By Teri Cayton
The Parsons Advocate
It is the time of year when it seems as if our bodies are trying to self-destruct. We find ourselves indoors more and that can trigger anxiety, depression, stress and overburden our immune systems. If you are like me and don’t like to take prescription drugs, here are a few natural remedies you can try. Momma Said “God made all these cures without additives or 10,000 side effects and they have worked for years.”
As always, read up on all remedies and find if they are compatible with you. A lot of natural remedies are available for anxiety and stress and here is list of some you might try. Balm is good mild tranquilizer as well as Catnip believe it or not. Also you have Chamomile and all of these can be used in your bath or drink as a tea. Along with these you have Evening Primrose Oil, Lavender, Motherwart, Passionflower, Barberry and Valerian. It is advised that you do not drive or operate equipment after use.
As for colds you can try Cayenne, Echinacea, Elderberry and Eucalyptus. All have properties that boost the immune system and help fight viruses and rid your system of germs. Elderberry tea makes you sweat and is soothing for upper respiratory infections. And of course the distinctive fragrance of Eucalyptus is what is in Vicks Vap-O-Rub and it help loosen phlegm in the chest.
Try some of these remedies and see if they work for you, your grandmother would be proud. Momma Said, “Take a nice warm bath or drink a hot cup of tea and try to unwind because Spring is just around the corner.”
Fire Cider
A traditional herbal remedy used for colds and flu
½ cup grated ginger root
½ cup grated horseradish root
1 medium onion, chopped
10 cloves garlic, chopped
2 jalapeno peppers, chopped
8 – 10 cayenne peppers, chopped
Several sprigs fresh rosemary
Apple cider vinegar
Honey to taste
Place all ingredients in a jar and pour in enough apple cider to cover. Place a piece of plastic wrap or wax paper over top of jar to keep metal lid from rusting from the vinegar. Tighten lid and shake well. Let infuse for several weeks. Strain and add honey to taste. Take one teaspoon daily or every hour at the onset of cold symptoms.
Fire Cider Chutney Recipe
Strain the herbs from Fire Cider after 3 to 4 weeks. The herbs should still be somewhat firm and flavorful.
Add the herbs to a food processor or blender and grind coarsely (don’t blend into a smooth paste, but only until coarse and crunchy). If too dry, add a little of the Fire Cider Vinegar to the mix. You can add a little more honey and cayenne to taste.
Your finished Fire Cider Chutney should be sweet but not too sweet, hot but not too hot, just right …
This delicious chutney is great on toast, mixed with rice, veggie dishes, is a favorable addition to soups, or can be enjoyed right from the spoon!