Sweet Relief: Fragrant & Flavorful Herbs for Allergy, Cold & Flu Season
Posted by Erica Vinskie on
Nothing good can be said about having an upper respiratory infection. Last month, I was nursing a pretty rotten one. Mercifully, the home and herbal remedies that brought me relief didn't inflict more suffering with insipid and bitter flavors. In fact, the home remedies I concocted with teas and extracts from the shop pantry were delicious and comforting.
Even while I create and curate HF's botanical offerings for their fragrance and flavor, several of our offerings possess natural therapeutic properties. The following pantry and bath goods will not only delight the senses, they offer immune support and relief from the sinus congestion, sore throat, and dry cough of allergy, cold, and flu season.*
- For a dry cough, try Bluestem Botanicals Thyme Simple Syrup. Thyme is known to relieve smooth muscle spasms making it an excellent natural cough suppressant. As a tasty way to suppress an annoying dry cough, I mix a tablespoon of thyme simple syrup and a tablespoon of honey into a cup of Orange Cranberry Rooibos tea. (Bonus: the flavor also reminds me of Thanksgiving. It's comfort in a cup!)
- For a sinus infection, try Bluestem Botanicals Ginger Simple Syrup. Not only is ginger excellent for clearing sinuses, as an antimicrobial, it may help shorten duration of an infection.* Use a tablespoon of ginger simple syrup in a hot toddy made with hot water, whisky, honey, and a slice of lemon. Or make a delicious, seasonal mocktail version by substituting the whisky with our malty Apple Cinnamon French Toast tea.
- For seasonal allergies, try Bluestem Botanicals Spicy Turmeric Simple Syrup. The curcumin found in turmeric is shown to reduce histamine response and inflammation. Mix 1-2 tablespoons of spicy turmeric simple syrup in your favorite warm milk or tea before bedtime or anytime.
- To breathe easier, try Sweet Mint + Lime + Eucalyptus Shower Steamers. These long-lasting shower steamers instantly turn the steam of your shower into a therapeutic spa to clear sinuses, loosen mucus, and have you breathing easy again.
- For ongoing immune support, try Bluestem Botanicals Botanical Extracts. During fall and winter, we carry tasty, immune-boosting persimmon extract (rich in Vitamin C) and elderberry extract (purported to have antiviral properties). Drop these delicious alcohol-free extracts directly onto your tongue or use them to add flavor to water, yogurt, tea, cocktails, mocktails, and more.
* Always follow the advice of healthcare professionals in the treatment of any medical condition or illness.