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Page 47
| treating emphysema, as can bloodroot and elecampane. For example, a tea made of equal parts coltsfoot, lobelia and the soothing demulcent herbs mullein and Irish moss may help reduce coughing and shortness of breath. Add an equal amount of licorice root if high blood pressure and fluid retention are not a problem. Use 1 to 2 teaspoons tea per cup of boiling water; brew 4 cups at a time in a quart jar for convenience, reheat as desired and sip throughout the day. |
| See Coughs on page 43 for additional suggestions. |
| Laryngitis |
| An inflammation of the larynx or vocal cords, larynigitis causes hoarseness and, in serious cases, loss of voice. The best treatments for laryngitis are silence (don't even try to talk) and the passage of time. Steam treatments like those used for sinusitis are recommended. In addition, gargle with sage tea or salt water. The relaxing nervines, especially lobelia, oatstraw and chamomile, soothe frazzled nerves as well as inflamed tissue. |
| For pain relief, see the Sore Throat suggestions on pages 4950. |
| Sinus Congestion |
| A symptom of hay fever allergies and colds or flu, sinus congestion makes breathing difficult. Chronic sinusitis sometimes follows these illnesses, causing a dull ache around the eyes and face. |
| To relieve sinus congestion, rinse the nasal passages with a solution of warm water and unrefined sea salt. Swimming in the ocean is one way to relieve congestion; another is to create the same effect while standing over the bathroom sink. Hand-held ceramic containers with long spouts have become |
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