Tea With Toulousse: Clear, Healthy Lungs for all of the Winter Junk and Mucky Muck!

Clear, Healthy Lungs for all of the Winter junk and mucky muck!

Photo taken by Toulousse

So as Winter comes creeping into our existence this October, and all of the adjustments that come with the onset of the cold, we need to take the time to take care of ourselves along with the plants we cover, the wood that is chopped and the food that is stored. We seem to forget that during each season our bodies go through a series of adjustments not only to temperature but also the quality of the air and adjustment to the new plants, grasses and the weeds that grow.

It is vital for our health that we spend the time to care for our immune systems for all seasons but let's face it, winter sucks and it, to me, is the hardest time of year to stay well. Colds seem to linger longer and it does seem that the immune system is fighting constantly. WELL it is!

Remember that we are set at a certain temperature and with any fluxuation in temperature our Homeostasis is thrown into some form of hyper-drive. Whether too hot or too cold once we experience a change in temperature our bodies go into battle mode. Gears and levels must be adjusted for optimal Homeostasis, our bodies work very hard to keep us alive and healthy. But alas, there is going to be some germy germ that will come and kick our asses at some point.

In my experience lung issues seem to come up more during the winter time... so in this blog I want to share another amazing herb that Nature provides for us to help with our immune system and with respiratory issues. Let me give you a little background on my discovery! Through out the summer and well into September I have been noticing this really cool looking plant that grows all over our property here in New Mexico. Let me digress a bit, I have always used herbs for healing. I was introduced to herbs at 19 years of age and have continued my love of knowledge with natural healing since. I have always seen and can recognize most herbs when they are dried. I have lived mostly in urban settings so seeing herbs as they are still alive and growing was limited. Since moving to our Farm full time, I have been given the chance to learn what medicinal plants look like when they grow from the earth! I am so lucky!!

So now it is winter and we are catching all or some of the junk and mucky muck. You feel terrible and can't seem to get rid of the colds and such. You may start out with a little bit of a scratchy throat. This for me is the first sign to go grab my Golden Seal Echinacea blend. I also take the time to drink a Bucha to clean out my tummy and intestines (were colds and flus begin). I also use Oil of Oregano. Depending on when I catch the signs and depending on the condition of my immune system, sometimes the junk and mucky muck win the battle. We get sick.

Now our body has to fight. Building you immune system helps. However, we also need to help our bodies expel the junk that is infecting our health. Drinking tons of water is always a good idea, however when you are ill it is best to drink more water and liquids that help promote healing. Water keeps our blood circulating and keeps us running at a cooler temp and helps prevent inflammation.

We can help our systems expel the junk with medicinal herbs. One of the best to help expel the junk in our lungs and respritory system is a wonderful plant called Mullein. The photos above and throughout this blog show you what the plant looks like while growing in the wild. We are fortunate to have an entire field and creek full of Mullein.

Mullein flowers, leaves and root can be used to aid in respiratory issues such as chest colds, asthma and bronchitis.

"Both the leaves and flowers contain mucilage, which is soothing to irritated membranes, and saponins, which make coughs more productive. Research has shown that the herb has strong anti-inflammatory activity, and lab studies suggest that mullein flower infusions have antiviral properties."

Mullein leaf tea will help to clear your lungs and open the air ways to help you breath. The use of Mullein flowers can help to relax you and to aid in restful sleep. Make a tea of the leaves and flowers for a restful night. A tea of the flowers will help relieve pain and can induce sleep.

For external inflammations or skin conditions that cause pain us the tea mixed with vinegar and water to relieve the skin.

If you haven't time for tea, then the use of a tincture will work just as well! You can get Mullein tinctures and dried leaves from your Local CO-OP or health food store. We are currently in the process of brewing Fresh Mullein tinctures.

The recipes below can be helpful:

1. Steep 1 tsp. of leaves and flowers in 1 cup of water. Drink twice a day.

2. Take 15 to 40 drops of prepared tincture in warm water every 2 to 4 hours.

Mullein is high in iron, magnesium, potassium and sulpher. I also contains Vitamins A, D and B-comples.

Take care of yourself this winter. In other posts I will share my discovers of How Nature Takes Care of Us. If you questions, comments please leave them in the comment section.

Keep checking back for more blog posts and for links to buy cool stuff like here: http://www.cafepress.com/TeaWithToulousse

Much Love,

Toulousse