Harnessing traditional plant wisdom
Plants have been used to support health and boost immunity for thousands of years and remain extensively used today. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognises traditional and complementary therapy is an important and often underestimated part of health care.
Plants are unique and complex in that that contain many different phytochemicals, or active constituents, that act in a holistic way by supporting the body on multiple levels simultaneously. For ills and chills, they can support the acute immune response to a bug, soothe scratchy throats and support clear chests and airways, while at the same time helping to build resilience and integrity in the affected tissues, helping to support a strong immune system in the long-term. Some of these phytochemicals also help to buffer against side effects, which is why traditional plant remedies, such as tea remedies and fresh plant tinctures (oral liquids), typically have an exceptional safety profile.
Some key plant remedies to support optimal family health this winter include:
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is traditionally recognised and scientifically shown to be a powerhouse when it comes to supporting respiratory health. It helps to loosen and break down mucus in the respiratory tract, making it easier for the body to expel. Thyme also supports relaxation of the smooth muscle in the bronchial tubes and relaxed breathing for a tight chest. Thyme is naturally rich in antioxidants and is a powerful antiseptic herb due to its high content of volatile oils – these characteristics support the healthy functioning of the immune system and help to build resilience and integrity in the affected tissues. The thyme used in Artemis products is wild grown in New Zealand’s pristine alpine environment and processed fresh for use in our immunity range.
Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) is an extensively researched and utilised plant remedy for immune support. It not only helps to build immune resistance but also acts in a variety of ways to support recovery when the winter bugs take hold.
Angelica (Angelica archangelica) is another powerful immune-supporting plant notable for its strong warming action – useful when feeling the chill that can accompany the onset of ills and chills. It also helps to loosen and expel mucus from the respiratory tract.
Immune supporting plants work well when combined with a gentle liver-supporting herb such as St Mary’s Thistle (Silybum marianum). This plant remedy supports the normal process of detoxification that becomes critical during periods of illness to help with the elimination of debris and waste products from the immune response. If not effectively eliminated from the body, this debris may place additional stress on the immune system, having a compounding effect if you are exposed to further bugs.
What to look for in a remedy
Not all-natural plant-based remedies are made equal so here’s what to look out for when you need effective and safe remedies:
- Formulated specifically for young children, not adults
- Formulated by a registered Medical Herbalist/Practitioner (NZAMH or NMHNZ in New Zealand) à this ensures the formulator has an in-depth knowledge of therapeutic plants
- Plant ingredients are as pure as possible, ideally organically grown à this ensures plants are free of pesticides/herbicides and children aren’t exposed to an additional toxic load
- Fresh plant extracts – ensures high levels of active ingredients that
- remain in their natural state for optimal absorption
- No honey – important if the remedy is for children under one year old. Ministry of Health recommendations is that babies should not have honey before 12 months of age. Although the risk is small, honey has been associated with cases of infant botulism (MoH, 2008)
- Low in refined or artificial sweeteners and sugars
- Low alcohol – between 1-3% à this amount is less than the alcohol a child’s body naturally produces when digesting a banana
- The dose is correct for children small, frequent doses are the most effective for young children
- And … it tastes good! For remedies to work, your little one has to take it.
A helping hand for you, and for your child
As exhausting as it is, your child will likely fall ill at some point, and more likely several points, during winter. It’s a necessary part of growing up.
With this in mind, the best thing you can do to support them has the right tools on hand – natural, plant-based remedies to soothe tight chests, support their entire respiratory system, and provide support for young immune systems. Those long nights of sickness will be easier for everyone to cope with and become a distant memory.
Author Laura Bylsma is a registered medical herbalist and naturopath with a background in pharmacology. She is a Herbal Research & Technical Advisor for Artemis, a New Zealand company specialising in traditional plant-based remedies. As a mother herself, she is passionate about providing natural, safe and effective products for children, as well as building awareness and increasing accessibility to plant medicine.
Artemis products are available at www.artemis.co.nz, HealthPost, Health 2000, pharmacydirect.co.nz and selected health stores, organic stores and pharmacies throughout New Zealand.
Always read the label and use as directed. If symptoms persist see your healthcare professional. Artemis Ltd, Dunedin. TAPS: PP4286
