Herbs That Heal
Herbs from the garden can yield natural remedies for minor ailments.
Just beware: some herbs have no proven usefulness and a few can be dangerous. Here is a sample of some basic herbs that are beneficial:
The history of herbal lore is inextricably intertwined with that of modern medicine. Many drugs listed as conventional medications were originally derived from plants. Some were believed to have special meanings and power, and used for ceremony and ritual throughout every ancient culture.
Ingredients for a Natural Medicine Chest
Garlic: helps cut blood cholesterol levels, prevents the formation of dangerous blood clots and may lower high blood pressure.
Ginger: aids digestion. sprinkle grated fresh ginger in soups, stir-fried and stews.
parsley: a natural breath freshener and eases an upset stomach.
sage: makes a soothing mouthwash for canker sores or gargle for a sore throat when brewed like tea, using fresh or dried leaves.
rosemary: crushed and added to bath water may stimulate circulation.
thyme: calms coughs and may ease menstrual cramps. some gardeners rub this natural antiseptic on cuts and scrapes.
Aloe Vera Gel – Keep this burn-reliever on hand in either plant form or in a bottle of the pure gel, which is available in natural food stores. If you use the bottled gel, replace after one year.
Arnica – rubbing a topical treatment of arnica on bruises and sprains will promote faster healing and reduce pain; Also stock up on the tiny arnica pellets used in homeopathy for the same purpose.
Calendula – This anti-inflammatory and immune activating herb treats scrapes, scratches, and minor cuts and burns. Look for it in a spray or salve formula that adds the soothing qualities of olive oil, aloe or Vitamin E.
Charcoal Powder – In cases of diarrhea, you'll use this to carry toxins out of the digestive system and relieve gas and bloating.
Echinacea – Take a few drops of this infection preventative in tincture form at the fist sign of cold, sore throat or flu. Avoid it, however, if you have sunflower allergies.
Garlic Capsules – Used as vaginal suppositories, garlic capsules can help fight off yeast infections. The juice of this natural antibiotic helps treat minor skin irritations.
Ginger – Use ginger teas or capsules to prevent nausea or motion sickness.
Lavender – The essential oil of this aromatic plant promotes burn healing. When massaged into the affected area, it reduces the flow of nerve impulses, which helps soothe the area and lessen the pain.
Magnesia Phosphorica – Homeopaths recommend this remedy in liquid or pill form for abdominal pain and all types of cramps.
Nettles – Use capsules of freeze-dried extact of stinging nettle instead of antihistamines to alleviate minor hay fever symptoms.
Nux Vomica – This homeopathic remedy quickly soothes an upset stomach in cases of indigestion, nausea, vomiting, or general abdominal pain.
Peppermint – A natural stimulant, peppermint tea quells indigestion and relieves menstrual cramps. Used in capsule form, it can also help combat irritable bowel syndrome.
Rescue Remedy – Reach for this Bach Flower Remedy in cases of shock, panic or stress.
Tea Tree Oil – This disinfectant for cuts and scratches can also be used as a mosquito repellent. It comes in handy in cases of athlete's foot and other fungal infections, too.
Witch Hazel – this liquid comes from steeping branches of the witch hazel (Hamamelis Virginiana) tree in water, then mixing the results with alcohol. Use it as an astringent for cuts and bruises, or to relieve sore muscles.
Some of the above was from The Herb Quarterly - visit them at
http://www.herbquarterly.com to see more articles and features about
practical herbal uses in everyday life.
llegacy.com/Strep.pdf
Herbs from the garden can yield natural remedies for minor ailments.
Just beware: some herbs have no proven usefulness and a few can be dangerous. Here is a sample of some basic herbs that are beneficial:
The history of herbal lore is inextricably intertwined with that of modern medicine. Many drugs listed as conventional medications were originally derived from plants. Some were believed to have special meanings and power, and used for ceremony and ritual throughout every ancient culture.
Ingredients for a Natural Medicine Chest
Garlic: helps cut blood cholesterol levels, prevents the formation of dangerous blood clots and may lower high blood pressure.
Ginger: aids digestion. sprinkle grated fresh ginger in soups, stir-fried and stews.
parsley: a natural breath freshener and eases an upset stomach.
sage: makes a soothing mouthwash for canker sores or gargle for a sore throat when brewed like tea, using fresh or dried leaves.
rosemary: crushed and added to bath water may stimulate circulation.
thyme: calms coughs and may ease menstrual cramps. some gardeners rub this natural antiseptic on cuts and scrapes.
Aloe Vera Gel – Keep this burn-reliever on hand in either plant form or in a bottle of the pure gel, which is available in natural food stores. If you use the bottled gel, replace after one year.
Arnica – rubbing a topical treatment of arnica on bruises and sprains will promote faster healing and reduce pain; Also stock up on the tiny arnica pellets used in homeopathy for the same purpose.
Calendula – This anti-inflammatory and immune activating herb treats scrapes, scratches, and minor cuts and burns. Look for it in a spray or salve formula that adds the soothing qualities of olive oil, aloe or Vitamin E.
Charcoal Powder – In cases of diarrhea, you'll use this to carry toxins out of the digestive system and relieve gas and bloating.
Echinacea – Take a few drops of this infection preventative in tincture form at the fist sign of cold, sore throat or flu. Avoid it, however, if you have sunflower allergies.
Garlic Capsules – Used as vaginal suppositories, garlic capsules can help fight off yeast infections. The juice of this natural antibiotic helps treat minor skin irritations.
Ginger – Use ginger teas or capsules to prevent nausea or motion sickness.
Lavender – The essential oil of this aromatic plant promotes burn healing. When massaged into the affected area, it reduces the flow of nerve impulses, which helps soothe the area and lessen the pain.
Magnesia Phosphorica – Homeopaths recommend this remedy in liquid or pill form for abdominal pain and all types of cramps.
Nettles – Use capsules of freeze-dried extact of stinging nettle instead of antihistamines to alleviate minor hay fever symptoms.
Nux Vomica – This homeopathic remedy quickly soothes an upset stomach in cases of indigestion, nausea, vomiting, or general abdominal pain.
Peppermint – A natural stimulant, peppermint tea quells indigestion and relieves menstrual cramps. Used in capsule form, it can also help combat irritable bowel syndrome.
Rescue Remedy – Reach for this Bach Flower Remedy in cases of shock, panic or stress.
Tea Tree Oil – This disinfectant for cuts and scratches can also be used as a mosquito repellent. It comes in handy in cases of athlete's foot and other fungal infections, too.
Witch Hazel – this liquid comes from steeping branches of the witch hazel (Hamamelis Virginiana) tree in water, then mixing the results with alcohol. Use it as an astringent for cuts and bruises, or to relieve sore muscles.
Some of the above was from The Herb Quarterly - visit them at
http://www.herbquarterly.com to see more articles and features about
practical herbal uses in everyday life.
llegacy.com/Strep.pdf
