Sweet Fern (Comptonia peregrina)

A low shrub with fern-like leaves that grows locally and is found on land that has recently been disturbed.

Certain Native American tribes drank Sweet Fern tea throughout the winter to protect against colds and flu. Native Americans generously shared their knowledge about Lomatium with neighboring Nevada residents during the great flu pandemic of World War 1. Those who took Lomatium were reported to have all survived the pandemic.

It is a good winter tonic and I like to combine it in a tea with Staghorn Sumac, another local herb, which has powerful anti-viral actions.

Sweet Fern helps to decongest the lymph and is used to prevent diarrhea.

Andrographis (Andrographis paniculata) is a medicinal plant from China and one of the great anti-microbial herbs.

I find that it helps prevent colds or flu from developing ana can shorten their duration if they are already established.

I like to combine Andrographis with Lomatium, another herb that helps to stop the onset of the flu.

Lomatium (Lomatium dissectum) is a medicinal plant found in mountainous areas of western United States. The root is used.

It is a strong anti-microbial and is known to shorten the duration of viral infections.

Blessings, Madelon Hope