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Plant Allies for Winter Wellness By Kelly Benson, Mindful Earth Herbals


around us has much healing to offer if we just open our minds and hearts and listen.


D


As we move into the long winter months, I start to think of what I can do to support my family’s health and well- ness through this health-challenging time period. This is the time of year we spend a lot of time indoors and don’t get to move our bodies as much. We tend to eat more comforting foods and engage in too much screen time which has a negative impact on our nervous system. There is also seasonal depression, emotional struggles, and cold and flu season to consider.


Here are some plant allies I utilize for


myself and my family through this season. Many of these plants grow wild right here in Maine!


Immune System Support: Elderberry: I’m sure many of you know


of this wonderfully nutrient dense plant! This is everywhere in Maine in the sum- mer months. First, the flowers appear in June, followed by the berries in August. Elderberry is a powerhouse for cold and flu prevention and treatment. The berries are very high in Vitamin A & C and studies have shown that it cuts flu recovery time in half when taken at the onset of symptoms. This is my number one daily supplement for my family during these months!


id you know there is a plant medi- cine to support any ailment you can think of? The natural world


Cold and Flu Support:


Echinacea: Considered one of the most important immune stimulants in western herbal medicine used to combat bacterial and viral infections. This plant should not be used in folks with autoimmune disease as it overstimulates an already struggling immune response.


Yarrow Flowers: Grows wild and abun- dant here in Maine. Has many wonderful uses but especially good when you have the flu. Yarrow, used as a tea, is a great remedy to break fevers and stimulate perspiration.


Propolis: This is not a plant, it’s a substance that comes from bees and has been dubbed the “Russian penicillin” for its potent antibiotic properties. I have used this successfully to combat Strep infections and lessen recovery time.


Respiratory Infection Support:


Mullein: This was the first plant I identified and harvested in the wild. It grows abundantly in Maine, with soft, fuzzy big floret leaves that produces tall, slender cones of small yellow flowers in the second year. Used as a tea, it is my go-to for upper respiratory congestion as it is an expecto- rant and will help to break up and expel mucus. The flowers are also useful for ear infections when infused into olive oil with garlic.


Some other herbs to consider for


respiratory infections are: elecampane, linden, and wild cherry bark


Emotional Wellness Support:


Lemon Balm: Meet Melissa officinalis! Lemon Balm is one of my favorite plant allies to keep around and was the first plant medicine I ever worked with medicinally. She is a safe and wonderful support to the nervous system. I use Lemon Balm in teas and tinctures for myself and my children.


Oats: Oats are best known as a nutri-


tive grain, but are a safe and nourishing tonic when taken medicinally. They are super high in vitamins and minerals, espe- cially B vitamins. They are very nourishing to the nervous system and should be drunk as a strong tea infusion (4-8 hour steep). They are a mild anti-depressant and gently raise energy levels and support the body’s stress response.


St John’s Wort: A well know remedy for depression, this beautiful common “weed” has been extensively studied for its effects. It grows abundantly here in Maine and is found in fields, along road sides, and empty parking lots. It was studied alongside a common SSRI medication and has similar results, without all of the side effects! Please note that this plant is contraindicated in folks currently taking SSRIs or benzodiaz- epines, among other medications. Please consult your health care provider before using this remedy.


14 ELM™ Maine - November/December 2018


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