NOTES ON THE INGREDIENTS FOUND IN COLD TIME

BAYBERRY

Bayberry bark (Myrica certifem) is a versatile herb native to North America that nineteenth-century physicians prescribed at the first sign of a cold, cough or 'flu. Bayberry acts as an expectorant, promotes perspiration and stimulates pulmonary circulation.

BONESET

Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum) was introduced to the New-World settlers by native Americans during the seventeenth century. It's name derives from its use to combat a particularly harsh strain of 'flu called 'break-bone fever'. Boneset is recognized by herbal practitioners as an effective aid in reducing fever, relieving coughs, upper respiratory congestion and blocked nasal passages.

CAYENNE

Cayenne; or capsicum (Capsicum frutescens) is a South American pepper that has been used as both a food seasoning and as a medicinal botanical for more than 7000 years. Recent research indicates that cayenne triggers the release of endorphins; natural neuro-chemicals that are directly involved in pain relief.

Other recognized uses for cayenne are as an anti-inflammatory, a digestive aid and to help in reducing high blood triglyceride and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.

CHAMOMILE

The therapeutic benefits of chamomile (Matricaria chamomillia) have been known since the times of ancient Egypt. Chamomile remains a popular remedy for modern day herbalists, who recommend it for poor digestion, stress and tension, inflammatory conditions such as rheumatism and back pain, and for irritating skin conditions such as insect bites, poison ivy and sunburn.

ECHINACEA

Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia) is another herb that was introduced to New World settlers by native Americans. It was widely-used as a remedy against snakebite, infected skin wounds and to combat toothache and sore throats. Echinacea is known to have a positive effect on the immune system by preventing the formation of the enzyme hyaluronidase, which destroys the natural barrier between healthy tissue and pathogenic organisms. Extracts of this versatile herb also display significant anti-fungal and anti-viral activity, including direct activity against strains of the influenza virus.

GOLDENSEAL

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) was perhaps first used by aboriginal Australians, but has become a popular remedy for herbal practitioners around the world. Preparations from goldenseal were once commonly used to treat gonorrhea and syphilis infection. Now growing freely in the eastern USA, goldenseal is prized for its use in treating cold and 'flu symptoms, including congestion and inflammation of mucous membranes.

LICORICE

Popular for centuries in an inactive form as a flavoring for candy, the root of licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is highly prized for it's therapeutic properties. First recorded over 2,000 years ago in the Shennong Herbal, licorice is known to have many medicinal qualities. Research has shown that licorice root extract contains a saponin compound with distinct anti-viral and anti-allergic properties. Other studies show that it stimulates the production of two natural steroids; cortisone and aldosterone; both of which help in reducing inflammation. The National Cancer Institute is reported to be studying triterpenoid compounds found in licorice root for their ability to inhibit the growth of cancerous cells. Licorice extract also acts as an expectorant.

PEPPERMINT

Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is one of the oldest-known home remedies for indigestion. Other therapeutic qualities attributed to peppermint include alleviating insomnia, stomach-ache, nausea, heartburn and migraine headache and soothing nagging coughs.

SAGE

Sage (Salvia officinalis) is another herb that is better known for its food-seasoning qualities than its medicinal effects. Sage, however, has been recommended for centuries to reduce the perspiration and fever of night-sweats and as a digestive aid. The word 'sage' derives from its Latin name Salvere (to save) and gives clear indication of its early reputation as a 'cure-all'.

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