Going Viral

WHEN YOU'RE FEELING BLUE, TURN TO HERBS FOR RELIEF BEFORE YOU HIT THE PHARMACY AISLE.

- DAWN COMBS

Sneezing, sniffling, stuffy nose, cough: These are unfortunately symptoms of the cold and flu season. We are exposed to an endless array of germs indoors, and building up the immune system is an important focus of herbalists everywhere. But even the most prepared are bound to be taken out by the dreaded cold and flu bugs at some point. Armed with these herbs, you'll be on your way to putting up a good fight.

SAGE ADVICE

Sage (Salvia officinalis) has been valued medicinally as far back as Pliny and Dioscorides, having been used as a general tonic and virtual panacea. It has a special affinity for the mouth and throat and is featured prominently in cold and flu remedies. There are many old proverbs concerning sage, from the one suggesting that there is never a reason for a man to perish from an illness as long as he has sage growing to the one that says as the home business grows, so grows the sage. Let's hope they're both true!

In addition to adding sage into your winter foods, you can make it into a simple infusion: Pour 1 cup boiling water over 2 to 3 teaspoons sage, and allow it to sit in a covered vessel for 10 to 15 minutes. The resulting tea was traditionally drank first thing in the morning for digestion, flu prevention and even joint pain. As a refrigerant, it helps to cool the body, so it's great for fever relief, too.

SHII-TAKE THAT!

Shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes) are great for winter health, but you can also use maitake, hen of the woods or any number of other local delicacies. Mushrooms are easy to use as food while also being powerful antivirals and immune stimulants, containing important minerals, such as selenium and potassium.