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Page 38
| For bronchitis accompanied by wet coughing, Hoffmann suggested 1 tablespoon of an expectorant tincture made of equal parts elecampane, horehound, coltsfoot, goldenseal and echinacea, taken 3 times daily. |
| Steam inhalations, described on page 48, are soothing in all stages of bronchitis. Add 1 teaspoon each of chamomile blossoms, thyme and marjoram to 2 cups boiling water, or add any of the following essential oils to a bowl of steaming water: bergamot, eucalyptus, fir, lavender, peppermint, sage, sandalwood, tea tree oil, thyme or white pine. Peppermint oil may be most effective in the early stages of bronchitis. |
| As the patient recovers from bronchitis, coltsfoot, horehound and mullein are especially useful, given as teas or tinctures several times daily. |
| Colds and Flu |
| We associate these viral diseases with winter or with a change of season, but you can catch a cold or the flu any time. What's the difference? Both cause respiratory distress, fever, coughing, headaches, sore throats, aching muscles and fatigue, but the flu (short for influenza) is usually more severe, faster developing and involves more of the body. Vomiting and diarrhea are common flu symptoms. |
| If you're serious about staying well, it makes sense to improve your diet, reduce the stress in your life and avoid the foods, drugs and pollutants that suppress immunity. These include sugars, junk foods and cigarettes, as well as chemicals, pesticides and air pollutants. |
| Left alone, most colds go away by themselves within a week, but with the help of certain herbs, your symptoms should disappear much faster. |
| Herbs That Can Help. |
| Mention colds and flu to most herbalists and they will recommend echinacea. The |
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