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Page 42
| 62) are traditional therapies. So are gargles made of salt water or salted teas made of the culinary herbs sage, thyme and rosemary. Hot lemonade, hot baths, facial steam treatments (see page 74), freshly made fruit and vegetable juices and hot soups containing garlic, chile peppers and other warming spices are all beneficial. |
| Grindelia or Gumweed (Grindelia spp.) |
| An antispasmodic and expectorant, grindelia is most useful in treating chronic bronchial coughs and infections as well as allergies such as hay fever. Externally, the plant or its tea can be applied to poison ivy or poison oak rashes and insect bites. A mild sedative, grindelia helps lower blood pressure and reduce a fast pulse. It is sometimes combined with licorice root. Because grindelia can irritate the kidneys, it should be taken in small doses and for short periods of time, not every day for months. |
| Horehound (Marribium vulgare) |
| Once a popular candy ingredient, horehound's bitter leaves are an effective expectorant, helping clear the lungs of fluid and mucus. If you can find them, keep old fashioned horehound drops on hand for acute and chronic coughs, or brew an infusion of equal parts horehound, peppermint and fresh grated ginger. Drink up to 3 cups daily. In large quantities, horehound has a laxative effect. |
| Herbs for Digestion, Heartburn, Ulcers |
| If the billions of dollars Americans spend on ulcer medications, antacids, heartburn preparations, gas relievers and prescription drugs for irritable bowel syndrome, diverticu- |
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