I included this lesser known herb in my autumn roots series, because it deserves some attention. Codonopsis deeply nourishes the immune system and can help with recovery from things like chronic fatigue syndrome and extreme exhaustion.
If you, or your child, get sick frequently in wintertime, Astragalus might be the perfect choice to strengthen the immune system for the long haul. This great wintertime herb is wonderful for treating any respiratory illness like hacking cough, bronchitis or pneumonia, and is a fantastic herb to support former smokers.
Ashwaganda is a deep-acting root which nourishes our entire endocrine system and regulates all of our hormone-producing glands: from thyroid to adrenals to our hypothalamus. If you have been working too hard for too long, and are exhausted by running from one thing to the next, Ashwaganda may be for you!
Thyme is anti-viral and anti-bacterial, great for coughs that are ‘wet’ (think mucous) head colds, flu and low fevers. It contains high levels of a very active essential oil thymol. Mixed with other herbs it helps acute bronchitis.. This wonderful herb has so many benefits, why not add more into your cooking?
Yes, that delicious rosemary which is oh-so-good atop potatoes, squash and all manner of root vegetables is seriously good for you.
Sage is antiseptic and one of my favorite medicines for swollen glands. The tea by itself tastes acrid but with honey it has a lovely taste. I will even gargle with it when I know my glands and immunity needs some extra love.
Let’s start with parsley, which honestly is way too much of a rockstar to be relegated to the role of a lowly garnish. Parsley is loaded with carotenoids (Lutein, Lycopene), folic acid, Vitamins A,C, & K, plus iron, magnesium, calcium, potassium, and manganese.
Motherwort is great for stress and anxiety, especially if it is related to hormonal shifts and cycles. It is excellent support for PMS and would be great for births where a laboring mom’s hormones are shifting like crazy. These dramatic hormonal shifts can affect those around the woman. Keeping yourself calm and your own cortisol levels down is quite a task! Motherwort may be just what you need.
I love recommending hibiscus to birth workers, especially those who work in hospitals. Afterall, the most virulent, hard to kill germs and viruses live in hospitals. Bring on the vitamin C! And if it’s delivered in a delicious tea after hours of a labor and birth? All the better.
I often use Rose Petals for my clients, whether they are birth workers or not. Roses are good for the heart, and excellent to support the nervous system and for grief and depression. In this world, and with birth the way it is, who couldn’t use a little Rose Petal?