The cold and the few hours of light favor some conditions and alter the mood. Remedies with plants can be great allies at this time.
In the cold months our body can be affected by inflammations of the respiratory tract, flu virus, asthma attacks, skin and scalp imbalances and circulatory complications, among other frequent ailments. The cold, however, is not the only factor that influences our health in winter.
We can prepare ourselves to face the season by acquiring healthy habits such as eating in a balanced way, walking outdoors, doing moderate exercise every day and drinking enough water. We will also seek the help of health professionals when necessary, and we will turn to medicinal plants to take care of ourselves naturally.
WHY PLANTS HELP WHEN IT’S COLD
The increased feeling of laziness, fatigue and drowsiness are related to the reduction of daylight hours. Reluctance, in turn, can lead us to exercise less. To this is added the tendency to eat more, to compensate for the caloric expenditure made by the body in order to stay warm.
This set of factors can favor physical imbalances and also mood ones, such as seasonal affective disorder. When these manifests themselves, blaming winter does not improve the situation. Phytotherapy has a wide variety of medicinal plants ideal for the cold months. Here we propose a selection to promote emotional and physical balance. 8 MEDICINAL PLANTS THAT HELP WHEN IT’S COLD
Phytotherapy has a wide variety of medicinal plants ideal for the cold months. Here we propose a selection to promote emotional and physical balance.
SAVORY
Savory (Satureja montana L.) is a plant that acts as a great natural anti-inflammatory and is ideal for inflammatory conditions produced in cold weather:
- Where savory grows: In Mediterranean regions with rocky soils and wastelands.
- Parts that we use savory: Its flowers, rich in tannins, vitamins, minerals and essential oil.
- Properties of savory: It has antiseptic, carminative, antispasmodic, tonic and digestive effect.
- When savory is appropriate: In case of throat infections and to soothe cough. It is traditionally used to improve digestion or as a snack.
- How savory is used: The infusion, drink to calm cough, as an expectorant and to relieve digestive discomfort, or gargle for its anti-inflammatory effect in case of tonsillitis or pharyngitis (one teaspoon in 150 ml of water). You’ll also find extracts, tinctures, and essential oil.
CENTELLA ASIATICA
Centella asiatica (Centella asiatica) helps in case of circulation problems caused by the cold:
- Where Centella grows: In humid areas, such as swamps in tropical and subtropical areas.
- Parts that we use the sparkle: The dried aerial parts.
- Properties of Centella: Venotonic and regenerating and healing action on skin and mucous membranes thanks to various compounds such as tannins, saponins, essential oils, mucilage and phytosterols.
- When Centella is appropriate: In chronic problems of venous insufficiency, varicose veins and other peripheral circulation problems. Or to help heal surgical wounds and regenerate skin from burns and skin ulcers.
- How Centella is used: Infusion of dried plant, or in extract, capsules and tablets. For topical application you will find commercial creams and gels.
ELEUTOROCOCCUS
Eluterococcus (Eleuthero coccus senticosus) is an effective plant against fatigue and weakness typical of the cold months:
- Where eleeuterococcus grows: It is native to the mountains of Siberia and Mongolia, and hence it is also known as Siberian ginseng.
- Parts that use eleeuterococcus: Dried root and rhizome pulverized, chopped or whole.
- Properties of eleeuterococcus: It is adaptogenic and promotes well-being by acting as a tonic, immunostimulant and antioxidant. Helps reduce blood sugar and lipids.
- When eleeuterococcus is appropriate: If there is a feeling of weakness, stress fatigue, common cold, diabetes. Also, in functional asthenias.
- How eleeuterococcus is used: In infusion (one level teaspoon per cup of water), three times a day. Or in extract, available in dietetics and herbalists. In any case, avoid long-term treatments without consulting a doctor.
OAK
Oak (Quercus sp.) is effective against eczema and chilblains that usually appear on the skin because of the cold.
- Where the oak grows: In forests with moist soils in regions where it rains regularly.
- Parts we use oak: The bark of the young branches dried.
- Properties of oak: It has tannins of astringent, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiviral effect.
- When oak is appropriate: It favors the recovery and regeneration of skin and mucous membranes in case of chilblains, eczema and other injuries due to cold and dry weather. Helps regulate sweating of the feet.
- How oak is used: In baths, washes, mouthwashes or compresses using the decoction of 20 g of plant per liter of water. Place the bark in the water and let it boil for ten minutes over low heat and rest another 20 before filtering. The application is carried out at room temperature.
RHODIOLA
Rhodiola (Sedum roseum) is an ideal plant when it is cold against physical and mental stress:
- Where rhodiola grows: In rocky and humid terrain between 1,500 and 3,000 meters of altitude.
- Parts that we use rhodiola: The root and rhizome rich in rosarines.
- Properties of rhodiola: It is a physical and mental tonic with antidepressant, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory action.
- When Rhodiola is appropriate: To reduce symptoms of depression, asthenia and anxiety, prevent physical and mental fatigue, reduce stress and combat the damaging effect of free radicals.
- How Rhodiola is used: With the extracts are made liquid preparations to dissolve in water or take sublingually, tablets, tablets and capsules. Avoid treatments longer than two weeks and consult with a health professional if symptoms persist.
ATLAS CEDAR
The Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica), a stimulating plant and general tonic very suitable for the cold months.
- Where the Atlas Cedar grows: In mountains of soil rich in organic matter.
- Parts we use Atlas Cedar: The essential oil rich in cedrol.
- Properties of Atlas Cedar: A good circulatory tonic, with relaxing, antiseptic and expectorant effect.
- When the Atlas Cedar is right: Poor circulation, to decongest the lymphatic system and help eliminate fluids. To clear the airways in case of flu, sinusitis and other typical conditions. Or to regulate oily skin.
- How Atlas Cedar is used: In massage and compresses, diluted in a base oil such as almonds (10 drops EC per 20 ml). By inhalation, in an aromatherapy diffuser or by applying 1 drop to a tissue and leaving it on the bedside table at bedtime. Avoid if there are children under 6 years old or pregnant.
JOJOBA
Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis C.K. Schneid.) is ideal for protecting the skin from the cold:
- Where jojoba grows: Native to North America, it grows in desert and semi-desert areas.
- Parts that use jojoba: The oil extracted from the seeds.
- Properties of jojoba: Moisturizes and regenerates the skin favoring skin lipid balance. It contains vitamin E and fatty acids with antioxidant and repairing effect.
- When jojoba is appropriate: It is ideal for preventing and relieving skin conditions caused by cold: cracks on the lips, dry skin, cold hives. In massages and to regulate the scalp.
