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"Be a virus; see the world." --Gary Larson |
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As we gather together in classrooms, restaurants and bars, swapping stories and pleasantries, we inevitably share invisible unwanted visitors from around the world: germs! Whether you would like to avoid illness, or you are trying to get over sickness, natural solutions offer creative and effective options. Some preventative measures are well known: Wash your hands! Lavender, grapefruit, or tea tree essential oil can be added to antibacterial liquid soap for antiviral/antifungal action. You can also put a few drops of these essential oils on your brooms, mops, sponges or in your vacuum cleaner to kill germs. Single drops of essential oils go a long way, since essential oils are the concentrated essence of plant materials. You can make your own inexpensive household disinfectant with essentials oils. Lavender floral water is unparalleled for air-born or surface germs, and contains no environmentally detrimental propellants. Lavender possesses the added aromatherapeutic benefit of being balancing to the emotions. When making your own floral water with essential oils, be sure to use distilled water. The bacteria in tap water will shorten its shelf-life significantly. Lots of other essential oils can be used this way. Lemon essential oil has been used in Japanese office building ventilation systems for years, not only to combat germs, but also to increase productivity by decreasing fatigue. Get your rest! A run-down weary body cannot resist colds and flu very easily. Valerian, Passion Flower, or Wood Betony can help you sleep better if you're too wound up with back-to-school excitement. All of these non-addicting herbs come in teas, tinctures, and capsules or tablets. However beware that Valerian smells like dirty socks and tastes soapy, so its usually better in a tea blend or taken in a coated tablet form. None of these herbs will leave you feeling groggy in the morning, unless you take too much. And if there's a nighttime emergency, ÷you won't be too zonked to function. Supplement vitamin C! Recommended prophylactic doses are 1000 mgs. and up per day. If the tablets don't agree with you, don't give up. One of my favorite forms is buffered vitamin C granules blended with orange drink mix. You can find a similar product called Emergen C, which fizzes like Alka Seltzer, but doesn't contain aspirin or caffeine. One Emergen C packet contains 1000 mg. of vitamin C, along with vitamins and minerals. It's available in several flavors including cranberry and cola--and it's fun. Add garlic to every meal! Powdered and granulated garlic is fine, but fresh is best. Home made chicken soup with lots of garlic is my favorite healing food.** mAnd if you're worried about garlic breath, try Peelu Gum. It stops coffee and smoker breath, too. Peelu comes from an African tree. You'll find it in some natural toothpastes. The Chinese (and now, lots of Westerners) use Astragalus as a deep immune builder. It is a powerful preventative herb.
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Good herbs to send germs packing include Echinacea and Usnea. You've probably heard of Echinacea, and some of you have certainly tried it. If not, be advised that a capsule or two per day won't help much, and the teas are usually too weak. Michael Tierra, OMD, founder of the East West School of herbs, recommends one dropper of tincture or two capsules every two hours for the first 24 hours, and then the same dose four times daily until relieved. This dosage is designed to resemble the amount administered intravenously in German research. Usually this regimen wi yll head off a cold or flu, since Echinacea is equipped to handle viruses easily while stimulating the immune system. Usnea, Lo Han Kuo, and Honeysuckle are favored by Asian cultures, and were the only substances which worked for many people plagued with last Spring's flu. Usnea is a lichen whose actions are similar to Echinacea, but many folks say it is even faster. Lo Han Kuo is a Chinese tea remedy derived from a delicious plum. It can clear your lungs and sinuses rapidly without the discomfort of other expectorants. Horseradish (Wasabi) and fresh or pickled ginger are also good expectorants.*** Both are served at Two Stick Sushi Bar. Honeysuckle blossoms cool a fever while fighting virus. Incidentally, in case you don't know, antibiotics kill bacteria, not viruses, so although antibiotics are fine for the secondary infection which usually affects the lungs, they pare no match for cold or flu viruses. Also you may be aware of the world-wide concern over antibiotic-resistant strains of germs. Researchers agree that these are a direct result of indiscriminate use of antibiotics over the last few decades. The developers of antibiotics warned of this dangerous potential in the 1930s. They indicated antibiotics for use only as necessary, not for every cold and flu. So, I urge you to explore some alternatives and give germs a passport to another planet.
**GAIL'S CHICKEN SOUP** In a large pot saute at least 5 cloves of garlic (diced), 2 cups red & white onions (chopped), 1 bunch of green onions (snipped), 2 or 3 stalks celery (chopped), and 2 cups your choice vegetable: squash, broccoli, green beans, or asparagus. Add filtered water as these soften. Then add 2 cups diced raw chicken and 2 cups diced potatoes or leftover rice. Season with 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice, 1 Tablespoon turmeric, plus sea salt, black pepper, white pepper, cayenne, thyme, and dill to taste. Liquid should cover the solids as you bring the soup to a boil. Stir well as you add arrowroot or kudzu starch powder for thickening. You can substitute mung beans or barley for potatoes or rice. But don't leave out the turmeric, because it has marvelous medicinal properties and gives the soup a lovely golden hue. Simmer till done. Yum!
***Jezebel Sauce*** In a medium mixing bowl combine 10 ounces Apple jelly and 12 ounces Pineapple jam. Add 4 Tablespoons dry Mustard and 4 Tablespoons Horseradish. Mix well and use as a dip for egg rolls, cocktail sausages, and tempura. Or spread on crackers with cream cheese. Guaranteed to clear your sinuses and lungs! |
| **This article was printed in Oxford Town August 26-September 1, 1999 | |
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© 2000 Gail Doorenbos. All rights reserved. |
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