The Seasonal Cough and Cold

The cold season comes, of course, with the seasonal cold.  We're in the midst of a winter cold.  While Handsome is up and back at the office armed with a box of tissues, the girls and I are in quarantine.  Playdates, music lessons and tap class have been cancelled and we're resting.  Television does a good job of distracting us from our discomfort.  My Happy daughter is upstairs in Mum and Dad's bed watching Little Rascals and my Lovely daughter, being older, is downstairs reclining on a couch, satisfied to watch British Railway Journeys with me.


MULLEIN AND MINT TEA

Two years ago, after Handsome experienced a terrible cough, my love of natural remedies led me to discover mullein's soothing properties.  As Dog and I went for our usual amble along our country roads, I was struck by the abundance of mullein.  Mullein is considered a weed, but in herbalists' circles it is a natural medicine that is quite safe to use.  (Do your research before harvesting and using, and be extremely careful to identify plants correctly!)

Mullein can soothe coughing.  Paired with mint in a tea, it's a staple in our family.  I use peppermint from my herb garden which is often tempered with warmer spearmint.  For one good mug, I'll use one teaspoon dried mullein and one-half teaspoon dried mint for ten minutes in a fine filter since mullein has little hairs.  Stir in a bit of raw and/or local honey for added benefit.  (Regardless of our discipline in using healthy herbs, we're still a bit naughty and treat ourselves to cold ice cream and popsicles!)

I'm off to make a cuppa...  Here's to your good health!

Jess