Herbs are interesting. Primarily because they can be used as a terrific cooking agent, in a medicinal manner to soothe or treat discomforts or ailments and can also be used as aromatherapy in your home. Herbs cover so many different green living areas that it would be terrific if we could use other natural resources as purposefully. Despite all of these uses, we will be discussing the role of herbs as a natural option for health and wellness. How many of us can truthfully say we have given natural herbal remedies a fair try despite access to them?
Although some people may dismiss herbal remedies as ineffective, the use of botanicals is well rooted in medical practice. Ancient doctors methodically collected information about herbs and developed well-defined pharmacopoeias to treat a variety of ailments. More than a quarter of all drugs used today contain active ingredients derived from those same ancient plants. What's better, in a few simple steps we can learn how to use herbs to treat some of the most common epidemic health conditions like allergies, colds and even anxiety. Natural herbal remedies can be used across the spectrum for medicinal uses.
An allergy is an immune response triggered by eating certain foods, touching certain substances, or inhaling an irritant such as pollen or animal dander. Allergies to pollen, spores, mold, and dust affect the respiratory system and are usually the most difficult to control. Here are a few herbal remedies to consider when or if the need arises. Make a tea of one herb or a combination of herbs. Take 3 to 4 cups a day. If the herbs are in tincture form, combine several of them and take 1-3 drops 3 to 4 times a day until symptoms subside.
Dong quai- Used as an antihistamine and anti-inflammatory.
Eyebright- Reduces congestion and secretions. It is good for itchy eyes, sneezing, and excess mucus.
Gingko - Contains bioflavonoids and is used as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.
Milk thistle - Helps reduce allergic, inflammatory, and histaminic reactions and supports liver function.
Red clover - Helps build the body’s resistance to allergies.
Stinging nettles - Used as an antihistamine and anti-inflammatory.
Yarrow - Reduces congestion and secretions.
The Common Cold. No need to elaborate on the utter inconvenience when the "bug" begins to make its rounds. Around this time of year we see an increase in these colds and the Flu. In my household we do not take part in the Flu shots administered by the government through public health facilities and have not done so for many years. When we catch colds, we should seek relief through the use of natural herbs. Many immune-boosting herbs are proven to speed recovery, reduce pain and alleviate symptoms completely.
Echinacea and Andrographis- taken as tea or tincture, used as an immune boosting herb
Ginseng - taken as tea, used as an immune boosting
Licorice root- used as a remedy for sore throat relief
Eucalyptus - used for throat pain, lozenges
Sage - used for a sore throat, gargle
Lavender,Rosemary &Bergemot - used for congestion, administer as an herbal steam
Lemon- used as an antiseptic throat spray with peppermint and lemon essential oil
Even with conditions such as Anxiety, herbs can help! Here is another short list of herbs that can and have been used to aide in treatment for this. With any mental or chemical imbalance the prescribed medications can be dangerous, with many of them include frightening side effects such as heart palpitations, irritable bowels as well as increased emotional instability. Here are a few herbal options for treatment.
Catnip- used to alleviate stomach cramps, spams, headaches caused by insomnia, improve appetite,ease muscle tension and stress
Chamomile- used to calm nervousness, reduce digestive discomforts and improve appetite
Kava Kava- The Kava root has been extensively researched for its effects on stress, anxiety, and insomnia, effective for anxious thoughts
Passionflower- best for mild to moderate anxiety, reduces muscle tension and insomnia, calms the nerves, helps prevent mood swings, headaches, and hot flashes
St. John's Wort-not for anxiety specifically, but it is very effective for fighting depression, effective mood lifter.
Valerian Root- used as a sleep aid, soothes muscles, reduces mental and physical tensions
In no way should the sharing of this information be used as a means to diagnose or care for any medical conditions. These botanicals have been used far longer than many present day approaches. Many of these were used by ancient medicine men and old world doctors as the only "medicine" for the population, with high success rates. These are not new discoveries however they are not encouraged as much as the modern day conventional treatment options. Obviously this is a very broad and general overview since there are literally hundred of herbs and spices suited for ailments, aches, injuries, painsand chronic illnesses. However, this can be used as a "start-up" guide for living healthy through natural herbal medicinal approaches. The great thing about this is that many herbs can be grown in the comfort of our own home! A small hanging garden or a quick DIY wall garden can turn a fun project into a natural and sustainable food source for our homes. We can do this!
CC
