by Jamelle Zablow-Moloney
January 27, 2024
Plants have an amazing ability to heal us with a gentle ease and minimal to zero side effects. Many times when we feel that we are having a side effect from a plant-based substance it is either due to a rebalancing of the body's systems, or an interaction with the medications we are taking. This is why I always recommend drinking a variety of
herbal teas and eating a variety of foods that support the immune functions of the body during the cold season. In this way, the use of natural remedies for the remediation of viral and bacterial infections will not compound into side effects that leave you suspicious of the beautiful healing power of plants!
The following is a list of plants I frequently use in my teas to combat the viral and bacterial infections my family and I encounter. Tea Tree, Nutmeg, Yarrow, Cinnamon, Motherwort, Gendarussa, and Mint all support respiratory health through their antimicrobial effect on the body. The terpenoids present in each of these plants are responsible for their antimicrobial properties. For preventative medicine to avoid respiratory ailments, I would recommend cycling through the plants presented here:
Frankincense and Tea Tree would both be good candidates to take via essential oil diffusion through inhalation. Both essential oils need to be diluted and run the risk of contact dermatitis when applied topically. Dizziness, lightheadedness, and nausea could occur if ingested, however, if not ingested, there would be no other side effects. Frankincense contains expectorant properties, preventing inflammation, and carries antibacterial and anti-fungal properties to help fight infection of the mucous.
Coneflower can be brewed into tea and taken a few times a week if there is no allergy to the Echinacea family. It is not recommended to take Echinacea when drinking coffee, as it impacts the rate at which the caffeine breaks down in the body. Echinacea should not be taken with immunosuppressants but does a great job of supporting the immune system by reducing fever and providing antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immunostimulant properties.
Goldenseal is a great option for preventative treatment and is considered safe if you are not pregnant or breastfeeding. It is easily grown and readily available, and its benefits abound in the immune system as it provides inflammation relief, kills fungal and bacterial pathogens, and relieves stomach upset and diarrhea to relieve flu symptoms.
Mullein Leaf has an antiviral effect that allows it to protect against the influenza virus. All of its active components have anti-inflammatory effects as well. Mullein grows easily across the globe, and currently, there are no known side effects or interactions with other medications. Mullein should be taken with caution according to recommended amounts from reputable sources.
Clove is an expectorant when chewed, thinning out the phlegm in the throat, giving it a decongestive effect. Clove is also an anti-inflammatory and can act as a local muscle relaxer when chewed, which is how it assists in the passage of phlegm.
Marshmallow has anti-inflammatory and immune-supporting properties. This plant contains polyphenols that coat mucous membranes found in the respiratory tract, allowing the mucous to be more easily passed through the body and promoting immune recovery. Marshmallow has also been shown to protect and assist in the migration of macrophages within the body, further promoting recovery and immune support.
Goji berries are free radical scavengers and exhibit their antioxidant properties through their conduction of metal chelation throughout the body and by activating other antioxidant mechanisms. To achieve its cough suppressant effects, it is recommended to take the Goji berry syrup.
Lemon balm is a good option to treat the common cold because it is readily available in most communities and produces antimicrobial, antispasmodic, and antioxidant effects when ingested as a tea, tincture, or supplement, and even when inhaled as an essential oil. Lemon balm improves immunity, relaxes the mind and body, treats insomnia and indigestion, and even relieves pain. Lemon balm’s phenolic, muscarinic acid, is responsible for its antiviral properties. The plant’s antispasmodic properties are due to its ability to fight inflammation and relax the muscles, which comes from the presence of its phenolics.
I hope this information has found you well and can provide you some relief if you are in need of some quick cold and flu remedies. Should you need any plant-based medicine tea blends, please visit the shop at www.barerootsenergy.com/shop or contact Jamelle at jam@barerootsenergy.com.
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