The flu season is still with us and I find that I am returning to natural remedies as often as heading to the local drug store.  I am no doctor or pharmacologist but anyone who studies or works with herbs, even minimally, begins to know their nature and can experiment with some of these herbs and spices with pretty much no severe repercussions.  I would much rather ingest these natural products and see their effectiveness over a synthetic laboratory produced chemical with adverse reactions as severe as the reason for taking in the first place.
   If a piece on herbs and their natural remedies have been posted here before, then I apologize but want to share a few of my favorite herbal remedies that have proven effective to me, In my home, it is with a look of sheer horror when a son or husband walks through the kitchen and asks me what I’m making and I reply a “gooligul”. What is gooligul? I don’t even know if this is a real word or the correct spelling for.  My mother-in-law is Italian and grew up with “gooligul” given to her by her mother who spoke broken English, at best.  She was given this tonic that she then gave to her kids that still makes my husband cringe when he even hears the name.  I believe what it was that she was giving the kids was a castor oil and nothing more.  So, when I began creating my own home remedies, I borrowed the name a) because I think it sounds cool as a home remedy and b) for the effect it has on my husband…not to be mean but, c’mon, you don’t get to see them squirm very often.  Now, I don’t do castor oil type of treatments.  My gooligul is meant for colds and upper respiratory prevention and curative powers.  
     To begin with and before I get into the herbs, I preface this by saying that as with anything, you must show respect to whatever ingredient you are using.  People have allergies and tolerances that must be respected and anything misused can be harmful.  For instance, licorice although helpful as an anti-inflammatory herb, & aid with colds or digestive remedies, has a reputation that can sometimes be “dangerous” if not used correctly. This is one herb that must be taken with caution and not in excess. That is enough for me and so I pretty much steer clear of it unless it’s a Twizzler (which is probably flavored with anise and not true licorice, as with most licorice candy these days).  With that said, a brief account of a few herbs that you probably have, or at least have easy access to, that could help you during your time of need.   And, these are just a few and, obviously, not a comprehensive list with a very brief description of what they can be useful for.
Basil – well-rounded antiviral herb useful for nausea, flatulence, fevers, headaches…an eyewash.
Bay Laurel –Good for making a poultice that is said to help with dandruff (?) or for helping reduce the pain associated with stings and helpful with coughs, as well.
Cardamom-Good for indigestion and gas alleviation as well as congestion and bad breath.
Cayenne – One of my favorites but you must use wisely.  If you’re not used to eating hot spices than you must watch signs so that you don’t hurt your stomach. As one of the heating herbs it stimulates the circulatory system and works as a blood thinner and is why hot climate diets utilize this and similarly hot products as it helps rid the body of heat and makes you sweat. Helps respiratory tract infections, eases constipation and deals with rheumatoid associated pain. Hot peppers are also high in vitamin C. Cayenne is helpful as part of a” gooligul” for a sore throat or as a prevention because what germ can survive that environment? Capsaicins, the active ingredient in hot peppers, are used for poultices and natural heating creams for sore muscles.  After my herbal listing, I will present some “recipes” utilizing cayenne as well as some of my other favs at the end of this piece.
Celery Seed-Works on the circulatory system and as a diuretic and is good for blood sugar balance,
Cinnamon-Gaining recognition for its’ indigestion and  circulation properties that may help with colds and allergies.
Cloves – An antiseptic, antispasmotic, infection fighter.  In the old days used for toothaches.
Fennel – Good for indigestion and respiratory ailments such as stomach aches and congestion.
Feverfew – Gaining recognition for it’s help for headaches particularly migraines (am currently trying) and lost its’ standing due to its’ original purpose which was reducing fevers.
Garlic – Everyone knows the power of garlic as it also aids in digestion, circulation, cardiovascular, works as a natural antibiotic, an immune fighter, a mucus reducer and some symptoms associated with the cold and flu.  Garlic is also supposed to help fight fleas on your dog.
Ginger – Stimulates the circulation, is antibacterial, and is helpful to remove phlegm, soothes the throat and coughs, aids in digestion (some say it’s helpful for morning sickness) and is helpful as part of a hot compress.
Lavender-It has a soothing, calming effect and is good in teas, balms and baths.
Mint- Almost any member of this antibacterial family is useful for aiding in digestion and gas, taming spasms and externally relaxes tightened muscles. For example, peppermint candies are often offered after dinner for these reasons.
Oregano – useful for gas, flatulence, respiratory ailments like coughing, is an antiseptic and can be helpful for women problems.
Rosemary – Another fav of mine with antifungal, antibacterial astringent properties that aid the circulation and helps the digestion used as a tonic (gooligul) in a bath or tea.
Thyme – Circulation stimulator and immune system enhancer, an antiseptic that helps with gas and flu like symptoms.

As mentioned, these are but a few of the many herbs and spices that can help alleviate some problem.  I only listed those that I use but challenge you to find out more.  In closing I want to share a few of my “recipes”…

Here is a recipe for a simple heating (sports) cream that you can make that replicates those that you buy:
1 part cayenne to 5 parts (Vaseline) petroleum jelly.  Melt the Vaseline over low to medium-low heat and add the cayenne.  Let it cool and apply to area to treat muscle sprains, stiffness or minor athletic injuries.  In India, they have a formula that uses ghee rather than the Vaseline, so by all means, use any extra ghee that you may have for an even more natural product.  

For a cold or upper respiratory problem, I make an herbal tea with the following:
Add boiling water to a few stems of *fresh rosemary, a few sprigs of fresh thyme and/or basil, some chopped fresh ginger, a few slices of lemon (lemons shrink swollen membranes and acts as an expectorant) a dash or two of cayenne (to taste), cinnamon (becoming known for its heart healthy properties) and honey. *I like to use a pestle and mortar and mash these ingredients first to release some of their properties. Let this steep for ten minutes and then strain into a cup.  It may take some getting used to but it does become somewhat soothing. If you don’t have all of the ingredients than use what you have.  If you have rosemary and lemon, cayenne and honey, that will soothe as well.  It will definitely get your system going.

As a preventative during an outbreak, I take a spoon of the following throughout the day.
I get a small ramekin and put one part honey to one part vinegar or lemon juice and add cayenne and a dash of cinnamon to taste.  I know, it may seem fowl but desperate times call for desperate measures. I take this when I feel my body is just beginning to fight something.  Get to know your body and the first signs of an illness. My family will relunctantly come to me and ask for this when they are desperate. I take it four or five times through the day for the first day or two or three.  It won’t hurt you and you may find some benefit.

A Stimulating Tea
Put 3-4 tablespoon peppermint, rosemary or eucalyptus leaves (rinsed, drained and blotted dry) into a small pot and cover with 4 cups of boiling water.  Let steep for 10 minutes and drain. Add ½ teaspoon ground cardamom and honey, if desired, and drink.

So, check out your own kitchen next time you feel a cold coming on. These herbs and spices have been used for centuries and are at the root of many of our laboratory processed medicines with out the dire consequences or cost.  These have worked for me and I hope you get some enjoyment exploring what Mother Nature gave us to work with.