ChatterTip of the Month June 2012
Tips for Healthy Lungs
From Aries and the head, followed by Taurus and the neck, we continue to move down the body and now with Gemini we are talking about the Lungs (notice there are two of them!) and the Respiratory System. Gemini is our first Air sign, and without Air, we cannot breathe, and without breath, we have no life, therefore, the Lungs are very important organs. There are many different ailments and illnesses associated with our Respiratory System, ranging from a simple cold to pneumonia, perhaps too many to mention this time around. Gemini’s color is Yellow and notice how many of the recommended herbs are also Yellow in color? Several of these can be used to treat one or more of Gemini’s ailments, and many of them will be found as ingredients in Gemini’s favorite dishes, so here are a few of them:
Asthma
My best friend is a Gemini and she’s had Asthma all her life! Asthma is a condition where the bronchi (which are the air tubes of the lungs) contract in spasm and obstruct the flow of air, making it difficult to breathe out, in particular. It can be triggered for a number of reasons, including allergens, stress or over-exertion. Turmeric helps to dilate the contracted bronchi and can be sipped sprinkled into a cup of Warm Water. Ginger, another of our favorites, can also be made into a tea, and a steam inhalation made with Chamomile, Eucalyptusor Lavender can help as a relaxant and ease panic attacks. Increasing your Vitamin B6 intake is also recommended.
Common Cold
The Common Cold is an infection of the upper respiratory tract and can be caused by any number of numerous strains of virus. Interestingly, the Planet Mercury rules the sign of Gemini, and Mercury the metal, is also known as Quicksilver. Not surprisingly, in Homeopathic medicine, Mercury is the source used for remedies that treat a cold’s early symptoms, such as a sore throat or swollen glands. Coriander, Garlic, Ginger, Ginseng, Honey, Lemon, Echinacea, Goldenseal, and Mustard are just some of the recommended remedies, along with Citrus Fruit, which is naturally rich in Vitamin C, and Zinc.
Coughs
Coughs are necessary to expel foreign bodies and mucus from the trachea and airways of the lungs. It’s more of a symptom than an illness and can indicate a number of ailments including sinusitis, influenza, bronchitis, pneumonia and more. One of our old faithful’s is Garlic, which can be made into a tincture by placing several cloves in Brandy and leaving for 2 weeks, you can also add a little Honey. This mixture will help the body to fight infection. A hot drink of Honey& Lemon can also help to ease a cough, while a poultice of MustardPowder mixed with a little Water can be placed on the chest area. This remedy is also recommended for the treatment ofbronchitis, a condition where the lining of the bronchi becomes inflamed, as are Ginger and Garlic.