`Tis the Season - for respiratory problems!

Isn’t this weather wonderful?  We’ve been enjoying outside activity that would typically not be very pleasant this time of year!  However, it seems that every time I turn around, I run into someone experiencing an unrelenting upper respiratory problem!

While we are told that scientists have “proven” that it is more difficult for viruses to spread through warm air, literally hundreds if not thousands of upper respiratory viruses are causing scratchy throats, congestion, coughing, fever and just feeling “icky” in this unseasonably warm winter weather!
Because antibiotics are ineffective against viruses, we often believe that we are at the mercy of the infection until it “runs its course” or… in our effort to find relief, we fill our bodies with pharmaceuticals that generally cause more problems than they help!

While we experience various symptoms with viruses which need our attention, I would like to specifically focus on congestion of the respiratory tract.  Our Creator has given us many wonderful herbs which, when combined, produce enhanced healing benefits!  I’d like to teach you how to make a remedy that can be very effective in relieving respiratory infection and congestion called Lung Blend Tea.

Combine (one part each):
• Echinacea root – stimulates the immune system speeding resolution of the infection
• Elecampane – antiseptic expectorant relieves congestion, local anesthetic soothes throat tissues.
• Ginger root – antiviral and promotes sweating to break fever.
• Pleurisy root – reduces mucous membrane inflammation
• Licorice root – anti-inflammatory soothes mucous membranes and encourages repair of these tissues.
• White oak bark – antiviral, alleviates throat pain and protects against re-infection.
• Cinnamon bark – Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antispasmodic and expectorant.
• Orange peel – anti-inflammatory and reduces phlegm in lungs and throat.
• Fennel seeds – antispasmodic, calms cough and decongestant.

Preparation: Place 3 tablespoons of herb mixture in a saucepan with 2 cups of cold water.  Allow to sit for at least 10 minutes (several hours or over night is best).  Bring to slow boil; immediately turn down heat and simmer slowly for 20 minutes.  Strain and press all herb residues out into the water.  Add enough water to return tea volume to 2 cups.

Administer:  Chronic problems – 3-4 times daily.
                    Acute problems – small sips every half hour until symptoms subside.

Dosage: Adult - 1 cupful 3-4 times daily.
                Child - divide child’s weight by 150 to give the approximate fraction of the adult dose.  i.e.: 50# child divided by 150 = 1/3.  Therefore the dose is one-third cup 3-4 times daily.

Sweetener may be added, but keep in mind that sugar depletes the immune system and provides an environment that viruses love!  Use honey instead!  It is not only soothing to the throat, but has its own antiviral effects!

Don’t wait for that irritating respiratory virus to “run its course”.  Sip some honey sweetened, Lung Blend tea and get on outside and enjoy the weather!

Whole-Heartedly,
Bonnie

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