Photos by Jemma
Before Getting Started With Herbal Remedies
Herbal remedies are frequently enjoyed as a natural approach to enhance overall health and vitality. If you intend to make herbal remedies a regular part of your wellness plan, there are a couple of considerations to bear in mind. Firstly, it is essential to consult your regular doctor before you start any new herbal regimen, particularly if you are currently taking medications, including contraceptives. Also, it is vital to only make use of licensed herbs that have been licenced, and validated as safe. This is because you need to know what you’re consuming by way of side effects and allergy information.
Do Herbal Remedies Work?
While it is agreed by Big Science that more evidence is needed for the efficacy of herbal remedies, some bits of Science tend to agree that certain herbs and spices have various health related benefits. When we use herbal remedies, we are pulling on the oral traditions and long history of their use rather than Big Science. Plus they taste nice, and by spending time brewing up a wonderful tea or tonic, we are adding a bit of magick to our wellbeing routine.
One of the most enjoyable ways to incorporate this little bit of magick into your wellbeing routine is through mixing up a wonderfully cooling herbal tonic. Not only is it soothing, as herbal tonics are an easy way to reap the benefits from herbal remedies such boosting immunity, it certainly feels magickal to be standing over a modern day cauldron brewing up a potion!
A Soothing Herbal Remedy For Colds
Firstly, let us point out that we are not herbal practitioners so please use this recipe with all the usual cautions and caveats, and as explained above please consult with your own doctor before trying it.
In this recipe, we will be combining three powerful herbs – Ginger, Turmeric, and Star Anise. Ginger is usually known for improving digestion, though there is some evidence that Ginger can have anti-inflammatory properties which is useful in clearing the airwaves. Turmeric is believed to have antiviral and anti-inflammatory benefits, and Star Anise is known for its immune system support. Together, these herbs can help alleviate the discomfort that the cold and flu season brings.
Ingredients:
– 1 Ginger Root
– 1 teaspoon of Turmeric
– 1 to 2 Star Anise
– 1 Apple for flavour if desired
– 3 cups of water
– 1 Pan
Method:
1. Start by preparing the Ginger Root. You can peel it if you prefer (we like to leave it unpeeled). Slice the root length ways and add this to the pan.
2. Add 1 teaspoon of Turmeric to the sliced Ginger Root in the pan.
3. Add in the Star Anise. Gently mix the herbs together using a spoon, making sure they are evenly combined.
4. If you wish, you can slice up an apple and add this for flavour.
5. Add the 3 cups of water to the pan and bring to the boil, stirring the herbs every so often.
6. Once the water is boiling, remove it from heat and let it cool completely so that the herbs can steep.
7. Once the tonic has cooled, ladle only the liquid tonic into a cup, leaving the remaining herbs in the pan.
8. You can choose to reheat the tonic to have a warmer drink if you prefer. Again ladle the tonic into a cup without adding any of the solid herbs, as this could result in a choking hazard.
9. Your cold relief tonic is now ready to be enjoyed.
We would recommended this tonic is enjoyed at least once a day while you’re feeling under the weather, preferably in the mornings.
Wellbeing Benefits of Herbal Remedies
So, if it safe to do so have a go at integrating this herbal tonic for relieving cold and flu symptoms as part of your wellness approach this winter. Even if herbal remedies cannot be said to cure they do come packed with a traditional history of their use in aiding with wellness.
References
Credit where credit is due, we aim to cite our sources because we value truthful content. 2 sources were used as part of our research for this article.
Thank you for subscribing. By subscribing you now have premiere access to exclusive content. Do you know someone who would like to enjoy all our free content? Please share this with them and invite them to subscribe too!
