The Healing Quality of Antique Herbs

Did you know that the chamomile is the oldest medicinal plant of the world? And that rosemary is a miraculous herb against exhaustion? You too can benefit from the salutary effect of herbs!

Rosemary: Rosemary is one of the oldest cultivated herbs. Already in the ancient Greece the smoke of the 'flower of the Mount Olympus' was used as remedy. Also in the ancient Rome the plant was considered to be holy and as a symbol of remembrance. Many people believed that rosemary water gives everlasting youth and beauty.

Originally native on the Mediterranean coast, this herb also grows in our gardens. Yet today rosemary is applied as excellent remedy for states of exhaustion, to low blood pressure, nervous heart complaint and circulatory disorders. In addition, rosemary has an analgesic and antispasmodic effect and is even used for rheumatism and stomach disorders.

Sage: Still in the 19th century many doctors protected themselves with an antiseptic aromatic vinegar against infections. That liquid also inclosed sage. In the ancient Greece this herb was considered to be a holy plant because of its versatile benefits. In the ancient Egypt young, pregnant women received this plant as remedy to guarantee a birth without complications.

Today sage belongs to nearly every spice assortment of a kitchen and is often used as delicious seasoning for numerous meals. Because of its antiseptic and strengthening effects sage finds a use particularly against inflammations of the tonsils, the oral cavity and the pharynx. As an infusion sage is excellent suitable as a gargle solution for sore throats.

Chamomile: The pretty, white blossoming plant is also one of the oldest and most effective medicinal plants of the world. It has a variety of remedial effects: Applied in steam baths it restrains colds and flu and inflammations in the mouth, nose and pharynx; although a camomile tea or infusion relieves fever, stomach disorders and intestinal trouble. Not least camomile is also used as cosmetic agent. Its essences are often incorporated in specific cosmetic products.

Balm: The medicinal plant with the light lemon aroma was brought by arabic merchants to Europe. Then it was cultivated by monks in monastery gardens. Today balm is known for its soothing and analgesic effect and is used against sleeping disturbances and stomach disorder. It even helps against earaches and toothaches.

Mint: Beside camomile mint belongs to the most popular and most frequently used medicinal plants. This aromatic herb has a stimulating, antiseptic and slightly analgesic effect. Therefore it is used against colds, indigestion and intestinal trouble. Because of its antiseptic effects it is also appropriate as gargle solution against inflammations particularly in the oral cavity region.

More suggestions for the use of herbs:

Mint: Hot peppermint tea tastes good, is very effective and has a wonderful cooling effect: Simply give some fresh leaves of mint into a mug, add hot water and let the tea steep!

Camomile: With the blossoms you may prepare teas, baths and body wraps. Just put blossoms into hot water, wait five to seven minutes - ready!

Sage: Sage used in steam baths or for body wraps cleans and clears the skin. For a body wrap prepare a broth from a handful of fresh or dried leaves of sage and add them to a pint of hot water. Let it steep for about seven minutes. Then dip a soft cotton cloth into the warm broth and apply this on the specific part of the body.

Rosemary: Tastes and smells very intensive: Especially as perfume oil it has a very stimulating effect. You may add some oil to the bath water. This has a soothing and relaxing effect on the whole organism!

Balm: Balm fits great to fruity desserts and is also a nice decoration. Take a small branch of fresh balm and sprinkle some powdered sugar over it!