HEALTH: You Can Treat Your Allergies Herbally

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You Can Treat Your Allergies Herbally

By Whole Body Health Staff

 

Considered by many to be a common weed, the herb mullein has been

considered a lifesaver to many people for centuries.

 

The herb, Mullein, is one of nature’s most useful all-around weeds.

Drunk as a tea, it works great for allergy season and a general tonic

when your sinuses are clogged and it’s hard to breathe.

 

Mullein grows in fields, pastures and along roadsides across the

country.

 

It is easy to recognize with its tall, straight stem, large woolly

leaves, and its long, dense spike of yellow flowers.

 

Native Americans have used mullein as an herbal tonic for centuries.

 

Mullein contains mucilage and small amounts of tannins and saponins.

 

The mucilage is soothing on the mucous membranes.

 

The saponins are responsible for the expectorant actions in mullein

which can help clear mucous from your body.

 

Mullein is generally safe and has also been used as a pain killer and

sleep inducer.

 

Europeans have used mullein for chest colds, sore throats and allergies.

 

When the herb is applied topically, it provides relief for burns,

chilblains, and general arthritic joint pain.

 

Mullein also has astringent properties and is useful in treating minor

cuts and scratches.

 

A concoction of the yellow flowers infused in olive oil is also a good

remedy for ear aches and ear infections.

 

Mullein mixed with olive oil and beeswax relieves itching, excema and

other skin irritations. It shrinks tissue, prevents the secretion of

fluids and can temporarily relieve hemorrhoid pain.

 

Mullein is also an antispasmodic, helping stomach cramps and controlling

diarrhea.

 

To brew your own medicinal tea, steep two teaspoons of dried mullein

leaves in hot water for 10 minutes. Drink this tea three times a day,

for good benefits. You may wish to sweeten it with honey and flavor with

lemon juice to make it taste better. There is no caffeine or stimulants,

so it won’t make you jittery or nervous like coffee or ephedra.

 

You can make a compress by soaking a clean cloth in cooled mullein tea,

and apply to the tender area several times a day.

 

To make a mullein infusion, use one-eighth cup of crumbled dry leaves to

one pint of boiling water. Let the mixture steep overnight. Strain well,

using a coffee filter to get the tiny fuzz out. Store in a glass jar in

refrigerator. Take one teaspoon of this tincture, three times a day, to

heal and nourish lungs.

 

You can also make an aid to ear infections from mullein. Steep mullein

flowers in olive oil for 6 weeks. This is a great concoction for ear

aches. Drop with dropper into affected ear.

 

CAUTION! Be sure to test yourself for possible allergic reactions before

using mullein or any herb. Allergies are unpredictable.

 

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