Tag Archives: echinacea

Ear Infection Tea?

Certain herbs can help take the edge off an ear infection. The following herbs can be combined in a tea to help relieve and heal this painful condition:

  • Chamomile
    • Actions: antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory (reduces pain), vulnerary (encourages healing), calms the nervous system
  • Echinacea
    • Actions: antimicrobial, enhances immune function, anti-inflammatory, anti-catarrhal (loosens mucus – think eustachian tube), vulnerary
  • Marshmallow
    • Actions: demulcent (protects mucosal tissues and helps thin thickened mucus), anti-inflammatory, expectorant
  • Slippery Elm
    • Actions: demulcent, astringent, anti-inflammatory, nutritive
  • Sambucus (Black Elder)
    • Actions: expectorant, diaphoretic (enhances sweating – aids fever), vulnerary, anti-catarrhal

Do not consume if allergic to Asteraceae (Asters) or Chrysanthemum family herbs/plants.

Consult your naturopathic doctor or registered herbalist to see if this tea is indicated for you.

 

Hey Doc, What Can I Do For My Sore Throat?

Recently I had a mild sore throat that persisted for 21 straight days with no change in intensity. So I tried an herbal throat spray by St. Francis Herb Farm called “Stop it Cold.” I was going to buy another brand that was cheaper until I read the ingredients. I chose the St. Francis brand, as it included a different species of Echinacea – Echinacea angustifolia, which is the powerhouse of Echinaceas. My sore throat was about 60% better in one day, and gone in 48 hours. A noteworthy product.