The Respiratory System – the first line of defence
Through the ages the lungs have been seen as the internal organs that are most in contact with the exterior and as such many treatments were given to help strengthen the lungs in their functioning to help the body overcome invading bacteria and viruses.
In many cultures of the world physicians believed and still believe that food and drink, temperature and humidity all have an impact on the respiratory system. Much has been written about mucous (Damp) forming foods and how these have an affect on congestion. ‘Damp’ foods are foods such as dairy and wheat.
In Britain we are a nation of mucous ridden individuals, with decongestant drugs being on the top of the list of shop bought remedies, perhaps it’s something to do with the climate in this country and our westernised diets?!
Catching a cold
Many people believe that if you are around someone with a cold or the ‘flu that you will just catch it but the lungs and the rest of the respiratory system/ immune system also need to be susceptible for this to occur. It’s the Herbalists job to keep your respiratory system and immune system healthy so that you do not ‘catch’ viruses and get ill over the winter months.
Herbal Treatment of Colds and ‘Flus
Herbal Medicines really come into their own in the treatment of Respiratory infections. Herbs work in the following ways to support the body in fighting off infection and clearing mucous/infection.
The beauty of herbal medicine is that within a prescription you may have, for example, 5-10 herbs. Each herb has a number of different actions so when you make up a decongestant mix for a patient each ingredient often does many things to assist with the congestion. Elecampane, for example, is anti-catarrhal, anti-septic and expectorant, so can be really useful in a decongestant mix.
Anti-catarrhals
These are herbs that reduce the production of mucous. This can be helpful during and after a cold where excessive mucous is produced leading to a ‘bunged up’ feeling and headaches. Anti-catarrhals include – Garlic, Chilli, Coltsfoot, Elecampane, Ginger, Goldenseal, Golden rod, Mullein and Plaintain (to name just a few).
Mucolytics
Herbs that dissolve or disperse mucous.
This category of herbs tend to apply when a patient is suffering with very thick mucous in their sinuses that doesn’t want to shift.
Mucolytic herbs include Aniseed, Cinnamon, Angelica, Fennel, Garlic, Ginger and Chilli.
Lymphatics
These herbs encourage better elimination through the lymph system and help remove wastes and toxins. These types of herbs may be used for a patient who has chronic Sinus congestion and where there is a build up of mucous that has not been cleared. Traditional herbalists referred to this type of condition as ‘The Torpid Tissue State.’ A torpid tissue state was when fluids collect inside the tissues. When fluid is stuck, tissues are swollen, weak and ill nourished. Lymphatics can therefore help to clear this leading to a better functioning of the tissues.
Lymphatics are herbs like Poke root, Echinacea, Red clover, Wild Indigo and Iris.
At Foreman & Jones we treat lots of patients throughout the autumn and winter months to prevent common infections such as colds and flus and our over the counter range of Immune supporting and Decongestant medicines can be useful herbs to stock up on for the Autumn and Winter months.
To buy our Decongestant Tea click here
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