What does an Herbalist do when they get sick?

Just like everybody else, I’ve got zero energy to take care of myself. What I do have is plenty of herbs, formulas and years of herbal wisdom to draw from.

Herbs are great when you want to:

1. Tackle symptoms like sore throat, cough, sinus congestion, fever and achiness.
2. Shorten the number of days your virus sticks around.
3. Avoid illness that’s going around your family or workplace.

No matter what stage of winter health you’re in – feeling something coming on, sick as a dog, just recovering or lingering fatigue – herbal medicine can help.

What if you can’t afford another bill right now?

Try my favorite Kitchen Medicine Cabinet ideas first.

1) Herbal Cold Care from Traditional Medicinals

Look for any variety of Herbal Cold Care teas and choose what fits you. I always have this on hand in my tea cabinet – year round. It’s main benefit, however, is relieving fever, aches and congestion, especially when you’re flipping back and forth between chilled and feverish. Sometimes I even drink it when I want sweets just to curb that craving.

2) Sage Leaf Tea with Honey

Here’s your sore throat warrior tea. Sage is a time-honored traditional herb that has an affinity for the throat, among so many other properties. It’s slightly drying so it tackles that extra mucus you get with colds. Kitchen sage is perfectly fine – just a teaspoon to a cup of hot water and a little dab of local honey.

3) Peppermint or Ginger Teas

Peppermint if you’re feeling fevery or hot, ginger if you’ve got the chills. You can even combine them if you’ve got both!

4) Traditional Herbal Teas

The traditional herbal tea to break a fever contains Yarrow, Elderflower and Mint. If you’ve got any combination of these without caffeine, you’ve got a great start on a fever tea. To bathe in the tea, simply add 1-3 cups of tea to bath water for a similar effect. Great for kids who won’t drink or eat when they’re sick.

There are specific herbal tea brands that I love, such as Traditional Medicinals, Yogi Tea, Organic India’s line of Tulsi teas, Artemis Teas and most local teas, which are usually fresher and offer creative seasonally relevant blends.

1) DIY Facial Steamers

Facial steams are a wonder for a head full of snot. If you have 1-3 TBSP of whole or powdered Thyme leaf in your kitchen cabinet, you can make yourself a fantastic ‘Snot Steam’. If not, even ¼ tsp of Vick’s VaporRub or 5-10 drops of Eucalyptus essential oil will do.

Simply bring a pot of water to boil, add tea leaves for 10 minutes, remove from heat to a low surface like a table or the kitchen sink. Essential oils or VapoRub can be added at this point. Create a ‘bath towel tent’ over your head at least 1 foot from the top of the water pot. Inhale several deep breaths, taking care not to place your face directly in the hot steam. After even one breath of this mix, your nose should begin to run. Keep tissues handy!

2) Lymphatic Drainage and Sinus Massage

Click here for a facial massage that will drain that icky viral waste from your lymph nodes.

3) Relax in the Bath

Just finished your Thyme leaf facial steam? Pour it into a bathtub and enjoy the benefits of the steam a little longer while you relax and recover in a warm bath. AVOID bathing in your herbal steam if using Eucalyptus or Vick’s products. Instead, set the pan in your shower and let that beautiful steam fill up your shower space while you breathe it in.

4) Got the Chills?

A hot bath with 3 TBSP of Ginger powder mixed in thoroughly will help to break the chills. While you’re at it, drink a cup of Ginger tea along with your bath to really send the message to your immune system body parts.

My go to is Pho from a favorite restaurant near me. Hot, steamy, nourishing, brothy and spicy if I want that too. Pho broth, usually made by simmering beef bones for many hours, offers these fantastic health benefits:

• Collagen and Gelatin: These can help support joint health and skin elasticity.
• Minerals: Bone broth is a good source of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and other trace minerals, which are essential for overall health.
• Amino Acids: Bone broth contains glutamine, proline, and glycine, which may help support gut and immune health.

Maybe you’ve tried all this and you’re feeling frustrated that you’re not getting better after a week or so. That’s a good time to reach out to me for an appointment.

Which type of appointment is best for you?

30- Minute Follow-up

If you’re tackling a seasonal infection or have a single, non-complex issue to talk through and need support for a quicker recovery, this is your best choice. Even new clients can take advantage of this. We can schedule a longer follow-up appointment to get into the weeds after you’re feeling better.

60-Minute Follow-up

Current clients who are fairly new, dealing with complex health issues or if you haven’t seen me in a year or more should choose this.

90-Minute Adult Initial Consultation

Ready to go all-in and find out how herbalism can support your whole health? This is the best choice for you.

My Cold & Flu Must Have’s

Jump right to my Fullscript Winter Cold & Flu Kit and stock up on some or all of my favorite herbs and formulas.

Not a client yet? You can sign up to my Fullscript store here (it’s free!) and start choosing your cold & flu essentials.