Get through the cold and flu season with this "Dynamic Duo" known as Elderberry-Echinacea Tincture! Used together it is a power house and a must have in the medicine cabinet!
The cost is $12.00 for a 1 ounce tincture or $7.00 for 1/2 ounce tincture. Tinctures can be sold separately or mixed together.
Echinacea, is known as the American Cone Flower. It has been used in traditional herbal remedies for hundreds of years. it works by stimulating your own immune system by activat...ing chemicals in the body that decrease inflammation. Echinacea is a mild antiseptic and useful for cleansing and healing wounds. It will fight infections such as the common cold, the flu and upper respiratory infections. It is used against urinary tract infections, yeast infections, tonsillitis, strep throat, ear infections, and other illnesses not listed. It has a numbing sensation that relieves the pain of cold sores and offers some protection against herpes simplex viruses.

Elderberry has been used effectively to fight colds, flu, sore throats, bronchitis and other respiratory issues for hundreds of years. Because of its antiviral activity it has been known to decrease mucous production while supporting and boosting healthy immune function.
Instant Message me with questions!

Interested in learning how to protect your family from the seasonal cold and flu virus naturally?
A fellow herbalist and I will teach you how to make a natural remedy that wards off flu and boosts your immune system all winter long.
Class will be held in Melissa's cozy kitchen so space is limited.

...
When? Thursday evening 11/16 from 6:30-8:30 PM
More details below:

Turmeric is a culinary spice that is used in several countries. Related to the Ginger Root family, it is known for being a major ingredient in Indian Curries and is used to color mustard yellow. There is evidence that this brightly colored root is a preventative to several different diseases. There are scientific studies that show it blocks the formation of beta amyloid, which is the plaque that obstruct cerebral function in Alzheimer's patient's. It contain several anti inflammatory compounds, resulting in less pain, swelling, and inflammation in those with arthritis. It has the same effect as hydrocortisone. It is a known as a effective treatment for colon cancer, prostrate cancer, mammary cancer, liver cancer, esophageal cancer, oral cancer and skin cancer, just to name a few. It also helps to suppress the growth of fat tissue in ones body as well as treat symptoms of Bowel Disease such as Crohn's, IBS and Ulcerative Colitis by reducing inflammation that allows your digestive systems to work better. It help's protect your heart by aiding in lowering blood pressure and cholesterol and it keep's your liver healthy.

Black Walnut Tree's are considered a valuable native hardwood. It's roots and leaves have a distinctive odor when bruised. This stops other plants from growing near them. It is used for culinary, medicinal, and its wood is made into fine wood products. The seventeenth-century herbalist, Nicholas Culpeper, prescribed Black Walnut to draw poisonous venom from snakebites and spider bites. Native Americans used the Black Walnut Hull similar to how Herbalist's use it today. Black Walnut is used externally and internally.

Beneficial Uses:
 

• herbal laxative, used to relieve constipation and to promote bowel regularity
• cleanses the body of many types of parasites including pinworm, tapeworm and ringworm
• is a antiviral and effective in removing warts  also helpful in cases of herpes virus and cold sores
• antifungal and used to treat fungal infection, athlete's foot. nail fungus and Candida 
• high organic iodine content that is used to combat malaria, syphilis, boils, acne and other bacterial infections
• lower blood pressure and serum cholesterol levels 
• balancing blood sugar levels
• is thought to shrink the sweat glands and reduce excessive sweating
• aids digestion and the intestinal system. 
• relieve colic, heartburn and flatulence
• stimulates the flow of bile into the intestines  

Contraindications:

Not for long term or chronic use, the juglone in black walnut has carcinogenic effects. Can be toxic if not used with proper care and respect. Remember anything that can kill a tapeworm has the potential of being harmful to the host.

Wild Cherry Trees (Prunus serotina) are present in large groves; in many areas of the United States and Canada. It is a  member of the rose family. It grows 50 to 80 feet high and is 2 to 4 feet in diameter. It's used to treat coughs, colds, diarrhea, fevers, bronchitis, sore throat, whooping cough, asthma, nausea, high blood pressure, and many other ailments. It helps reduce inflammation, is a expectorant, relieves spasms in smooth muscle which makes it anti-spasmodic, and is astringent. For many centuries, apothecaries have used wild cherry bark because of it's medicinal value. Nicholas Culpeper, the 17th century herbalist wrote, “The gum of the cherry tree dissolved in wine is good for colds and hoarseness of the throat; mends the color of the face, sharpens the eyesight and provokes appetite.”  Native Americans have used it historically, to treat diarrhea and lung ailments.

Eyebright (euphrasia officinalis) has been used for centuries as a herbal remedy for eye conditions and other health issues. This small plant grows up to 8 inches tall, has serrated leaves and small white flowers with patches of yellow and purple upon them. The part of the plant that grows above ground is used in herbal medicine. Eyebright is high in iridoid glycosides, flavonoids, and tannins. It is also astringent with anti inflammatory properties. It is used for treating various types of eye disorders including inflammatory conditions, eye sties, pink eye, dry eye, blepharitis and many other issues. An eyebright compress can give  relief to eyes that are red and swollen. In addition, it is recommended by herbalists  to treat problems of the respiratory tract, sinus infections, coughs, sore throat, eye strain, irritation, increased mucus secretion, and common colds.

Nettle plants grow wild across the U.S. and are used for medicinal purposes and as a food source. It is highly nutritious and a natural cleanse that removes metabolic wastes and is gentle and stimulating on the lymph system. All parts of the nettle plant are used; and it's available in a wide variety of medicines including dried leaf, ointments, tinctures, and herbal extracts. It's a good plant to have on hand at all times. It provides relief for arthritis pain, treatment for allergies, relieves hair loss, treats Celiac disease, bleeding, bladder infections, skin complaints, neurological disorders and many other conditions. Nettle leaves are used to treat  the pain of gout by releasing  uric acid from the joints. It also treats rheumatism, fibromyalgia, tendonitis, Lupus and other auto immune disorders that experience joint pain. Nettle is high in iron which make it excellent for treating anemia and fatigue. It supports the liver and the female hormonal system. Pregnant women benefit from it as it protects against bleeding and strengthens the fetus. It is known as a galactagogue, promoting milk production in nursing mothers. Stinging nettles helps reduce PMS symptoms by processing estrogen to relieve menopausal symptoms and  reduces excess menstrual flow. Stinging nettle leaves are used to treat allergies such as asthma, hay fever, hives and dermatitis. Nettles is helpful for bladder and  urinary tract function in both sexes. The tea acts as a natural diuretic, increases urination and helps break down kidney stones. Nettles acts as a pelvic decongestant and reduces an enlarged prostate. Stinging nettle has health benefits for hair loss and skin conditions. It works to relieve dandruff and as a conditioner for the scalp. When used as a digestive aid, it is effective at reducing symptoms of acid reflux, excess gas, nausea, colitis and Celiac disease. It's an effective herbal treatment for sore throats, swollen  hemorrhoids, nose bleeds and mouth sores due to it's medicinal action on mucous membranes.

It also helps
-- Reduce gingivitis and prevent plaque when used as a mouth rinse.
-- To relieve chest congestion and coughing from bronchitis, COPD and TB drink a nettles infusion
-- Is helpful in the treatment of Alzheimer's.
-- Relieves neurological disorders such as MS, ALS and sciatica.
-- Remedies made from the plant's roots help prevent bed wetting in children.
-- It destroys intestinal worms and parasites.
-- Also supports the endocrine system including the thyroid, spleen, and pancreas.

St. John's Wort (hypericum perforatum) It is a shrub-like weed that produces yellow flowers. It is most commonly used to treat  Depression, and Mood Swings. St. John's Wort is also used as an anxiety remedy. People taking St. John's Wort  reported an improvement in anxiety. In fact, It is a tonic for the entire nervous system. This action is most strongly linked to two phytochemicals, hyperforin and hypericin. St. Johns  was a useful member of the pharmacopoeia centuries before its use as an antidepressant was discovered. Drinking a cup of St Johns tea before bedtime can help children and adults troubled by incontinence and M. Grieve recommended it be used in all pulmonary complaints, bladder troubles, in suppression of the urine, dysentery, worms, and  diarrhea. St. John's is also effective in the treatment of herpes lesions. Compresses soaked in a strong tea, the infused oil or a tincture can be applied to active lesions. The anti-viral activity of St. John can also be used to treat flu viruses (but not cold viruses). The fresh flowers infused in organic oil, produce a powerful red oil that is anti-inflammatory and analgesic. This therapeutic oil has so many uses that if it hurts, soothe it with St. Johns Oil. Some of the skin care uses for this oil include healing burns, damaged skin, pain from arthritis, fibromyalgia, muscle aches, PMS and breast tenderness.




 

Ancient civilizations have used ginger root for both culinary and medicinal purposes for thousands of years. Although the technology back then wasn’t what it is today, they knew that ginger root would help treat ailments ranging from motion sickness to athlete’s foot. This warm and stimulating herb is used as a digestive aid and is a treatment for upset stomach or morning sickness. It has the ability to treat the common cold, ease sore throats, and ward off the chills. Women
that drink ginger tea have said it helps eliminate menstrual cramping. It is also known for it's relief of allergy symptoms, it
stimulates the circulatory system, eliminates gas, bloating and colic, relief to Irritable Bowel Syndrome, it works as an expectorant to break up phlegm, it relieves pain and inflammation in arthritis, it eases sore
muscles and is an aid to many other ailment's not mentioned. 

Basic Ginger Tea
Recipe:
2 cups Water 
1-inch piece of
fresh ginger
root
honey
lemon slice

Peel the ginger root and slice it into thin slices. Bring the water to a boil. Once it is boiling, add it to the ginger. Cover it and steep it for 15-20 minutes. Strain the ginger from the water. Add honey and lemon to taste.

All though there are no known cures for the common flu, there are many herbs and natural remedies that are effective in decreasing the symptoms as well as reducing the duration of the illness. Some herbs have  been used  for generations and have provided protection from it. One of the most popular treatment is Elderberry (sambucus nigra). It has been used for centuries in the fight against flu, colds and sinus infections. Some of the ways people use Elderberry is in the form of syrup, tincture and tea. Scientific studies show that the botanical contains viburnic acid which encourages perspiration as well as aiding in detoxifying body tissues. In other words, elderberry can help reduce fever, and cleanse the body's cells of pathogens and purify the blood. Another herb used is Ginger Root (zingiber officinale). It is a warming botanical that has been used to treat digestive problems, stomach upset and nausea. In addition ginger has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. It has been used for generations to help treat the common cold, flu-like symptoms, and headaches. The warming nature of the root helps to produce sweating which helps to release pathogens. Ginger also helps to strengthen the immunity of individuals who have a compromised immune system. Another is herb is Echinacea (echinacea purpurea). For centuries, it has been used to treat infections, snake bites, wounds, and several other ailments. Scientific research shows it helps to keep the immune system healthy and strong. It protects us from common pathogens such as the influenza virus. Research shows that it works against an enzyme called hyaluronidase, which will destroy the body's defense and it's ability to fight off disease. Another powerful herb is Boneset (eupatorium perfoliatum). It stimulates the immune system and has been used effectively to fight off symptoms of influenza and lower fever. It is great antiviral medicine and it helps to dry out  mucous and stimulate digestion of toxins. In addition to treating fever and flu, Boneset  has been used to treat respiratory problems, allergies, chills, rheumatism, bruises, broken bones, urinary tract  infection and jaundice. Scientific studies show it contains at least 23 nutrients, including calcium, chromium, iron, magnesium, niacin, selenium, vitamin A,  vitamin C and zinc.