Astrology, Spirituality & Alternative Healing

I almost bought star anise while at the grocery last time. Now I will! I don't get colds/flu; mainly, I think, because I have very limited exposure to the guilty critters. But that looks like an awesome recipe I DO get bronchitis if I'm under too much stress (every 4-5 years).

However, I have an herbal story. In 2004 I woke up with a 'bite' on the under portion of my forearm. It was red and itchy. I put some Benadryl on it. Weeks went by and it only got worse. I determined it must have been a spider bite. I lived by the lake and there is all kinds of wildlife there. It started getting very red, spreading depth and width, and very painful. Recluse spider bites do this. I had no insurance. I also did not want someone cutting a chunk out of my arm. I didn't even have money to buy any kind of treatment. Research revealed that the primary ingredient in 'Sting Stop' is Echinacea. I did have tea bags. So I steeped one and taped it on my arm. It slowly stopped hurting so much, and after a short time completely healed. I have a small white scar. I now use Echinacea tea bags for other skin issues.

**** Obviously, I would have gone to ER had my homemade treatment not worked (only other choice). Those bites can get very nasty. So this is not an endorsement to bypass professional medical advice/treatment. ***