Natural wonders

My immune system could only hold out for so long I suppose, because I finally caught the nasty cold/flu gambu that is going around. But as with all things in life, there is usually something good to learn out of the bad...(usually). So I decided to try the herb Elderberry, because a) I was desperate to get over this thing really fast, and b) it was one of a very few natural medicines we had in the house. I had woken up with a terrible soar throat, which I had for three days, and I couldn't sleep, swallow, or breathe. It was 4:30 a.m. and I was convinced I had strep throat, was going to be calling in sick to work, and going to see my doctor later that day. At that early hour, I looked up Elderberry online and it mentioned many benefits related to my cold/flu symptoms. So I took two and fell asleep almost immediately. Wow, I woke up with a very minor soar throat, whereas before I couldn't even swallow my own saliva! It was a wonderful discovery, and I got a peaceful sleep after that, and I went to work and I didn't have to go to the doctor. This is, of course, my own discovery, so it may not work for everyone, but heck, it was worth a try! The second part to the story is...as I was looking up Elderberry, it reminded me of something funny that happened a few years ago. I am an avid leaf collector, and at one point in my life I thought it would be fun to make some little framed, leaf, art pieces and sell them at the farmer's market. So long story short, I picked some beautiful red leaves and put them into five art works. Well, guess what those pretty red leaves were? Poison ivy! I didn't know it until a few months later when I saw a picture at the trailhead that said "Don't touch these! Poison Ivy!" I wondered where that red itchy rash on my hands had come from!