Mar. 4, 2016 Workshop 1: Beat Cold & Flu 【Immunity】

I and my herbal fellow, Maya Robinson, will hold our first herbal workshop on March 4th (Sat)!!

This will be for Japanese community in NY & NJ area.

Price: $30

Please RSVP to sachiko@herbarhythm.com by March 3rd.

**The workshop is held in Japanese language!**

今回のWORKSHOPでは、キッチンハーブを用いて風邪＆インフルエンザをどう予防し、対処できるのか？免疫力はどうやってつけるのか？をメインにお話しします。

WORKSHOP後半では、お家で簡単にできるハーバルレメディをデモンストレーションします。作ったレメディはお土産としてお持ち帰り頂けますよ〜 :)

スーパーでもよく見かけるキッチンハーブにも沢山の効能があるんです。料理のフレーバーを高めるだけでない新しいハーブの使い方を紹介すると同時に、心身の健康とは？と自身に問いかけ、見直すキッカケになるようなお話しをみなさんと出来れば、と思い企画したものです。

熱の役目や痛みの役目、これらって本当に体にとって大事なヒーリングプロセスなんです。身体が私達を護ってくれてる証拠。悪モノ扱いされがちですが・・・！そんな誤解も解けるような内容になっています。

【未病を防ぐ】

これは中医学やアーユルベーダの健康への姿勢です。

オーバーザカウンター(OTC)の薬や処方された薬に頼るんではなく、風邪やインフルエンザウイルスに侵されない身体を自ら作り上げることがより重要だと私達は考えています。その上でハーブは重要なツールになるんです。

みなさんに会えるのを楽しみにしています！

祥子

Beat Cold & Flu ~ Vol. 4: 4 Household Items To Approach Fever

Having a fever is a serious deal. That is almost like you are told "Now you are officially sick". Some people do have a hard (and long) time recovering from that. We need to approach to feverish conditions properly because a body is in such a vulnerable place under them. 

But Here, I want to get your attention baaadly!

Is fever a malicious symptom? ...Really?

"Give me a fever and I can cure any disease."

Hippocrates, 400 B.C.

Why is fever induced in the first place? 

When pathogenic agents (influenza, virus, or bacteria) enter a body, immunocytes (leukocytes and macrophages) get activated to signal neural transmissions to destroy pathogens, by the method of raising up body temperatures to kill pathogens — fever.

Our body, neither virus or bacteria, is causing the fever as one of natural self-healing methods. So, having a fever is a very healthy body reaction — that shows a body is functioning properly. And that is quite essential on healing process, you don't want to suppress.

While a body is fighting with running a fever, it's important to keep hydrating a body. (It's ok that a person cannot eat, but make sure not to be dehydrated)

Here are 4 recommended regimens! 

◊ Lemon water

1 tbsp of lemon juice in a cup of lukewarm~hot water

   ***Direction: Sip them through a day

◊ Herbal tea

'Diaphoretic' herbs are great ones to take advantage of — they increase sweating and guide the heat out of a body through pores.

There are so many herbs on the lists for each detailed condition. Here, I introduce all-around tea blends for feverish conditions with kitchen herbs!

• Pale, cold, weak condition

   Need to stimulate circulation

   Stimulating Chai tea ↓ 

   Mix any black tea with Ginger + Cardamom + Black pepper

• Feverish shiver, restless, irritable, tensed, ache with tension condition

   Relax tension in a body and also help circulation

   Elder (flower) + Lemon balm + Rosehips

   Yarrow (flower) + Mint + Elder (flower)

• If lack of appetite, upsetting stomach, or digestive cramp is involved...

   Ginger and Cinnamom are great digestive herbs, as well as   diaphoretic. You can blend them into above blends.

   Ginger + Cinnamom + Lemon + Raw honey

   ***Direction: Sip them through a day

◊ Bone broth

As written in BEAT COLD & FLU ~ Vol. 1, gelatin-rich bone broth offers infinite benefits to a body. Recently (finally!!) it's getting a hip thing to sip on good quality bone broth soup. Bone broth is getting acknowledged :) widely for its active health benefits. But actually, bone broth soup has been around traditionally all over the world as a base of tasty soupy dishes with profound umami.

Addition to what I wrote on the prior post, gelatin-rich bone broth also can be used on stomach flu, which gives act-up stomach. Gelatin can treat the root of the problem happened in gut.

You can use any animal bones to make it. You can ingest bone broth alone. But I'd recommend to mix with medicinal mushrooms + herbs and culinary herbs to make it extra flavorful and medicinal.

I am planning to share the recipe in another post soon.

   ***Direction: Sip them through a day

◊ Skin to skin communication

It's a miracle healing power we all have. Especially to kids in bed. They are wanting mom's (or anyone close) gentle sweet touch with care, and that really works! Give them comfort and warmth. Those are very heartening during feeling wear period. We all know, right? 

Even on injuries or pain involved situation, placing care-giver's hand on the vulnerable spot of a body can indeed alleviate discomforts. Our care and love transport in energy level.

Fever can give us an opportunity to show someone our affection that we couldn't show in busy days :)

Beat Cold & Flu ~ Vol. 3: 8 Medicinal Herbs to Minimize Symptoms

There are innumerable medicinal plants out there. They can be used to support getting you through the cold & flu, our homeostasis, and our immunity.

"Waters are distilled out of herbs, flowers, fruits, and roots"

–Nicholas Culpeper

Plants work on 'specific' indications — what kind of cough you are experiencing? where in your body are you congested? Are you shivering or experiencing hot flashes? There are so many ranges of symptoms. Plants can offer relief for your particular symptoms. Opening up to them and using herbs accurately is the key to be blessed with plants and... nature.

⚠︎ Herbs should be prepared in medicinal level (Strong infusion, Decoction, Tincture...)

◊ Astragalus (root):

Traditional Chinese herb. Great immune enhancement & tonic when weak and recovering from: colds, flu, bronchitis, and other upper respiratory tract infections.

    ***Avoid when in actively sick (such as feverish condition) due to its anti-diaphoretic action, which helps hot-flash/sweating from menopause.

   Preparation: Decoction, Tincture

◊ Echinacea (flower & root):

Traditionally a trusted herb for cold & flu, especially for prevention and early stages of onset. It should be taken frequently through the day to act on active cold & flu.

Its anti-microbial action can work on infections of the upper respiratory tract.

   Preparation: Infusion, Tincture, Electuary, Vinegar, Oxymel, Syrup, Oil, Steam

◊ Elecampane (root):

Coughing with mucus is our body's attempt to expel mucus out of the lungs. It's a necessary step in the healing process. Suppressing this natural healing step can cause mucus trapped in lungs, also lead to additional infections.

Elecampane works as expectorant, helping mucus leaving a respiratory tract.

   ***Great 'Prebiotic' as well. Probiotics (a kind of fiber) works as nutritional fertilizers for good bacterias in our gut, where 80% of our immunity is located.

   Preparation: Decoction, Infusion, Tincture, Honey

◊ Monarda:

Its strong anti-microbial action treats a host of infections — cough, sneezing, nasal discharge and congestion, fever, sore throat etc...

   ***oil Infusion, honey infusion, and strong infusion are useful methods to apply.

   Preparation: Infusion, Tincture, Electuary, Vinegar, Oxymel, Syrup, Oil, Steam

◊ Marshmallow (root & leaf):

Dry cough (without mucus) may be an indication that your respiratory tract may be dry and irritated. Marshmallow root has actions to soothe, moisten and cool down; it can be taken for dry/irritating coughs or an inflamed throat.

   ***DO NOT infuse Marshmallow with hot water, use cold ~ lukewarm water and let it sit at least for 4 hrs (over-night is ideal).

   Preparation: Infusion, Oil, Syrup, Capsule

◊ Mullein:

Very versatile herb for a respiratory issue! It has similar properties to Marshmallow, including soothing, toning, and cooling inflammations, while stimulating fluid production.

For a painful, cracking cough and cough coming from deep place (M. Wood), Mullein will show its benefits.  

   ***Plantain (leaf) can be used in the same box.

   Preparation: Decoction (root & seed), Tincture, Infusion (leaf & flower), Oil, Capsule

◊ Wild cherry bark:

Another known cough remedy in history. Anti-inflammatory, astringent, and cooling properties. It's great especially for a persistent cough, and irritating, tickling throat — Calming spasmodic coughs.

   Preparation: Infusion, Tincture, Syrup

◊ Wild lettuce:

Not only calming spasmodic coughs or cooling heated lungs, but also super sedative and calming (physically and mentally). This potency helps those who wake up over night from non-stop irritating coughs and induce better sleep. SLEEP is the MOST important while sick!

   ***This herb is not very widely sold, so do some research in your area! Here is one location in NYC.

   Herbs & Alchemist, Mountain Rose Herbs, Woodland Essence are online vendors carrying Wild lettuce.

   Preparation: Infusion, Tincture

Beat Cold & Flu ~ VOL. 2: 9 KITCHEN HERBS to Aid The Healing Process

Nonetheless you try your best not to catch cold & flu, things just happen right? We are sharing this world with 73 billion others. Some are sick. What can we do in alternative ways without OTC or antibiotics? 

First, we have to know there is NO MEDICINE TO KILL VIRUSES. So once we catch them, only things we can do is — to bundle yourself with blankets, sleep a lot, and eat well (meaning eat appropriately) until they get out of the system. While we are going through this healing process, we may experience sore throat, endless coughs, chills, stuffy and runny nose, pain behind eyes, phlegms, aches, fever, etc etc... They are all necessary healing process, which shows your body is functioning properly. Your body is fighting to protect you. We don't want to force to stop our natural healing power by overusing drugs, still want to minimize those distresses and rest our body to heal.

Now, what can we do with COMMON KITCHEN HERBS? Those are not only flavorful kitchen herbs, but also great therapeutic herbs.

⚠︎ To maximize their efficacy, consume them in medicinal level preparation (i.e. strong infusion, sit over-night)

◊ ELDER (flower & berry):

Elder has been used as medicinal plants for long time in history (since Hippocrates time!!) There is a reason for that.

Elder (flower) has a known use for Flu and Colds for its anti-viral property

Elder (berries) are used for Flu, also anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-histamin

  ***Have Elderberry syrup or cordial is a very helpful medicine in your   shelf!

◊ GARLIC: 

Affinity for lung: indicated for Colds, Coughs, Fever, Flu, Bronchitis, and Bronchial asthma. Anti-microbial and anti-viral action can help the immune system deal with infections.

  ***Raw garlic has the most benefit! — Make sure to mince, crash, or chop cloves, and leave at least for 5~10 mins to let the medicinal property produced. Then, eat in raw or cook with them.

Bring a lot of garlics and onions into meal during winter time!

◊ GINGER: 

Colds, Diaphoretic action is helpful in feverish condition, Warming, stimulating circulations, anti-microbial, anti-oxidant

◊ CAYENNE:

Colds, Warming and stimulating circulatory, Sinus infections and Congestion

◊ CINNAMON: 

Colds and Flu at its onset; warming + stimulating and it helps clear congestion throughout the body

Take a dose at first shiver; 1/2 tsp simmered in a cup full of water for 20 mins, then let it sit for another 15 mins or so. (Can be longer)

◊ LEMON BALM:

Colds, Virus & Flu; it is highly anti-bacterial and anti-viral

◊ SAGE: 

Sore throat, Laryngitis, Virus & Flu

  ***Spray or gargle with strong infusion for infections of the mouth

◊ THYME: 

Sore throat, Laryngitis, Dry+Wet cough, Sinus infections & Congestion

  ***Thyme + Honey very effective sore throat remedy

  Recipe: Fill up the jar with fresh thyme leaves, then fill the jar with honey (local raw honey). Make sure all the leaves is submerged. Let it sit for 6 weeks.

  I was dragging mucus after cold one winter in past. It was annoying. I was carrying Thyme tincture with me, and took frequently. It helped clearing up.

◊ ROSEMARY: 

Warms the body from the inside out by promoting blood circulation along with toning up vessels.

Coming up, medicinal herbs for cold & flu!

Beat Cold & Flu ~ VOL.1: 8 Foods to Build a Strong Immunity for the Winter Season

When a new year begins, a colder and drier season arrives (especially where I am, NY). People around you start talking about how sick they feel... Yes, this is the season of cold & flu!

Want to avoid the week(s) of being in bed with fever and dealing with endless coughs, a sore throat, and a runny nose? Why don't we prepare ourselves (for the season) to prevent onsets?

Building the immunity is the key here. That helps not only preventing you from cold & flu in the virus-active season, but also vitalizing your physical and mental foundation and coping with external bacterial + virus attacks and stress factors. 

WInter is definitely a time to eat warm and condensed foods. Not cold and raw foods! Here are some regimens to toinfy your immunity in winter.

◊ EAT MEDICINAL MUSHROOMS!

Shiitake, Maitake, Turkeytail (Kawaratake), and Reishi are known as medicinal mushrooms. Turkeytail and Reishi are for decoction.       Shiitake and Maitake are available in supermarkets! So it's easy to consume them as tasty dishes while building your immunity. (Oyster and Enoki mushrooms are also immune tonic. Available in supermarkets as well)

Dosage: Eat them for 90 days

Tip: Shiitake is a great source of Vitamin D (vital for immunity, brain system, and bone health). To maximize the property, place them under the sun with caps turned back for 30~60 mins before cooking. D increases enormously. When sit under the sun, all the nutritions in shiitake boosts up.

◊ COOK AND EAT SEASONAL & ROOT VEGETABLES

Kale, Collard, Dandelion, Beet greens: Seasonal vegetables have the most ideal nutrition, energetics, actions, and tastes in a year. (see BENEFIT TO EAT FOODS IN SEASON) Do not forget to cook them to take the most benefits.

Daikons, Burdocks, Japanese taros (里芋), Beets, Turnips, Parsnips, Carrots, Potatoes, Lotus roots: Winter root veggies have an action to warm up our body. Lotus roots helps clear phlegm from lungs.

◊ GARLICS & ONIONS

Healing and protective for lung. Destroying infection-causing viruses & bacteria. Alliums (scallion family) is known to have properties: anti-cancer, hypotensive, and reducing the risk of blood clots.

◊ HORSERADISH

Healing for sinus

◊ HONEY

Honey is super medicinal. Has properties, antibacterial, antiseptic and soothing a throat and ease coughs. Pick raw and unrefined ones.

◊ HEALTHY FATS

Avocado oil, Coconut oil, Tallow, Lard, Ghee, Butter, Egg yolk, Fish eggs, Liver, Nut butters, Fat from Animal foods (Blue fishes and Meat) and... Cod liver oil!

Good fats are necessary to maintain optimal health physically and mentally. *Quality matters here. Pick good quality products.

Super Food – Fermented Cod Liver Oil: Very high in Omg-3 EFA, vitamin A, D and E. Vitamin D is very vital for immunity, brain system, and bone health. Especially in a winter season, supplementing CLO is very helpful to speed up a healing process during infections and reduce a winter depression (less sun-light during the winter affects remarkably). 

◊ BONE BROTHS

Bone broths have highly nutritive and therapeutic for infinite conditions. Great all year around, still warming soup definitely supports us to get through a cold season.

Bone broths give you...

• minerals in easy to assimilate form

• nutrients that help build healthy cartilage and tendons

• amino acids that help the body dotoxify

• gelatin to help digestion and heal the gut lining

◊ PROBIOTIC FOODS

Fermented and cultured foods + drinks are known probiotic foods, which nurture gut-flora. 80% of our immune system is located in our gastrointestinal track. Meaning enriching gut-flora leads our immunity to be strong.

This is the reason we have to be careful with taking antibiotics.

Bring those foods into your dairy life and beat cold & flu!