Phytotherapeutic Cough and Cold Treatment

We are on the threshold of winter and it's time to strengthen our home pharmacy with nature's "magical" phytotherapeutic bottles!

Phytotherapeutic preparations are botanical alchemies that are prepared in the properly equipped laboratory of the pharmacy and presuppose specialized knowledge and experience on the part of
pharmacist.

Coughs, stuffy noses, runny noses and colds often occur during the cold winter months, but there are some allies of nature that strengthen the body's biological functions and help us overcome the above symptoms in a milder way.

Below we will explore three basic "bodyguards" that form the protective shield of our respiratory system.

INULA (Inula Helenium)
Have you seen in the fields a perennial, shrub-like plant with many yellow, daisy-like flowers, persistently growing in midsummer? It is Inula, a plant with a long history over time.
Inula can reach a height of up to 2 meters, its stem is hard, multi-branched and cylindrical. The hairy stems of the herb are very tough (hard to cut), branching at the top and ending in yellow flowers. Its leaves are oblong and toothed. The part of the plant used for therapeutic purposes is the root, which is collected in September and October. The root, among other things, contains inulin,
volatile oils, sterols, glucagon and vitamin E.

Therapeutic Properties
Inula is a time-tested herb for its therapeutic action. Specifically, its mission is to significantly help the respiratory system, as it has expectorant properties. The extract it contains has a softening and soothing effect on the lungs, a property that makes it an ideal remedy for productive and dry coughs, bronchitis and asthma. Due to the above properties and its heating action, it is essential
ingredient in cough syrups, lozenges, and respiratory strengthening tinctures.

THYME (Thymus vulgaris)
Thyme is a very hardy plant which has the form of a low bush with thin and woody stems. It is native to many parts of the Mediterranean, Asia and America. It contains flavonoids, bitter substances, tannins, essential oil and thymol.

Therapeutic Properties
Thyme contains substances that strengthen the respiratory tract and has emollient and antispasmodic properties. It benefits our body in cases of runny nose, cough, respiratory infections, laryngitis, tonsillitis and asthma. It also has antiseptic properties and is often recommended in gargles to treat sore throats and severe coughs. It contains camphor-like substances and its characteristic smell, facilitates breathing and frees the stuffy nose, thus enhancing the
restful sleep.

HONEY
What could we say about this sweet substance produced by bees? Young and old, we have enjoyed a drink with tea and honey for a sore throat or to relieve a dry cough. Depending on the region where the bees have grazed, the honey contains different therapeutic elements, such as pine, heather, manuka, thyme, fir etc. honey.

Usually dark colored honeys have the most healing substances, leaving a subtle bitter aftertaste like pine honey. Also, due to the fact that honey contains 78% sugars and low moisture, it does not favor the growth of microorganisms.

Therapeutic use
Honey is an essential ally for the body's health. And that is why it must be present in the winter in the kitchen or in the pharmacy of our home (syrupes, candies, sprays). It is the medical wisdom of the grandmothers and is used by all generations of people, as a body tonic for the common cold.
Its consumption gives energy, and good carbohydrates on days of illness when the body cannot be fed properly. It softens the irritated throat, the cough and helps the body recover its strength after the fever. Traditional medicine experts recommend consuming honey for faster recovery from colds and dry coughs. Its sweet taste stimulates salivation and the right environment to facilitate it
respiratory tract.
It also helps to warm the body and plays the role of transporting nutrients to the deeper tissues of the body. Many times honey is combined with ginger and lemon, a simple recipe with two more factors that strengthen the body's defenses through detoxification.

This winter, look for “nature's three bodyguards” in every form, syrup, lozenge, drink to boost health and speed recovery from colds and coughs.