Health & Herbs: January

Antica Erboristeria San Simone looks like a pharmacy, smells like an herb garden, and feels like a soothing cup of tea. Mirroring its history, Florence is known for its art, architecture and crafts made by hand. San Simone serves as a reminder of the amazing things that nature can offer. The shelves are lined with candles, creams and perfumes, herbal teas and medicines, all of which are all natural and good for both body and soul.

Dr. Fernanda Russo, the owner, is calm, kind faced, and highly knowledgeable about holistic remedies for a wide variety of ailments.

Typical wintertime illnesses include flu, colds and coughs, with all of their uncomfortable symptoms such as sore throats, runny noses and headaches. For natural congestion relief, Dr. Russo suggests a tisana, or herbal infusion, of thyme, elderflower, and lime. If your symptoms are causing you to lose your voice, she suggests trying hedge mustard (erisimo in Italian), either in drops or spray. Its nickname, in fact, is “the singer’s plant.”

If wintertime for you means overeating, like it does for so many of us, Dr. Russo says to try a cleansing tisana, especially in the month after holiday season.  She recommends one with bitter herbs, such as a green tea infused with bitter oranges.  (emilia gambardella)