Cold Chaser Tea

Cold Chaser Tea Elder leaves, Linden Blossoms, Thyme, Aniseed, Fennel, Rosehip, Licorice Root, Blackberry, Wild Thyme, Marigold Blossoms

Elder Leaves: In the Middle Ages, many people believed the Elder tree was inhabited by a spirit known as the “Elder Mother” whose permission was needed if ever the tree was to be pruned; inevitably felling Elders was considered as a guarantee of bad luck, although branches of the tree placed over doors and windows were believed to keep witches away and ward off the evil eye. Maude Grieve, author of the well known Modern Herbal (1931), country people in the 1920’s would still doff their hats when passing an Elder Tree as a salute to this otherwise forgotten spirit. Elder Flower Water (from distilling the flowers) was a favorite in the 18th century for whitening the skin and removing freckles. Parts used: The flowers are mainly used, although the leaves, fruit, bark and roots are also used Habitat: Europe and the British Isles, commonly growing in hedges. Description: A large shrubby tree with pinnate leaves and tiny, scented cream flowers born in flat bunches in early summer. The purple berries ripen in late autumn. Collection: The flowers are collected in spring and early summer and dried as rapidly as possible in the shade. The bark and berries are best collected in August and September. Properties: Elder is a bitter, pungent, cooling herb. The flowers and fruits are used to lower fever, reduce inflammation, soothe irritation, and have a diuretic and anti-mucus effect, while the leaves are insecticidal. Both the flowers and leaves contain rutin, isoquercitrin and hyperoside, while the flowers also contain chorogenic acid, organic acids and triterpenoids, such as a-amyrin, and b-amyrin, and the fruits contain tannins and anthocyanins such as samburcin, sambucyanin, chrysanthemin and all the glycosides of cyaniding. The seeds on the other hand contain cyanogenic glycosides such as sambunigrin, pruansin and holocalin, while the fruit contains lectins. The flowers have diuretic, laxative, anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, while the fruits again have antioxidant properties. Actions: Bark – purgative, emetic, diuretic, Leaves – externally emollient, and vulnerary, internally as purgative, expectorant, diuretic, and diaphoretic, Flowers – diaphoretic, anti-catarrhal, anti-spasmodic, Berries – diaphoretic, diuretic, laxative. Therapeutic Uses: Internal use: -Elder flowers are traditionally used to treat influenza, colds, mucus, sinusitis, feverish illnesses and other upper respiratory tract problems, as well as hay fever. -The fruits on the other hand are used for their analgesic effects, as well as their diuretic, laxative and diaphoretic properties. -The fruits are used for rheumatic complaints and the bark for constipation and arthritic conditions. -The flower heads are fried in batter, made into cordials, summer drinks, and to add flavor to stewed fruits, jellies and jams. External use: -Elder leaves and bark are used externally to treat minor burns and chilblains. -The flowers are used for sore eyes, irritated and inflamed skin, mouth ulcers and minor injuries. Aromatherapy and Essential Oil use: None noted Indications: Colds and flu with dry, hot skin; chronic nasal catarrh or sinusitis; dry coryzas; spasmodic croup; weakening nightsweats; skin eruptions from metabolic disturbance; eczema; dermatitis. Leaves can be used for bruises, sprains, wounds, and chilblains. They may be useful in anointment for tumours. Flowers are ideal for the treatment of colds and influenza. They are indicated in any catarrhal inflammation of the upper respiratory tract such as hayfeaver and sinusitis. Catarrhal deafness responds well to the flower. Flowers also appear to strengthen the cucous membranes, so can increase resistance to irritant allergens. Drinking elder flower rea in early spring can help reduce hay fever symptoms later in the year. Elder Berries have similar properties to the flowers in addition to their being used for rheumatism. They are also a good source of vitamin C Priest & Priest say it is a “mild diffusive and relaxing diaphoretic with alternative properties, indicated for children subject to frequent febrile reactions. Relaxing to the eliminative organs, soothing to the nervous system and gently lazative.” Safety Precautions and Warnings: The leaves and raw berries contain toxic cyanogenic glycosides and are poisonous. Care must be taken when using this plant for herbal remedies.

Linden Blossoms: The Linden tree can grow to 130 feet high, and produces some to the most powerful herbal medicine known to humans. They are common in the countryside throughout Ontario where they are sometimes known as basswood. Sometimes the flowers are called lime blossoms. The blossoms are creamy white in clusters of five, on long stalks with long greenish keel or bract (like the “wing” of a maple seed) beside each cluster. The flower is widely used in Europe to make an herbal tea or infusion – one that is so pleasant to taste that you can order it after a gourmet meal in a five-star French restaurant. Linden tea is very sought after and considered to be the best flavoured and most valuable in the world. It is safe to be taken by anyone and consumed over a long period of time. Health Benefits: Very effective digestive remedy, can be used for diarrhea and indigestion Relaxing anti-stress remedy Calming, relaxing remedy for the nervous system Gentle relaxant, effective for anyone suffering from nervous irritability – antispasmodic and sedative Used in Europe with small children to make a calming bath for overwrought infants by adding a strong linden infusion to their bath water. Children also benefit from the diaphoretic activity when it is given to them during influenza or severe colds (A diaphoretic promotes sweating, using the skin as an organ of elimination) Can prevent inner ear infections if given to children in the early stages of a respiratory illness. Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease Lowers blood pressure Has healing and restorative effect upon blood vessel walls – one that extends even to the improvement of varicose veins Makes blood more fluid, less viscous (thick), and less likely to coagulate. Prevents the adherence of plaque to the blood vessel walls Prevents constriction of the blood vessels, making strokes less likely Can offset nervousness and sleep disorders caused by menopause Can alleviate unpleasant symptoms before periods and at ovulation May be used to treat kidney stones and gout Is a mild choleretic (stimulates the flow of bile through the liver) so it assures non-aggressive draiage of the liver; promotes natural self restoration of the liver. Used in France to treat viral hepatitis and those with hepatitis C have shown positive results after extended use. Safety Concerns: Caution is needed by anyone taking blood thinners, conventional medicine for high blood pressure, or other heart medications because linden can amplify the effects of those meds. Thyme: Thyme is a perennial herb cultivated in most countries with temperate climates. Thyme flourishes in Asia Minor, Algeria, Spain and other European countries bordering on the Mediterranean Sea. There are three varieties of Thyme grown for use: broad-leaved, narrow-leaved and variegated. The most popular variety of Thyme is the narrow-leaved, which can be identified by its small, grayish- green leaves. Also known as Winter or German Thyme, narrow-leaved thyme is more aromatic than the broad-leaved variety. Health Benefits: Can be used to treat coughs, bronchitis, and chest congestion Contains thymol, which is an antiseptic and disinfectant and is effective in the treatment of wounds, ulcers, and abscesses. The oil components of thyme has antimicrobial activity against bacteria and fungi including Staphalococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, E-coli, and Shigella sonneri Increases the percentage of healthy fats in cell membranes, particularly the amount of DHA in brain, kidney, and heart cell membranes. Contains flavonoids which increase the antioxidant capacity

The range of other health-supportive nutrients found in thyme is also impressive. This food emerged from our food ranking system as an excellent source of iron and manganese, a very good source of calcium and a food source of dietary fiber.

Description

A delicate looking herb with a penetrating fragrance, thyme is an herb we should all take time to investigate and enjoy. And with about sixty different varieties including French (common) thyme, lemon thyme, orange thyme and silver thyme, this herb is sure to add some spice to your life.

Thyme leaves are curled, elliptically shaped and very small, measuring about one-eighth of an inch long and one-sixteenth of an inch wide. The upper leaf is green-grey in color on top, while the underside is a whitish color.

French thyme is known scientifically as Thymus vulgaris.

History

Thyme has been used since ancient times for its culinary, aromatic and medicinal properties. The ancient Egyptians used it as an embalming agent to preserve their deceased pharaohs.

In ancient Greece, thyme was widely used for its aromatic qualities, being burned as incense in sacred temples. Thyme was also a symbol of courage and admiration with the phrase "the smell of thyme" being a saying that reflected praise unto its subject. Thyme's association with bravery continued throughout medieval times when it was a ritual for women to give their knights a scarf that had a sprig of thyme placed over an embroidered bee. Since the 16th century, thyme oil has been used for its antiseptic properties, both as mouthwash and a topical application.

Thyme is native to areas such as Asia, southern Europe and the Mediterranean region and is also cultivated in North America.