Page 58 - SOUTHERN OREGON MAGAZINE FALL 2019

the good life | herbal help

SUPPORTING YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM

WITH TRADITIONAL HERBALISM

Whole Plant, Root, & Flower Support for Your Body’s
Natural Defenses

brie malarkey, founder and ceo of sun god medicinals

et, rainy autumn days and cold winter nights are fast approach- years in their medicinal traditions. Today it is used by many to support
Wing, and their arrival marks the beginning of cold and flu sea- the immune system, encourage respiratory health, and fight infections
son. Allopathic medicine has made major advances in the 20th and such as the common cold and flu.
21st centuries in helping to prevent, fight, and lessen the symptoms of
the common cold and various Marshmallow Leaf (Althaea
influenza viruses. Preventative officinalis) – The use of this herb
measures such as flu vaccina- in ancient Egyptian, Greek,
tions, OTC decongestants Arab, and Roman traditions can
like pseudoephedrine, cough be traced back at least 2,000
suppressants in the form of years. This is another amazing
dextromethorphan and more plant found across Southern
are offered everywhere from Oregon, and has been reported
major grocery store chains to to have myriad potential health
convenience stores and beyond. benefits. Marshmallow leaf
has been used by herbalists to
However, for thousands of years soothe sore throats, protect
our ancestors have turned to mucus membranes, and clear
whole roots, flowers, and herbs congestion.
provided by nature to help sup-
port the immune response, Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis)
decongest nasal passages and - Hyssop is originally native to
sinuses, expectorate built-up Southern Europe, but can be
mucus in the lungs, suppress easily cultivated in our region.
coughs, and more. Traditional Known as a holy herb in tradi-
herbalists have spent genera- tions that predate the Bible, this
tions identifying herbal allies plant has been used in both tra-
that may play a vital role in ditional religious ceremony and
protecting and maintaining in herbal remedies for millen-
your health from infections and nia. Herbalists often use hyssop
illness and potentially relieve to address concerns with the
some of the unpleasant symp- gallbladder or urinary tract,
toms that accompany them. to soothe the lungs and throat,
to help provide relief from
Echinacea (Echinacea purpu- coughs, and to support the
rea) - Originally native to areas immune system. It’s even used
east of the Rocky Mountains as a flavoring in modern foods
in North America, this hardy and a fragrance in cosmetics.
and drought-tolerant herb thrives in the Southern Oregon bioregion.
Echinacea has been used by Native American herbalists for thousands of Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) - Native to North America, Europe, and

56 www.southernoregonmagazine.com | fall 2019