Sore throat

TALL GRASS PRAIRIE AND EASTERN DECIDUOUS FOREST

COMMON NAME: Heal All

GENUS AND SPECIES NAME: Prunella vulgaris

HABITAT: low and open woods, along streams, forest borders, waste places, fields, and along roads and railroads

SEASON: May to September

USE: Tea can be used as a wash on wounds and sores and gargling tea will help relieve sore throat

PREPARATION: Add two teaspoons of dehydrated self heal leaves or flowers to a cup of freshly boiled water. Allow for it to steep for about ten minutes. When the time is up, strain to remove the leaves or flowers. Sweeteners (honey or fruit juice) may be added if desired. 

ACTIVE CHEMICAL: Betulinic Acid

TALL GRASS PRAIRIE AND EASTERN DECIDUOUS FOREST 

COMMON NAME: Birch

GENUS AND SPECIES NAME: Betula spp. 

HABITAT: wet areas

USE: A strong tea can be made from the bark, while twigs or leaves are used as a wash. The tea can be used to counter symptoms of a cold such as a sore throat, cough and fever. Gargling of the tea soothes sore mouths and throats. 

PREPARATION: Collect 7-10 small twigs from the end of branches, wash these off and crush or chop them up. Place these branches on the bottom of a teapot and add two cups of hot, freshly boiled water. Allow to sit for several minutes, then strain into cups to drink. Add sweetener if desired. 

 ACTIVE CHEMICAL: Betulin

Chemical formula: C30H48O3

(n.d.). Botanical.com. A Modern Herbal | Birch, Common. Retrieved from http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/b/bircom43.html
(n.d.). Dr. Christopher's Herbal Legacy. Medicinal Qualities of Birch. Retrieved from http://www.herballegacy.com/Birch_Medicinal.html
(n.d.). Mother Earth Living: Healthy Homes, Natural Health, Green Living. SELF-HEAL. Retrieved from http://www.motherearthliving.com/plant-profile/an-herb-to-know-7.aspx