HERB - colds and flu

[Sue Rogers]

I make one remedy for "coughs, colds, influenza, pleurisy, consumption,
and the like...", on the theory that if I include everything, it will
keep any problems from progressing.

Here are some of the herbs I include that you might want to look into:
horehound, boneset [flu, fevers-may not be period], coltsfoot
[expectorant, demulcent], cubeb berries [expectorant, especially in
asthma], elder flowers [diaphoretic], holy thistle [breaks up obstinate
colds], hyssop [pectoral, especially in pertussis (whooping cough)],
mullein [demulcent, pectoral, expectorant], red clover [bronchial and
spasmodic coughs], red sage [laryngitis, sore throat, mouth ulcers],
solomon's seal [demulcent, pectoral], yarrow [breaks up colds,
diaphoretic]. I also include some others that are not period (e.g. willow
bark for fever - this apparently dates to the mid 1700's).  And I
compound this as a syrup with honey, lemon juice and brandy.  Gerard in
several places calls for honey or sugar to make a syrup, and he gives
good instructions for distilling alcohol (under the grapevine section). 
He also says lemon juice mixed with wine or aqua vitae should be drunk at
the first approach of the fit of an ague.  

Your ideas look like they will work well.

Honey and licorice, along with the sage, might strengthen the sore throat
remedy...  

For the cold formula, you might want more expectorant (coltsfoot,
mullein), and the blessed thistle does seem to make colds go away
faster...

For the flu remedy, you might think about something to break the fever,
such as elder flowers, angelica, or yarrow....

Just my ideas.  As I am sure you have found, every herbalist has her
favorite herbs.  Work with those that work well for you.  You sound like
you are getting good results.

Suzanna, the herbalist, Barony of the Steppes, Kingdom of Ansteorra
(Dallas, TX)
>
>1. I am going to use sage and hot water for a sore throat gargle.
>
>2. For my Cold remedy I will make tisane of the following:
>
>Angelica
>Marshmallo
>Elecampane
>Licorice
>Fennel
>Fenugreek
>Wild Cherry Bark
>
>3.  For my Flu remedy, I have decided on a tisane of the following:  
>
>Melissa
>Chamomile
>Peppermint
>Licorice
>Meadowsweet
>
>I have been making the above recipes and using them on myself and 
>family for several years....AND THEY ARE EFFECTIVE!!
>
>Any thoughts (from any herbalist out there!), on the above are 
>appreciated!
>
>****
>Cecille de Baskervyl - Principality of Cynagua,Kingdom of the West
>

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