5 healing herbs

When you have a cold or an upset stomach, the last thing you want to do is go out in the snow to find a drugstore remedy. What if you could just open your spice cupboard and find relief there?

Traditional flavourings for your family's dinner -- like thyme and rosemary -- can provide relief for common medical upsets, says Marcia Dixon, herbologist and holistic health professor at Seneca College. Here's a primer on the medicinal purposes of five common herbs.

Most of these herbs can be used in a cup of tea -- and isn't it nicer that way, anyway? To make an infusion, put one heaping tablespoon of the herb per cup of water into a pot, and let steep for 10 minutes.

Finally, strain out the herbs. And use fresh herbs -- found at specialty stores. Look for an aromatic product because it's more potent.

1. Celery seed
Celery seed helps ease urinary tract infections, as it's an excellent antiseptic, says Dixon. It's also anti-inflammatory, relieving arthritis and gout. An excellent diuretic, it aids digestion and even alleviates gas.

2. Thyme
Thyme heals all colds. It's an effective expectorant, as well as an antiseptic. It can help clear congestion, viral infections, or a dry, hacking cough.

3. Sage
Dixon describes sage as "a refrigerant," because of its ability to stop menopausal symptoms like night sweats or hot flashes. She suggests infusing a cup of cold tea with sage.

Sage is also drying, so it can be applied as a paste to help canker sores, and its antiseptic qualities make for a good mouthwash to gargle with when you have a sore throat. Breastfeeding mothers should take note that sage can decrease milk production.

4. Rosemary
Rosemary is a stimulant, so it's good for your circulation. By increasing blood flow to your brain, it can improve memory and treat headaches. It also decreases anxiety, stress, mild depression, and chronic fatigue. It's also an anti-oxidant.

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