Are you ready? I am about to share with you a secret from my bag of magic potions. Really, this one works wonders and works on everything, so it’s invaluable. During cold and flu season, I remain impervious to whatever everyone else has (even in sharing close quarters) thanks to this magic immune concoction. Here you go. Thank me later.
This is most valuable when you’re beginning to feel under the weather, but it can also be used when you’re sick to make you better or shorten duration.
2 tbsp dried elderberries (find at health food store in bulk bins, or at herb shop)
2 tbsp dried yarrow flowers
2 tbsp dried mint leaves (or a bag of mint tea)
2 cups water
Put all the herbs in a saucepan and cover with water. Slowly bring to a boil and simmer quietly for about 20 minutes. Strain liquid away from herbs into a mug (place mint tea bag in mug if using). The resulting liquid will be very strong, so add water as needed, and 1 tbsp honey if coughing is present.
Drink as much as you can before bed and then repeat first thing in the AM. Do this until you feel better. I’ve tried this on countless skeptics and it always works. Here is the nitty gritty:
Elderberries are very high in vitamin C and antioxidants and make a superior immune tonic. Also good for cardio-vascular health. Yarrow is an antiseptic, antispasmodic herb that helps expel mucous from the lungs. Mint works for soothing the throat/coughing.
Mary Vance is a Certified Nutrition Consultant and author specializing in digestive health. She combines a science-based approach with natural therapies to rebalance the body. In addition to her 1:1 coaching, she offers courses to help you heal your gut and improve your health. Mary lives in San Francisco and Lake Tahoe in Northern California. Read more about her coaching practice here and her background here.
