HOLISTIC HERBS Discover How Herbs Can Be Used As Natural Remedies to Treat Everyday Ailments |  | There is nothing new about the use of herbs to promote recovery, health, and wellbeing. Every culture throughout the world has at some point used healing plants as the basis for its medicine. The range of plants would vary from area to area depending on the ecosystem, but the illnesses and problems they dealt with were the same. The therapeutic philosophy for plant use also varies, but for thousands of years plants have demonstrated their efficiency as healing agents. We find them within the Indian Ayurvedic system, and in Chinese medicine alongside acupuncture and other techniques; they also play a very important role in the spiritual healing ecology of the Native North American. So you see, medicine literally has its roots in herbs. | | |
It is believed that many of your everyday ailments can be treated the natural way. We certainly do not suggest that you stop seeing your doctor; doctors play an important role, but for minor ailments, herbs can be used in lieu of other medications. Some people think it better than going to the pharmacy and filling your body with chemicals. You can actually create your own herbal first aid kit, which will fill most day to day needs. You may want to buy a good herbal bible, and go about picking and preparing your own herbs.
Healing Herb #1: Chamomile Chamomile is an excellent, gentle sedative which is safe to use with children. It helps with anxiety, insomnia, indigestion, flatulence, and mouth inflammations. I drink this after meals to help get rid of bloating, and half an hour before I go to sleep, as it helps me unwind. Preparation and dosage: Pour a cup of boiling water onto 2 tsps of dried leaves and let it infuse for 5-10 minutes. | |
Healing Herb #2: Ginseng
Ginseng enables people to reach their physical peak, generally increasing vitality and physical performance. I have used it to treat exhaustion.
Preparation and dosage: Put ½ tsp of powdered root in a cup of water, bring to a boil and gently simmer for 10 minutes. Drink three times a day.
Healing Herb #3: Echinacea Echinacea is the prime remedy to help the body rid itself of microbial infections. It is great for colds and flu. Preparation and dosage: Put 1-2 tsp of the root in one cup of water and bring it slowly to a boil. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day. Healing Herb #4: Arnica Arnica should only be taken in homeopathic preparations, otherwise it is toxic. It is brilliant for bruises and sprains. I took it for two weeks before a major operation, and two weeks after, and I did not get any bruising at all. You can also use it in a cream, and apply externally to any bruise or inflammation. | |
Photo: Jacob Rus, Wikimedia.com |
Healing Herb #5: Peppermint
Peppermint is one of the best carminative agents available. It helps relieve intestinal colic, flatulence, and relieves vomiting as well as travel sickness. Peppermint is useful with colds and flu – if your nose is blocked you can use peppermint as an inhalant. As a nervine it also relieves painful periods.
Preparation and dosage: Pour a cup of boiling water onto 1 heaped teaspoon of the dried herb and leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Can be drunk as often as desired.
Hopefully this has opened your eyes to the power of herbs; perhaps you'll even go out and buy a book on herbs! The next time you have an irritable cough, instead of filling your body with toxins from cough syrup, you will know that an infusion of poppy petals will do the same thing.
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Article Written By: Nicola McGeorge; Nicola was born in London, England and is a freelance writer and model. She covers a wide range of topics, and has been published worldwide.
