In the third episode of our Seasonal Herbs for Health series, our resident medical herbalist Nicholas Edwards returns to share more wisdom on how plants can support our health in this season of abundance. As plants put their sustaining nutrients and energy into their fruits or roots ahead of the Winter, we can harvest these parts to support our own health.

Nature always gives us what we need for our health in the season and Nicholas spotlights Burdock and Elderberry for supporting our immune system and preventing infections.

Burdock is associated with it’s more famous herbal friend Dandelion, as the soft drink which has it’s roots (pun intended!) in a popular herbal tonic which draws on the complementary benefits of both plants for liver and kidney function. Burdock is particularly helpful at this time of year to support liver function and as the liver plays a vital role in fighting off infections, Burdock can really help us stay well as winter illnesses begin to emerge!

Nicholas reminds us that herbal medicine is taken as a preventative, rather than as a cure when someone is sick. It’s an holistic approach, which assumes good health and works to maintain it rather than fixing a problem like conventional medicines.

He also explains another way that plant medicines are different from pharmaceutical medicines, in that plants don’t have a single specific action in the body like synthetic medicines but will act across a system, perhaps focussing on one organ with benefits to the whole system. Recognising all the systems in our bodies are connected and interacting, Elderberry is a great example of this.

Elderberry is absolutely the best herbal remedy for boosting our immune system. Often taken with Echinacea which is known for preventing colds and minor winter illnesses, Elderberry has a long traditional use to treat fevers, cold/flu symptoms and respiratory illnesses. It has more recently been subject to scientific investigation for its antiviral properties, in relation to Covid-19.

Take Elderberry as a liquid tincture, usually available from a herbalist and health food shops. Also make Elderberry Rob at home from foraged berries. By adding sugar to the Rob, you can make a syrup which is less sour and the sugar also acts as a preservative.
Sambukus tablets can often be found in supermarket - not Sambuka, although it is derived from the same plant
And Nicholas’s personal favourite - elderberry, echinacea and garlic! Garlic has lots of benefits for the body and is used to prevent and treat infections.

Nicholas’s advice for seasonal self care:

• Establish a routine with your herbal medicines, take them regularly. Good advice generally and also goes with the themes of order and discernment for Autumn
• Prioritise sleep, the greatest healer and restorative activity!
• Increase vitamin C and zinc in your diet or through supplements

Vanessa's advice for seasonal self care

• Have a clear out - mental and physical. What thoughts and things might be holding me back?
• Set some intention for new routines to support myself into the winter, using ritual if you like

As always, if the Red Thread of Fate is drawing you towards these themes, you're invited to connect with Nicholas through his various platforms:

https://www.instagram.com/the_apothecary_box/

https://www.theapothecarybox.co.uk/

I hope you enjoy these nuggets of wisdom, gifts and treasures from Nicholas! I am deeply grateful for the abundance of information and advice, it’s my own harvest and my opportunity to share in the Red Thread community for everyone to benefit!