A Herbal Guide
Herbs to heal: an informative guide for those interested in learning the basic properties of different herbs and how to use them.
People have used herbs for their medicinal properties since ancient times. Researchers have found evidence that the Chinese have used herbs since 3,000 BC. Herbs have also been excellent food and home companions. Herbs are often used to enhance the flavor of dishes and in decorative arrangements to lighten the atmosphere in the home and office.
Herbs can be used in different presentations.
1. Fresh: The freshly-picked herb is widely used in food as well as decoratively.
2. Dried: These are fresh herbs that have been dehydrated for long-term storage.
3. Decoction: A decoction is a good way of processing tough and woody herbs to extract their healing properties. Make it by simmering one teaspoon of the dried herb per one cup of water for ten minutes. The liquid is the usable part of the decoction and is best if drunk while hot.
4. Infusion: If you’ve had tea, you’ve had an infusion. Make it by steeping one teaspoon of the dried herb per one cup of boiling water for ten minutes.
Contrary to popular belief, in spite of being natural, herbs aren’t 100% safe. Exercise extreme caution when consuming herbs, especially when administering herbal treatment to children. An adult’s dosage could be toxic to a child. Also, if you are pregnant or nursing, research any possible side effects before using any herbs. Remember that your skin will absorb what you put on it, so even if you don’t eat the herb, you may still be exposing your unborn or nursing baby to the toxicity of a substance. In every case, you should consult a physician and an herbalist before administering herbs. Furthermore, some herbs interact negatively with one another and with allopathic medications. Here is some information about certain herbs.
1. Angelica: An infusion of angelica root is good for indigestion and flatulence.
2. Arnica: Gels containing arnica are used to treat muscle ache and soreness.
3. Arrowroot: Make a watery porridge with arrowroot powder to treat diarrhea. You can also use it in the kitchen to thicken sauces.
4. Basil: If you like Italian dishes, try adding some fresh or dried basil to your sauces to enhance their flavor.
5. Belladonna: Found in the form of a homeopathic remedy, it is usually used to treat sore throats, abscesses, throbbing headaches, and high fever.
6. Bryonia: Also found in homeopathic formulas, bryonia is used to treat coughs.
7. Calendula: In creams, calendula is used to treat rashes and minor skin irritations.
8. Caraway: The infusion of caraway seeds has been used to treat menstrual cramps.
9. Chamomile: Chamomile tea has been used for its calming properties to relieve anxiety and insomnia.
10. Chickweed: Make a compress of a chickweed infusion to treat abrasions, eczema, and abscesses.
11. Coltsfoot: Used to treat coughs accompanied by inflammation of throat and nose membranes.
12. Comfrey: As a tea, comfrey has been taken to relieve hay fever symptoms.
13. Couch grass: An infusion of couch grass is believed to clear kidney stones and encourage urine flow.
14. Dandelion: The root is used in a decoction to treat liver problems. The leaves also make excellent salad greens. Pick the leaves before the dandelions bloom from a pesticide-free garden.
15. Dill: Give a little amount (one small spoon) of an infusion of dill to a baby who’s suffering from food allergies to stimulate his/her digestive system.
16. Elderflower: Found in prepared medicine, elderflower is used to relieve cold and flu symptoms, such as sinusitis.
17. Evening Primrose: Its oil, available in capsules, is used to treat cramps.
18. Eyebright: Make two compresses of a cold infusion and apply to the eyelids to relieve eyestrain.
19. Fennel: Take a decoction of fennel seeds to tone the digestive system.
20. Feverfew: The infusion of feverfew is used to treat migraines. The fresh leaves can also be added to salads for the same purpose.
21. Golden Seal: Used as an astringent and antiseptic in hemorrhoidal preparations.
22. Hops: An infusion of the flowers makes for a good relaxant (not an anti-depressant).
23. Hyssop: It soothes anxiety and inflammation of nose and throat membranes and tones the digestive system. Do not take hyssop if you’re pregnant.
24. Ipecacuanha: It has been used in homeopathic formulas to treat colic.
25. Lavender: This herb produces beautiful purple flowers, and the leaves have a relaxing aroma. They make excellent arrangements for the home in wreaths and vases. Medicinally, a few drops of lavender oil mixed with a carrier oil have been used to treat acne. When you’re feeling tired, try adding a few drops of lavender oil to a warm bath and soaking in it until the water gets cool.
26. Meadowsweet: Take an infusion of meadowsweet to treat diarrhea that isn’t a symptom of a serious illness.
27. Nettle: Nettles are a good source of iron.
28. Peppermint: Peppermint tea relaxes the stomach and eases digestive tension. A few drops of peppermint oil in a glass of water make an excellent gargle to reduce bad breath.
29. Rosemary: Rosemary tea eases nervous tension.
30. Spearmint: Spearmint is a refreshing herb that enhances the flavor of many hot dishes (lamb, couscous), salads, and cold soups.
31. Thyme: This is a spice as well as anti-bacterial.
32. Valerian: Available in pill form, this herb reduces tension and relaxes the muscles.
33. Wormwood: The infusion of wormwood is a remedy for worm infestation.
34. Yarrow: Yarrow tea is a remedy for coughs and colds.