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Chris V
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| Posted: Jan 01 2010 at 10:43am | IP Logged
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When it comes to colds, I've got a few tricks up my sleeves ~ some things help *sometimes* while other times my old stand-by's seem completely ineffective.
'Round here, we use mostly Homeopathics to get us through a variety of ailments ~ and I wouldn't be caught without my Remedy Kit, it travels with me everywhere I go.
I'm starting to get myself a little more in tune with herbs. I know *a lot* about a little, and know very little about *a lot*. Here is a short list of herbs that I've heard good things about for colds:
Licorice
Marshmellow
Slippery Elm
Echinecea / Goldenseal
Black Elder
Oregon Grape
Peppermint
Yarrow
Thyme
and most recently *Mullen*.
This last one has me doing some online research and I don't know much about it, but seems to get rave reviews for helping to soothe irritated respiratory linings and loosening a tough cough.
Have any of you have success at using Mullen? Or maybe you can share you experience with some other herbs on my list (or others not listed?).
...of course this subject is of great interest to me now, as not one of us here can smell or taste anything and have gone through a dozen boxes of tissue; and given the hot-water heater a good workout by standing in the shower until it's completely depleted.  Aachoo, sniff, cough cough...
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Chris
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Mama to My Five Girls ('04~'07~'09~'11~'11) 
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JodieLyn
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| Posted: Jan 01 2010 at 12:35pm | IP Logged
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You do know there's some strong warnings about the use of licorice for those with high blood pressure or for an extended time (it can cause high blood pressure in those who do not have it).
Mullen and garlic oil is where I'm most familiar with it.. you use it in ears for infection. I've used it with great sucess.. first sign of ears hurting and it generally never gets worse. Of course you should never put anything in your ears if you suspect any sort of rupture.
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Jodie, wife to Dave
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Chris V
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| Posted: Jan 01 2010 at 12:46pm | IP Logged
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Yes, thank you Jodie! This is exactly why I haven't used herbs much...other than a handful over the years. I have an herb book, but it is entirely overwhelming to a novice such as me.
You knowledge is helpful, thank you!
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JodieLyn
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| Posted: Jan 01 2010 at 12:57pm | IP Logged
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You're doing just what I did.. which was add one thing at a time so that it becomes familiar and you have time to really know about it and know any warnings.. and then add another.. I have one friend who researches things super well.. so I will often trust a recommendation from her or from my midwife with less needing to look around.
As far as teh colds.. some nice safe options..
chicken soup is still a good remedy.
chicken soup with tons of garlic is better yet
and ginger is good as well.. BUT it can thin the lining of the uterus (in large doses) so don't take it if you are or might be pregnant. But I especially like fresh ginger grated into a smoothie made with pineapple.
Pineapple is another safe "herb". The enzyme in it is called bromelain and it's wonderful for speeding healing of soft tissue injuries (sore muscles, sprains etc) and for reducing swelling.. so it also helps when you have a cold by helping reduce swelling of the nasal tissues.. sometimes that's as much what's making your head stuffy as gunk in it.
And pineapple and ginger together work better than the sum of the two when taken seperately.
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Jodie, wife to Dave
G-18, B-17, G-15, G-14, B-13, B-11, G-9, B-7, B-5, B-4
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Chris V
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| Posted: Jan 01 2010 at 2:55pm | IP Logged
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Jodie, I really appreciate your input!...Pineapple and ginger smoothie? I'll have to give it a whirl today  ~ it's sounds a might better than my tonic of warm water, a healping spoonful of honey, three cloves of raw garlic, and a freshly squeezed lemon (this makes me stink to high heaven) and tends to keep my husband from giving me any hugs. 
I'm hoping to continue learning about herbs. What a resource to be harnessed! But sometimes it seems that they *may* not be worth the trouble at times (they tend to comes with too many conditions or restrictions).
So you've had success with Mullen? My Mom bought some for my Dad to take (he is suffering from a cold as well and tends to load his system with Benedryl). As her and I are more "naturally" minded, we try to ease others our way. Would you say that it helped with a cold? Do you have any concerns with it?
Thanks again,
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JodieLyn
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| Posted: Jan 01 2010 at 4:00pm | IP Logged
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I don't think I've used it by itself. I used it in an oil for ears.. and it did help with that. So I might certainly try it.
Do you have the book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing" by Balch? It's my favorite for looking things up.. and it has info on vitamins and a small amount on herbs.. I've seen they have one on herbs but I have no experience with that one.
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Jodie, wife to Dave
G-18, B-17, G-15, G-14, B-13, B-11, G-9, B-7, B-5, B-4
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Chris V
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| Posted: Jan 02 2010 at 10:09am | IP Logged
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Thank you for the book recommendation, I've got a similar one, but it does not include information on herbs.
I did learn that Mullein cannot be taken while breastfeeding ~ so, that cancels me out! Too bad.
I've just started to learn a little about the healing benefits of Oil of Oregano. Very interesting.
Thanks again,
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| Posted: Jan 02 2010 at 1:14pm | IP Logged
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Oh really? where did you get that information? My usual references don't mention any adverse effects. So many will say not to use them without any information to back it up. Basically coming down to, we haven't done formal research so don't do it.
Don't mean to sound like I doubt your information.. just looking for more myself on the why's
Oh and while looking for Mullein I saw that oregano can decrease milk supply so you'll want to be careful with that.
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Jodie, wife to Dave
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Chris V
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| Posted: Jan 04 2010 at 12:22am | IP Logged
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Well,  after checking through some book boxes (not a whole lot of library space in my home, so I must pick and choose which to have about), I actually found the Prescription for Nutritional Healing book by Balch! It is the second edition. I knew it sounded really, really familiar to me. (I've been out of town visiting family and just got home late last night, so I looked for it today).
Anyway, you're right about it not making any reference regarding breastfeeding. I got that information from my Mom while visiting there. I'll have to ask her where she learned it (online somewhere is all I know).
Another Herb book I have is Encyclopedia of Herbs. But it is only a reference for identification, cultivation, and use of. It really doesn't go into any specifics on how to use it.
Another little book that I have (again, boxed up and in the rafters! ) is The Herb Book by John Lust. Boy, talk about having the book of all books at my disposal and not even realizing it, or at least forgetting all about it! Lots of great information about Mullein, how to use it, how much to use, making a tea, making your own tincture, etc. And, no mention of adverse affects. I think you're exactly right, many say not to use it because there hasn't been formal research.
...all's well now as I near the end of my congestion, but I think I'll keep Mullein in my cupboard for the next cold virus down the road. 
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4Real Forums : Our Lady of Good Remedy and Care
Topic: Mulling Over Mullen
