Pantry Herbalism for Cold and Flu Support
Cold and flu are never welcome visitors in the home, especially when they come knocking at unexpected times! You might feel caught off guard if your apothecary doesn’t happen to be well stocked when someone in your family comes down with a scratchy throat or fever. Luckily, your spice cabinet, refrigerator crisper drawer, and perhaps even your backyard can likely supply you with many of the herbal actions that are supportive during a case of the flu or other respiratory viruses! Being a well-rounded herbalist means making the most of the supplies you have on hand, and this intensive will share some ideas on doing just that with some everyday kitchen herbs and spices, as well as a few common wild herbs. And you just might find that these herbs become your new favorite go-to support for cold and flu season!
In this intensive, we expand on the popular Pantry Herbalism for Cold and Flu Support ebook offered by Herbal Academy to delve even further into this topic, which is one of our favorites! You’ll find additional information on herb quality, safe and ethical foraging practices, two more recipes, many recommended resources to further your studies, and new videos!
Session 1: From the Spice Cabinet
Using kitchen spices as herbs is often not in the forefront of people’s minds when thinking about herbalism, but there is much potential quietly waiting in those small jars and tins in your spice cabinet! You’ll discover how everyday herbs commonly used to enhance flavor—from the black pepper found on nearly every kitchen table to aromatic favorites like oregano and thyme—also offer the gift of herbal support. Herbal Academy team member Hannah Lasorsa delves into a video discussion on assessing herb quality through organoleptic testing and shares helpful tips for herb storage.
Session 2: From the Pantry
There is quite a bit of crossover between food and herbs, and many plants can be used in both ways! From old folk traditions such as using an onion poultice to break up coughs (Herbal Academy team member Stacy Kalisz presents a video demo of this easy preparation) to modern research on the antiviral properties of citrus peel, you’ll learn how to make the most of staple food plants as important cold and flu allies.
Session 3: From the Wild
Wild plants offer a multitude of benefits, from their freshness and potency to their affordability. Developing your wildcrafting skills means that you won’t have to go far to find herbal support when it’s needed! Get to know three beloved, widespread plants that grow in many regions worldwide that you can add to your home preparations for respiratory support — with Herbal Academy team member Sarah Baldwin leading you on a plant walk to observe and learn about these three wild allies!
