Nature's Rx

Treating respiratory conditions ... staying warm with Cayenne By Jonathan Evans Herbalist & co-owner, the Herbarium Special to PRIME Dear Jonathan A family member has developed an asthma condition as a result of a viral infection several years ago. He takes Singulair to help control the condition. Would Echinacea be helpful? Laurie, Springfield Dear Laurie Echinacea is always good for strengthening immune function, but it is not what I would use for this case. Rx for respiratory conditions 1. If warm air improves his breathing, then a garlic steam would help. 2. Quercetin is a safe and effective agent for inflammation. Quercetin is a bioflavinoid from citrus and non-citrus sources. Many times you will find it combined with Bromelain and/or Vitamin C. 3. Flax oil is an Essential Fatty Acid source needed for production of anti-inflammatory prostaglandins. 4. Tumeric has beneficial effects on lung tissue. 5. Cat's Claw, Pau D'arco and Thyme are all herbs used for respiratory problems. We use a product from Clayton Naturals for more than 25 years called "Bronc-Clear" that's very helpful. 6. Nurse/Herbalist Kathleen Duffy has created a tea that has been used and is very effective. The tea was originally for smokers to help detox and clear their lungs. We found it very helpful for all respiratory problems. The tea helps break up congestion, soothe bronchial passages, stops spasms and make breathing easier. 7. Coleus Forskolii, an Ayurvedic herb has had good results, as has Khella and then there are medicinal mushrooms such as Zhuling Cordyceps, Maitake and Oregon Polypore that are very helpful. All of the above are generally safe for use with medication that you listed, but when in doubt, there are Homeopathic remedies that take away any question of contraindications. Warming herbs for winter We have just gone throught a deep freeze and so many of our customers have complained of cold hands and feet. There is a remedy that is quick, easy and inexpensive- Cayenne pepper or Ginger powder. Cayenne is hot stuff Cayenne is an unbelievable herb! When I took my first herbal class with Kathy, I took eight pages of notes just on Cayenne. We have recommended this to our friends, family, police, fire department, military, postal workers, car wash attendants, anyone who has to be out in the cold & snow for any lengthy period. Simply sprinkle Cayenne in your boots (1 tsp per foot) then put on your boots and head outside. Cayenne is a rubefacient, promoting circulation and bringing blood to surfaces. Your feet will be toasty warm for hours! Your socks may turn red from the cayenne pepper but it will wash right out. You can substitute ginger powder for cayenne. Get warm with ginger Also, a great winter warmer is a Ginger bath. Make a strong cup of ginger tea and add to your bath water. You will be warm for hours (and smell yummy). Pass this along to your family and friends. Save a life with Cayenne One last point while we are discussing Cayenne. You can save some ones life with this one. If a person suffers a heart attack, or thinks they are having one (snow shoveling comes to mind) mix one tablespoon of. Cayenne in an eight-ounce glass of water and have them sip it. This can help stabilize blood pressure long enough for the EMTs to arrive. We've had customers who remembered us talking about it on our radio shows and it made the difference between life and death. We just had a recent case in our own family and it may have played a big role in saving the person. Please send your questions on botanical remedies to Natures Rx : Jonathan Evans via e-mailat info at the herbarium.com, or by regualr mail at The Herbarium, 264 Exchange Street, Chicopee, MA 01013.