When it comes to staying healthy during the winter, astragalus is my favorite herb to strengthen the immune system. Astragalus is an immune modulating herb, meaning that it helps rev up or calm down the immune system based on what the body needs. I love this “wisdom” that some herbs offer us by cooperating withContinue reading “Astragalus: Traditional recipes for the immune system”
Tag Archives: antiviral
Natural Ebola Prevention Strategies
So far there are no new confirmed cases of Ebola in the United States, but there have been 5000 false alarms since Thomas Duncan’s diagnosis in Dallas. This tells you how worried people are. On one hand, the Ebola virus has a particularly high mortality rate. On the other hand, Ebola is not as easyContinue reading “Natural Ebola Prevention Strategies”
How to Make Elderberry Syrup
Last week, I wrote about natural tips for preventing the flu. Elderberries were one of the items I highlighted because they taste delicious and are safe for nearly every age group. I have trouble getting my husband to use some of the remedies I use personally like Echinacea tincture and oregano oil, but he isContinue reading “How to Make Elderberry Syrup”
Natural Flu Prevention
This seems to be shaping up to be a particularly bad flu season. So far, nearly forty people have died of influenza here in Arkansas. My husband recently had a mild case himself, and it made me think I should share what I did to prevent myself from getting it. These interventions can also helpContinue reading “Natural Flu Prevention”
Essential Oils for Cold and Flu Season
It is that time of year again. The cool weather is hitting us and I have been seeing more people with colds and other contagious illnesses. One of my strategies to stay well when interacting with sick patients is to use antimicrobial essential oils like peppermint and eucalyptus. While many essential oils have antimicrobial benefits,Continue reading “Essential Oils for Cold and Flu Season”
Catnip: This Nerve Soothing Herb Is Not Just for Cats
My cats love it, but there are many great reasons for people to choose this nerve-toning herb too. While catnip is stimulating to cats, it is relaxing to us. Because of these benefits, catnip can be a good option for restlessness, insomnia, and nervous headaches. It also helps relax tense muscles and ease muscle spasms.Continue reading “Catnip: This Nerve Soothing Herb Is Not Just for Cats”
Spice Things Up: Warming Spices for Digestion
Now that we are getting some true fall weather, it is a good time of year to enjoy some of my favorite warming spices. I love hot beverages spiced with cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger just to name a few. I usually choose a tea that has some of these spices, but for special occasionsContinue reading “Spice Things Up: Warming Spices for Digestion”
Immune Boost!
The first cold of the season has been working its way through my patients, so this is the perfect time to talk about boosting the immune system. A strong immune system can help us avoid colds and flu during the winter months to come. The first step is to avoid the things that suppress theContinue reading “Immune Boost!”
Refresh and Fight Stress with Holy Basil Tea
People sometimes ask me if I could grow only one medicinal herb what would it be. My answer is Holy Basil, because it has so many useful medicinal actions and it is very easy to grow. Holy Basil is one of the many herbs that help us cope with stress, but it is easier toContinue reading “Refresh and Fight Stress with Holy Basil Tea”
Herbs of the Ozarks
I believe that if we know the local herbs in any region well enough, we can rely on them nearly exclusively to treat most common complaints. This holds true for the Ozark region, where many classic American herbs grow and many introduced species also tend to flourish. In fact, the Ozarks are part of theContinue reading “Herbs of the Ozarks”
Dr. Laurell Matthews, ND 