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A Soothing Cold and Flu Remedy
As
we enjoy a typical
New England
autumn season - sunny
and warm one day,
blustery and cold the
next – it is the
perfect time for a cup
of soothing ginger
root tea.
The heady aroma
of fresh ginger,
chamomile and
peppermint will warm
you up as it awakens
your senses.
This delightful
blend is more than
‘just a cup of
tea,’ it has a
plethora of health
benefits, too.
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The
flowers of both
Roman chamomile
(Chamaemelum
nobile) and
German chamomile
(Matricaria
recutita) have
been taken for
centuries to
soothe nervous
stomachs, aid in
digestion, ease
morning
sickness,
neutralize
heartburn, and
relieve
abdominal
cramping.
The
sedative-like
properties of
this common herb
are also useful
in treating
anxiety and
insomnia.
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The
tuberous
rhizome, or
root, of ginger
(Zingiber
officinale) has
been used in
Asia
for thousands of
years to reduce
the symptoms of
colds and flu,
alleviate nausea
and indigestion,
and to improve
circulation.
Among its
many benefits is
its ability to
reduce
cholesterol,
lower blood
pressure and
reduce
inflammation.
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Though
best know for
its cooling
nature
peppermint (Mentha
piperita) is
also an
effective
antispasmodic,
anti-viral and
antibacterial
herb.
It
soothes sore
throats, eases
coughing, helps
to lessen nasal
and chest
congestion, and
relieve sinus
pain and
pressure.
It is
also helpful in
treating colic,
gas, diarrhea,
irritable bowel
syndrome (IBS)
and colitis.
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Ginger
root tea is a pleasant
and natural way to
deal with the effects
of a cold or the flu. The
blending of chamomile,
ginger root and
peppermint will help
to break the fever as
it induces sweating
and reduces the
chills; it will gently
calm your stomach as
it relieves the nausea
and diarrhea that
often accompanies the
flu; you will breathe
easier as the tea
helps to clear your
sinuses and loosen
chest congestion; the
antihistamine effects
will aid in thinning
and expelling mucus;
coughing will be
lessened; and, your
irritability will be
soothed.
To
prepare ginger root
tea steep
1 teaspoon of
chamomile, 1/4
teaspoon of peppermint
and a slice of fresh
ginger in 6 ounces of
hot water for 3 to 4
minutes.
For the best
flavor use freshly
dried, loose herbs and
fresh ginger.
In a pinch, you
may substitute 1
chamomile tea bag and
1 peppermint tea bag,
along with dried
ginger pieces or
ground ginger.
A bit of honey
and lemon may be added
for a little extra
zing.
Now
curl up in a comfy
chair with a lap
throw, a steaming cup
of ginger root tea and
relax.
2009 Del Bachand
- this article
may not be
reproduced, in
whole or in
part,
without the
express
permission of
the author.
Del
Bachand writes
for several
venues on herbs,
homeopathic
remedies, and
holistic
approaches to
healthy living.
She is a featured speaker at
holistic health
expositions,
teaches classes
and workshops,
and leads
presentations
in
the holistic
health field
to groups and
organizations throughout
the Northeast |
