Herbal Remedies

IF you're currently struggling with a cough or cold (and if you're not, it's probably only a matter of time), two local herbalists, Rachel Heathcote and Frances Wright, have some practical advice.

IF your body is healthy, it will have no difficulty seeing off coughs and colds, so it's important to have a diet that is as natural as possible and that follows the seasons - in the winter, that's root vegetables and stews. It's also a good idea - though not quite so easily done - to avoid too much stress because this can inhibit the body's immune system.

Ironically, a 'cold' is usually the sign of a healthy body, able to manifest a healthy immune response to invasion. Our best course of action is to assist it in eliminating toxins (which it does by sweating and bringing up mucous), and to rest, keep warm and eat light but nutritious foods, such as fruits and soups, and drink herbal teas or honey and lemon, with ginger and cinnamon.

If we impede the above process by taking drugs to dry up noses and stop the cough reflex, or to take away our temperature and aches quickly and artificially, we are effectively stopping our body's natural healing process. It may allow us to 'carry on' that day, but we are storing up problems for the future, with invading bacteria being left unattended to, and an immune system that turns on healthy body tissues instead.

The following are common symptoms you are likely to experience, together with some herbs that can help to relieve them without adversely affecting your body's own immune system:

For catarrh and congestion of the respiratory tract...
decongestant herbs, such as elderflower or peppermint can offer relief.

For chest infections...
Thyme and inula are both very good - they are anti-microbial as well as expectorant, so they work to get rid of the infection while also loosening and bringing up catarrh from the lungs.

For helping to relieve aches and pains...
boneset/feverwort (and white willow bark) - and it also helps expel mucous.

For stimulating the immune system...
echinacea - but it shouldn't be taken for longer than a few weeks.

For tonics, where the immune system is dysfunctional...
astragalus or withania can be taken longer-term.

For low mood, or if you suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder...
try mood-lifters like St John's wort, arena or mellisa.

For boosting your body's ability to fight a cold...
vitamins C and A, and a multi-vitamin supplement.



Frances Wright works in Paignton, Newton Abbot and Plymouth,
and has a newly opened herbal clinic in Dartington. Call her on 01803 866373.

Rachel Heathcote practices from the Archway Centre in Totnes.
Call her on 07939 717855 or 01803 863270.