Holy Basil

Ocimum sanctum

Traditionally known as tulsi by Indian Ayurvedic practitioners, Holy Basil has many medicinal properties. It seems that it’s main use has been to treat respiratory disorders as it is a very effective expectorant and remedy for bronchitis, asthma, flu, cough and cold.

Holy Basil is specific for many types of fever. During the rainy season when malaria and dengue fever are prevalent the tender leaves boiled with tea help prevent these diseases. In cases of acute fever the leaves boiled with other herbs are used to bring the fever down. This is a very safe and effective treatment for children.

In more recent times Holy Basil has been used for the relief of stress as it is also a potent adaptogen and treatment for emotional disorders such as anxiety and depression as they can be brought on or aggravated by stress. *note: if you’re taking antidepressants consult with your health care practitioner before stopping your medication in favor of herbal remedies.

Holy Basil is beneficial in treating heart disorders and in lowering blood cholesterol. It is also a blood purifier which helps strengthen all internal organs and protect against common ailments.

The time tested uses listed and many more are very useful in rural areas where there is little health care, but the popularity of these alternative therapies are gaining popularity in the cities also where medical care is out of reach of the indigent, and allergies to standard medical treatments are growing more prevelant.

Echinacea

Echinacea, the beautiful purple cone flower is a colorful addition to your flower beds, but it's medicinal properties are well known. Echinacea has been in use by the Native Americans for untold time, and it entered the formal medical world in the late 1800 where it was used until the late 1920's when antibiotics were introduced. Native Americans used its root for everything from fighting colds and flu to infections to cancer. The wild type, Echinacea angustifolia, was the most popularly used, but it's become scarce in the wild due to over-harvesting. Echinacea purpurea is the species used most in Europe and is the plant the German E Commission did all it's tests with. This species' flowers and other aerial parts are used more than the root and it is cultivated, so there's no worry about it becoming extinct.

Echinacea is still the most prescribed herb in Europe, but its use is mostly confined to fighting colds and flu, overlooking its many other benefits. The root may be chewed to alleviate tooth ache. It can be made into a salve to treat eczema, psoriasis, infectious wounds and much more.

Echinacea stimulates the production of T cells, macrophage activity and interferon production making the cells less susceptible to viral takeover.

Cold and flu season is upon us. It's time to start adding more immune building herbs to your arsenal. If you're not already taking Echinacea, now is a good time to start. Other good immune builders are Astragalus, Marshmallow root, garlic and beet roots and greens.

Beets are in season now and provide a wide range of nutrients and antioxidants as well as being an immune system builder. See previous post for more information on Beets. There are many, many ways to use garlic, and the recipes calling for it are plentiful. Try to get some garlic into your diet every day.

Although citrus fruits are commonly thought of as being helpful during the cold and flu season because of their Vitamin C content, take into consideration that broccoli contains more Vitamin C than citrus fruits. Add this to your diet at least three times a week. Apples, which are also in season during the winter month are also a good addition to the diet in order to bring extra nutrients and carry toxins out of the body quickly.

Of course don't forget to wash your hands often. A disinfectant soap isn't usually necessary if your wash properly using a rubbing action and rinse well. Disinfect door knobs, telephones, and any surface touched often by multiple members of the family. The handy disinfectant wipes are a favorite with busy Moms and Dads, but apple cider vinegar in a spray bottle kills 99% of bacteria and 82% other pathogens.
Just set the nozzle on the finest spray possible and mist surfaces lightly and allow to dry without wiping.