Tag Archives: herbs

How do you prepare your family for the cold and flu season?

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When Mathew was 4 months old, I was introduced to an amazing parenting group that I still utilize from time to time. During the first fours years of his life, I found the Hudson Valley Parents group to be invaluable. At first, I used the group to meet other parents of children the same age as Mathew and go on hikes. Then it became a huge resource for questions like – My kid does this, does yours, what do you do?” or where can I get …? However, one question really changed my life. How do you prepare your family for the cold and flu season? I had a couple of tools in my herbal tool chest but the answer to this one was the most powerful – Elderberry Syrup! Hands-down, I have never utilized a better immune system enhancer than elderberry syrup. Better yet, it is rather tasty too. We start taking it in the fall and throughout the winter, particularly when we travel. I have never found enough elderberries growing near my home to make the syrup, so I buy the syrup at the local health food store.

See how the virus cell is covered in spikes?

Elder (Sambucus nigra) is a fantastic antiviral and the way it works is really interesting.  First, you must visualize a virus, which is round and covered with spikes. The virus’ job is to invade the cell by using its spikes to puncture the cell wall.  Elder strengthens the cell wall while neutralizing the spikes on the virus, thus making it more difficult for the virus to invade the cell, BRILLIANT.  By taking elderberry syrup, you are strengthening your immune system so it can fight off cold and flu viruses when you are exposed to them, as well as lessen symptoms and duration of the illness. Elderberry juice was used to treat a flu epidemic in Panama in 1995.

Here’s to a healthy cold and flu season.

All information is shared for educational purposes only and has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.  This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

 

So what is an infusion?

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Throughout my blogs, I occasionally, mention making infusions and have come to realize that many people do not know what an infusion is – well, I’ve decided to remedy the situation.  The basic difference between a tea and an infusion is the steeping time and amount of herb being used. An infusion uses a larger quantity of herbs and is steeped a lot longer. Infusions extract more medicinal qualities and nutrients than tea. They do not have a long shelf life, perhaps 2-3 days at most.

Infusions are made from the delicate aerial parts (flower, stems or leaves) of the plants.  These fragile parts must be steeped, rather than simmered, because they give up their medicinal properties more easily than the tougher roots and bark.

To make infusion:

I like to make infusions in quart canning jars; they can withstand the heat of the boiling water and are easy to carry around. Also, it’s the right amount for a daily intake and I can drink it all day long without needing to make a new batch.

  1. Boil a quart of water per ounce (handful) of dried herb or one cup per tablespoon of herb. If using fresh herbs, double the quantity. If you want to extract the mucilaginous property of a plant – use cold water and not boiled water (for example, with marshmallow root).
  2. Pour boiled water over the herbs, cover and let steep for at least 30-60 minutes, typically 4 hours to overnight. The longer the steeping time, the stronger the infusion.
  3. Strain and drink.

It can be drunk hot or cold and sweetened if you like. Experiment with herb amounts and steeping times; let your taste buds guide you.  Infusions can be used for drinking, foot and hand baths or to make creams.

You can pick fresh herbs (make sure herb is properly identified) for your infusions or buy dry herbs in the bulk section of a health food store or co-op. Enjoy!

I will share my favorite infusion recipes, please share yours.

All information is shared for educational purposes only and has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.  This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.