Cough

Super Spices: Thyme

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ThymeThyme, also known as Thymus vulgaris, is a spice that is commonly used for culinary purposes. Considered more of a “Mediterranean” herb, this spice can be beneficial for more than just your cooking purposes.

Uses:

When used in cooking, this herb can actually increase the “life expectancy” of your left overs because of its potent effect at fighting off bacteria. This herb is able to fight off infections through its ability to kill bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungus. For this reason, thyme can be beneficial for colds, coughs, bronchitis, and even bad breath. In addition, thyme can be quite beneficial for digestive health. This herb can increase the amount of acid in the stomach – which may aggravate some forms of GERD or acid reflux, but can also help with some forms of GERD or acid reflux. This can result in thyme’s benefit towards gas, bloating, colic, and IBS. Thyme should be used in moderation in pregnancy due to some sources suggesting that it can a “mild uterine stimulant”. However, in normal amounts found in foods, thyme consumption is considered relatively safe in pregnancy.

Actions:

From these many different potential uses for time, it may be obvious what the actions of this spice are, but it includes:

Expectorant – helps you to cough up phlegm. I like to remind patients that sometimes this herb makes things worse before it makes things better because it can trigger a cough

Anti – tussive – helps to alleviate coughing

Anti – spasmodic – helps to decrease muscle spasms

Anti – microbial – helps to fight off infections

Carminative – aids with digesting and breaking down food

Anti – inflammatory – fights off inflammation

Anti – oxidant – defends against oxidative damage

Why Dr. Elisha Cook ND might prescribe Thymus vulgaris as a tea

I tend to prescribe this herb to individuals who have a cough or are fighting a respiratory infection. As per usual, I do like to prescribe teas for their therapeutic value as a tea and their medicinal value. I do not recommend consuming thyme as a tea outside the structured guidance of a naturopathic doctor or health care provider. Please seek medical advice before consuming Thyme.

Have you benefited from reading this blog? Know someone that would benefit as well? Share, Like, Comment, or Tweet this article, and let me know what you think.

Some of the information provided above may not be appropriate for everyone, please consult with your doctor before trying any of the above. If you are interested in Naturopathic Medicine and wanting a different approach to your health care needs, contact Dr. Elisha Cook ND by calling 519-537-7058 and book your appointment today!

Fighting the Cold

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Flu Fever. Sick Girl Sneezing In Tissue. HealthIt’s that time of year again. Time for increased Kleenex use, coughs, and colds. Though the common cold is minor in the grand scheme of conditions one can be affected by, it can be uncomfortable and frankly unwelcome. Here are some ideas on how you can arm your body to effectively fight the cold:

Wet Socks

“Wet socks” sound strange, but are a great way to help the body fight off the cold and to alleviate some of the symptoms of the cold. “Wet Socks” involve putting on a pair of socks that are run under cold water (and rung out), followed by putting on a pair of wool socks over top. It causes one’s circulation and lymphatics to get shocked into action, thus causing good nutrients to flow to the organs that need it, and eventually causing toxins to be released and disposed of. By morning, your socks will be dry, hence why some like to call “wet socks”, “magic socks” (which is a great way to convince children to try it). For instructions and rationale behind “wet socks” refer to my handouts page.

Castor Oil Rubs

Castor oil rubs are a great way to bring comfort to someone experiencing a cold, and bring down any inflammation. Castor oil can be applied to the chest, neck, and face, and heat can be applied by a hot water bottle to the chest over top to help bring some comfort during the cold.

Honey

Honey is a great addition to those warm teas that we tend to gravitate towards during colds. Honey has many properties in it that help fight infections and relieve coughing. You might be saying to yourself, I thought I was supposed to stay away from sugar during a cold? This is true, but honey’s cold fighting properties outweigh the negative impact that sugar tends to have on a cold. One concern that should be noted for parents is that honey should not be used in children under the age of 1.

Steam inhalation

Steam inhalations are a great way to relieve congestion, and can be a way to get beneficial nutrients and substances into the body in order to help with fighting off the cold. Steam inhalation can be as simple as having a warm shower. The heat from either a steam inhalation or a warm shower causes an opening of the airways, allowing ease in breathing. In addition, bacteria fighting herbs can be added to steam inhalations for added infection fighting capabilities! For instructions, rationale, and cautions on steam inhalation refer to my handouts page of my website.

Eat More Warming Foods and Spices

Not only do warming foods like soups and broths act as comfort food during a cold, but they are also helpful. Warming foods and spices can have the effect of keeping us comfortable, opening airways, and heating our bodies up so we can fight the cold.

Rest     

Rest is one of the most important things we can do for our body. In order to heal, our bodies need rest, so energy can be focus its efforts on fighting off the cold. Some might even go on to argue that we have gotten sick because our body is telling us that we need rest and is thus forcing us to do so.

Have you benefitted from reading this blog? Know someone that would benefit as well? Share, Like, Comment, or Tweet this article, and let me know what you think.

Some of the information provided above may not be appropriate for everyone, please consult with your doctor before trying any of the above. If you are interested in Naturopathic Medicine and wanting a different approach to your health care needs, please book an appointment with Elisha Cook at the RSNC today and let me help you achieve your health goals.