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Miriam Nyasha Kwari
Herbalist
Hello friends and welcome back to my herbal corner where we try to make our medicine our food. The flues, sinuses and asthma are a big respiratory issue for many people.
A lot of people have issues with sinuses that are always blocked while others complain of asthma. This week we will concentrate on sinuses.
Sinusitis is the inflammation of the sinus passages. Symptoms that are experienced include headaches, blocked nostrils, inability to breathe through the nose, pressure in the sinuses, a runny or dripping nose or post nasal drips.
All this results in some serious irritation in the throat. People who have this problem are always trying to clear their throats and it can be so uncomfortable to people around them as they try to do so.
Sinusitis is usually caused by some allergies. The allergies cause the sinuses to react by itching, sneezing and the producing mucus. The allergies may then lead to a localised infection, which is intensified in the sinus passages, that is then called sinusitis. It is a sign of a weak immune system, which needs boosting.
Thyme is an excellent herb that is used in herbal concoctions for boosting the immune system. We are able to get dried thyme anytime from the supermarkets, and sometimes some fresh thyme is sold in selected grocery stores.
Thyme is very useful and recommended for ailments of the respiratory system, including, sinusitis, lungs and bronchial infections. Remember, what I said before that the spice rack in your kitchen is the number one first aid kit in the home? Well, we repeat and emphasise that statement again today in our discussion.
Thyme is used for flavouring soups, stews and chilli dishes in many cuisines. It is not to be taken however, in many quantities for pregnant women, while small quantities are recommended for use for young children who have flues and breathing difficulties.
The question is how to use it and the answer as usual is: in food as a spice. It is even better when it is used in making tea, flavoured with lemon and honey: you know your four o’clock cuppa. …
Thyme has some antibacterial and antiseptic properties. I have combined thyme and Graviola to stop runny noses and I have seen good results within a 20-minute space of time.
It is not surprising to experience an increase in the mucus flow after ingestion of the tea, for someone with a blocked sinuses problem, because the thyme tea usually jump starts the body to remove the bad mucus from the lungs and the sinuses.
That flow of mucus is a temporary increase in the mucus leaving your cavities or lungs since thyme is an expectorant. That way, thyme helps to boost the immune system.
Thyme is interesting in that its effects will change depending on how much one takes it. For example, taking little amounts of tea may, for some people, create a sedating effect, which will relax you and help one to get better while you are sick. However, larger doses will make one feel energetic.
Thyme has been used for tea for bronchitis, colds, colic, indigestion, fevers, gas, hysteria, menstrual cramps, toothaches, skin conditions and whooping cough.
The recipe for tea is the usual, where a pinch of the powder or a few leaves of about a quarter teaspoon is used for a normal cup serving.
It has to be flavoured with lemon and honey if these ingredients are available. No sugar.
We will go into some combinations of thyme and other herbal powders for other infection mentioned in this article and more in another time.
For now, remember to sip on Graviola with your families. Here is hoping that you have enjoyed this week’s short lesson that we have shared. Look after yourself and each other and be blessed.
Miriam Nyasha Kwari/0773378571/ [email protected]
Online Reporter
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