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HERBAL WELLNESS *<br />
Chances are that your throat pretty much<br />
performs on command, so you give it little<br />
thought—unless it’s your moneymaker<br />
or it’s sore. Then it probably becomes just<br />
about all you can think about.<br />
Since their voices are their instruments,<br />
singers rely on a variety of secret<br />
weapons to keep their throats in tiptop<br />
shape. But these botanical wonders<br />
aren’t just for vocalists. They can help<br />
anyone who experiences a sore throat or<br />
related respiratory symptoms.<br />
Herbs That Open Your Airways<br />
These helpful herbs are known as<br />
“astringents,” which means they help<br />
shrink throat tissues. This in turn<br />
helps open up airways and allows<br />
you to breathe more freely.<br />
26 • JUNE <strong>2020</strong><br />
healing botanicals for your body and mind<br />
Find Your Voice<br />
Do you love to sing? Botanicals can improve your voice and<br />
soothe a sore throat<br />
BY KARTA PURKH SINGH KHALSA, DN-C, RH<br />
BIBHITAKI (Terminalia belerica) is<br />
the best single Ayurvedic herb for<br />
generally controlling mucus, fat, and<br />
toxins in the body. One of three herbs<br />
in the Ayurvedic formula triphala,<br />
bibhitaki nourishes the lungs, throat,<br />
voice, eyes, and hair. It excels at<br />
removing stones and deposits (mucus,<br />
cholesterol, mineral deposits) in the<br />
digestive, urinary, and respiratory<br />
tracts. A strong astringent, bibhitaki<br />
is great as a gargle since it opens the<br />
throat. Put 1 teaspoon of bibhitaki<br />
powder in a glass of water and gargle<br />
several times until the glass is empty.<br />
SCHISANDRA (Schisandra chinensis)<br />
is a woody vine with clusters of small<br />
red berries. Several animal and human<br />
studies have determined that schisandra<br />
increases stamina and speed, and it<br />
improves concentration. What many<br />
people don’t know about schisandra<br />
berry is that it’s also a super astringent.<br />
Brew dried schisandra berry into a<br />
tea and, like bibhitaki, gargle until<br />
the throat is optimally open. Note:<br />
Schisandra has been shown to have<br />
phytoestrogen properties.<br />
SAGE LEAF (Salvia officinalis) is another<br />
well-known throat astringent. It has<br />
been used to treat many inflammatory<br />
conditions, and research shows it<br />
can help relieve throat pain. Recently,<br />
German scientists found that a sage<br />
throat spray (with 15 percent sage)<br />
provides a convenient and safe treatment<br />
Photo: adobestock.com