Herbs

[Red Emma]

Mingbop,

I'm not very good at understanding symbols and the like, but the mint I do understand. Properly used it likely will clear up your chest.

Here's what I do, which I suspect can be adapted to your living situation.

1) Use a medium sized cooking pot, preferably with straight (not slanted) sides. Fill it about half full of water. (Slanted sides of a pot allow the steam to dissipate into the air instead of being funneled straight to your nose.)

2) Put a few drops of mint oil in it.

3) Bring it to boil, then breathe the steam for about 3 1/2 minutes, three or more times a day.

If your legs are sponges, you may want to use some steaming method that doesn't involve standing over a boiling pot. When our kids were little we used a commercial steamer which we could put beside their beds and which we left going all the time. (At that time I didn't know about the use of mint oil.)

It will likely take several days of this practise to clear your chest, but it probably will do it. (I equivocate because there's the remote possibility that other things are involved, and I'm certainly not a doctor.)

A second herb which may be useful is ginger tea. I learned this from my granddaughter. When she first starts getting any chest ailment, she fires up the teapot and drinks a ginger brew all day. She's convinced that it shortens the recovery time. It seems to do the same for me.

You probably all ready know about echinachea (sp?) and golden seal. Echinachea is usually pretty safe to use for a week or two, but be cautious with golden seal. Probably shouldn't use its powerful punch for more than five or six days.

Best wishes with your herb garden. My feeling is that you were shown this because its products can be very useful when one is ill.

[mingbop]

I agree , I was shown this for a reason and it's up to me to act on it. I like the sound of the mint, and although I hate ginger I will try it. It's better than this ! Thanks pet, I will let you know how I get on . x
Now off to the herbalist's website for the makings

[mingbop]

How do you make ginger tea exactly ? Do you add it ordianry tea? What form of ginger do I buy ? Anybody ?

[Debra]

Works terrific for digestive problems and seems to loosen congestion in the chest, too. The recipe is from

http://altmedicine.about.com/cs/3/a/Ginger_Tea.htm

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Ginger Tea Recipe
Ginger tea is thought to improve digestion and relieve nausea. It is also used to improve ward off colds, sore throat and the flu.

It's very easy to make ginger tea. Here's how to do it.

Ginger Tea Recipe
4 cups of water
2 inch piece of fresh ginger root
optional: honey and lemon

Peel the ginger root and slice it into thin slices. Bring the water to a boil in a saucepan. Once it is boiling, add the ginger. Cover it and reduce to a simmer for 15-20 minutes. Strain the tea. Add honey and lemon to taste.

Note: Keep in mind that if you are making this tea to strengthen the immune system and ward off colds and flu, sweeteners are not recommended.

[mingbop]

ohhhh, now doesn't that make you feel better already! many thanks pet, I must do that asap. x Mary

[ravenest]

Originally Posted by mingbop

How do you make ginger tea exactly ? Do you add it ordianry tea?

I slip a bit of ginger root in the t pot of ordinary t with out telling the tea drinkers and they exclaim how great I am at making a nice cup of tea

[mingbop]

oooh ! ok will try that too. x ty