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inflammation of the upper respiratory tract such as hay fever and sinusitis. Catarrhal deafness responds well to elder flowers. Elderberries have similar properties to the flowers with the addition of their usefulness in rheumatism.
Combinations: For colds and fevers it may be used with peppermint, yarrow or hyssop. For influenza combine it with boneset. For catarrhal states mix it with goldenrod.
Preparations & dosage: Infusion: Pour 1 cup of boiling water onto 2 tsp. of the dried or fresh blossoms and infuse for 10 minutes. Drink hot 3 times a day. Juice: Boil fresh berries in water for 2 to 3 minutes, then express the juice. To preserve, bring to the boil with 1 part honey to 10 parts of juice. Take 1 cup diluted with hot water twice a day. Ointment: Take 3 parts of fresh elder leaves and heat them with 6 parts of melted Vaseline until the leaves are crisp. Strain and store. Tincture: Take 1/4 tsp. of the tincture (made from the flowers) 3 times a day.
Eyebright: Euphrasia officinalis
Part used: Dried aerial parts.
Actions: Anticatarrhal, astringent, anti-inflammatory.
Indications: Eyebright is an excellent remedy for the problems of mucous membranes. The combination of anti-inflammatory and astringent properties make it relevant in many conditions. Used internally it is a powerful anticatarrhal and thus may be used to treat nasal catarrh, sinusitis and other congestive states. It is best known for its use in conditions of the eye, where it is helpful in acute or chronic inflammations, stinging and weeping eyes as well as oversensitivity to light Used as a compress externally in conjunction with internal use, it is valuable in conjunctivitis and blepharitis.
Combinations: In catarrhal conditions it combines well with goldenrod, elder flower or goldenseal. In allergic conditions where the eyes are affected it may be combined

 
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