal treatment of colds and flu, indicated in any catarrhal condition;
inflammation of the upper respiratory tract such as hay fever and sinusitis; catarrhal deafness responds well.

Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum)
Actions
Febrifuge, diaphoretic, bitter tonic, laxative, immune stimulant, aperient, anti-spasmodic,
anti-catarrhal, bitter diuretic, emetic.
Uses
Keynote: Children’s fevers, promotes heavy sweating to reduce a raised temperature and eliminate
toxins via the skin. Anti-spasmodic to the respiratory organs.
Fever, “ache-all-over”, influenza, acute pain in the bones, fractures, to promote healing of broken bones, bronchitis, malaria.
· Skin diseases which accompany children’s fevers (measles, chicken pox).
· Reported to be anti-neoplastic.
· Perhaps best remedy for the relief of the associated symptoms that accompany influenza.
· Speedily relieves the aches and pains as well as aid the body dealing with any fever that is present.
· Helps clear upper respiratory tract of mucous congestion.
· Its mild aperient activity will help clear the body of any build-up of waste and ease constipation.
· May be used safely for any fever and also as a general cleansing agent.
· It may provide symptomatic aid in the treatment of muscular rheumatism.

Horehound (White) (Marrubium vulgare)
Actions
Stimulating expectorant, anti-spasmodic, bitter digestive, vulnerary,
pectoral stimulant, diaphoretic, sedative, amphoteric, diuretic.
Uses
Keynote: Chest
Chronic gall bladder disease, malaria, hepatitis.
· A valuable plant in the treatment of bronchitis where there is a non-productive cough.
· Combines the action of relaxing the smooth muscles of the bronchus whilst promoting mucous production and thus expectoration.
· Beneficial in the treatment of whooping cough.
· Bitter action stimulates the flow and secretion of bile from the gall blander and thus aids digestion.