Witchy Remedies for Cold and Flu Season

Ancient witches’ lore and modern knowledge of plants may produce the winning concoction you need to combat the evils of cold and flu season. Once upon a time, witches met their peril simply by having such actionable knowledge of the natural world. In fact, their powers were not supernatural at all, but their mixes, potions, and drinkable spells could often lead to a palatable (if not too tasty) cure.

A witchy connection to plants dates all the way back to the Stone Age. Call them shamans, healers, or folk practitioners—their knowledge base is similar and often relates to their surroundings, to the landscape. Though the reputation to do evil was historically ascribed to people with witchy tendencies, often and certainly today, people who are interested in the lore of witches are interested in their accumulated knowledge of plants and their relationship with people. While a potion of love is a lovely thought, their genuine expertise may relate more realistically to a treatment for a persistent cough or an antidote for fever.

Cauldron A-Boil with Rosemary and Thyme
Many people have won relief for the plague of congestion by placing their towel-covered head above a pot of boiling water and breathing deeply. Many Wiccan herbalists, however, suggest adding ingredients like rosemary, thyme, and even peppermint to the water. By allowing the herbs to steep for about ten minutes in the covered pot before breathing its steam, you can enhance the measure for decongest ion.

Rosemary has long been associated as a calmer of stress and reliever of aches, but it has even been suggested that it can provide some measure of relief for flu symptoms. Thyme is scientifically revered as a natural anti-bacterial agent and may have antiviral benefits as it’s been used to treat colds for centuries. Peppermint also enjoys a long tradition of use for treating congestion in colds.

Rose Water Elixir
Roses are high in vitamin C. Drinking rose-infused water with honey is a common remedy prescribed by folk practitioners as well as witch healers for centuries. It is known to alleviate the nausea that often accompanies the flu and can even sooth a sore throat, a typical cold symptom. Many enjoy a rose infused bath simply to cleanse away the germs or sooth the pangs of a fever.

Sparkle of Ginger
Ginger is a powerful antiviral agent that has also been shown to reduce fever. Many ginger-lovers assert that is also relieves sore muscles. People suffering from these symptoms can prepare ginger tea by grinding a bit of ginger into a paste (about a half teaspoon) and letting it steep in a mug’s worth of boiling water. After a few moments, strain the liquid into a new mug for drinking—it may taste better with a bit of sweetening.

If you’ve had enough tea and want a delicious sparkling soda for a change of pace, consider making a whole pot of ginger tea. Once the tea is ready, add sparkling water and a touch of lemon to affect a soda. This is also an optimum way to fight the cold virus or get relief from the aches caused by the flu.

The Great Purifier: Anise
This herb is not just the stuff of cookies. Its unique flavor masks a myriad of fine attributes. Witches have relied on anise for its protective and purifying qualities. Herbalists have prescribed anise tea for soothing an upset stomach. Moreover, it has been known to relieve coughs and loosen congestion. If your cold leads to bad dreams, leave some fragrant anise by the bed where it is said to ward away such night terrors and lead to a more restful repose.

Some practitioners suggest making anise infusions to treat persistent coughs. Mix a small amount of anise seed (slightly less than a full tablespoon) with boiling water and add a bit of honey for soothing relief.

Wintry Pine for Colds
The scent of pine cheers entire winter households, but a simple decoction made from pine buds can work as a powerful expectorant. Moreover, boiling a few pine needles in pot and breathing the steam may also help treat a nagging head cold. In old cultures, pine was considered a purifier that had the power to ward off various illnesses like the cold. Freshening up the house with sprigs of pine may lead to more benefits than simply a naturally freshened atmosphere.

Word to the Wise
It’s always essential to run any herbal remedy by a doctor. Some herbs should not be used during pregnancy or while breast feeding. Some shouldn’t be used in conjunction with other herbal or medicinal remedies. Many herbal remedies, however, do have healing or therapeutic properties that have often led to new medications. As more studies are conducted on the healing potential of common plants, a validation for centuries of herbal, folk, and even Wiccan botanical know-how is close at hand.

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