The Magic of Healing Herbs

Herbalism is mans oldest form of medical care; when someone was sick, practitioners gave them an herb. When someone was injured, they gave them balms made from fresh herbs. There is no end to the uses of fresh herbs, and in some cases, spices. Some herbs are especially good at preventing illness, and many contain vitamins and minerals essential to good health and well being. There are even herbs to help reduce mental fatigue disorder. Although I am not a doctor, I have included a list of herbs which are known to be healthy, safe, useful, and easily obtainable.

DISCLAIMER: The statements here are not approved or endorsed by the F.D.A., nor am I a doctor or medical professional. This list is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition or illness.

Now, with that out of the way; these herbs have been used for thousands of years, and some research does show herbs effectiveness in helping to prevent and alleviate certain symptoms of illness. It is a wonderful time we live in, where science is just beginning to open up to the natural world. Although, when all is told, probably 95% of the drugs made by pharmaceutical companies were originally derived from plants. Use the herbs below with caution, making sure that they don't react with any medication you may be taking, and that you have no allergies to them.

Basil is a wonderful antispasmodic, an appetizer, and is good for the stomach and related organs. It can be used for vomiting, stomach cramps, whooping cough, and headaches. An infusion of basil consists of 1tsp. of fresh basil to ½ cup of water, made like tea. Drink 1 to 1 ½ cups of this tea a day to regulate digestion. You can also add ½ tsp. of fresh basil to one meal daily for the same effect.

Blackberry is an excellent astringent, good for diarrhea, chronic appendicitis and has expectorant properties. Some have been known to chew the leaves for bleeding gums. An infusion of blackberry can be made with 2tsp. of the dried leaves steeped in a ½ cup of water. Take ½ to 1 cup a day to alleviate symptoms.

Chamomile is one of the most useful herbs there is. It can be used as an antispasmodic, a stomach stimulant, fever and restless children, or even a wash for open wounds. It has also been know to be used for nervous conditions, insomnia, and is very relaxing when added to bath water. A common infusion is made by adding 2tsp. dried fresh flowers to ½ cup of water. Take a mouthful at a time. Chamomile is also widely available in tea form.

Caraway is another wonderful herb that you can find in your local grocery store. Used as an expectorant, appetizer, and aids in digestion. It can also be used to alleviate menstrual cramps and to calm the stomach. You can take an infusion of 3tsp. of crushed seeds in ½ cup of water, drinking ½ to a full cup a day or seeds can be added to food.

Catnip, although usually used for cats, can be found in the pet section of your local store, and can be used for human ailments. Usually used as an antispasmodic, upset stomach, colic, spasms, flatulency, and as an antacid; catnip can also be used for enema, chronic bronchitis and diarrhea. Take 1tsp. of the herb infused into 1 cup of water as a tea. The recommended dosage is 1 to 2 cups a day.

Clove is a very useful herb for toothache pain, an antiseptic, and even vomiting and nausea, when a few drops of the oil are added to water. Some also believe it to be an aphrodisiac. Use the oil, which may be found in the toothpaste section, and apply just a few drops to the affected area.

Dandelion is an old folk remedy that has been used for as long as man can remember. It has many uses as a tonic, to promote the formation of bile, to accelerate all forms of secretion and excretion, and to remove toxins from the body. Dandelion is also great for gout, stiff joints, kidney and liver problems, constipation, insomnia, gallstones and jaundice. Generally used as an infusion or tea, take 2tsp. of the dried and ground root in 1 cup of water, once a day. The leaves can also be used as a salad green, and can be found in most spring mixes.

Dill is another excellent common herb used for all types of ailments. It has been used as an antispasmodic, a calmative, an appetite stimulant, and insomnia. Dill is also said to help promote milk flow in nursing mothers. It can be taken as an infusion of 2tsp. of seeds in 1 cup of water, or it can be added to food in 1tsp doses in one meal a day.

Echinacea is a mover and shaker in the modern herbal movement, becoming more popular every day. Used as an antiseptic, a blood purifier, eczema, and as a wash for acne and boils. Its' real strength, however, is in its' use to help fight off colds and infections. It can be found in pill form or, if you can find it, make an infusion of 1tsp. of fresh root stock to 1 cup of water. Take 1tsp. of this infusion 3 to six times a day for no more than 6 weeks at a time. Echinacea is a great way to fight off the cold and flu season because of it's' ability to boost your immune system.

Eucalyptus is another old time remedy that has been used for centuries. Used in almost all cough drops on the market, it is an excellent expectorant. Also used as a deodorant, and antiseptic wash, a stimulant, and all kinds of cold symptoms and the flu. It has also been used for bronchitis, sore throats, lung disease, and can be used as a wash on burns, wounds, and ulcers to prevent infections. The oil is usually used, and can be obtained by boiling the leaves in water and condensing it till only the oil is left. You can also breathe the vapors while steaming or apply the oil to the affected areas, such as the chest for cold symptoms.

Garlic is another herb that has exploded on to the scene in the last 30 years or so. Used for a plethora of ailments, garlic is easy to find, cheap to buy, and excellent in all kinds of food. It can be used as an antispasmodic, to help digestion, as a diuretic, helps all of the digestive organs and helps fight intestinal worms. It has also been used for chronic bronchitis, and to fight intestinal infections. The most popular uses in the past decade or so are to help with cardiac health. Garlic is excellent for lowering blood pressure, increasing blood flow, counter acting arteriosclerosis, as a blood enema, and also helps reduce cholesterol and the risk of heart attack. For these reasons I would say that garlic is a must have in every home. One can take a half tsp. of the juice thinned with water 2 to 3 times a day, however garlic can now also be found in pill form or the crushed cloves can be added to food.

Ginger has been used by Asians for countless centuries for all kinds of stomach ailments. It is used as an appetizer, to aid in the digestion of proteins, as a stimulant and helps to cleanse the system through perspiration. Ginger is also used to ease sore throats, and help ease upset and sour stomach. Given their use of medicinal herbs, such as ginger and garlic, in their food, it is no wonder that Asians tend to be healthier than Americans. Take ginger either in an infusion of ½ tsp. powdered dried root stock with 1 tsp honey in 1 cup of water, or add 1 tsp. fresh ginger root to your food once daily. Ginger can also be found in a dried crystallized form that can be eaten before meals.

Licorice is another age old remedy that was later used to flavor candies. Used as an expectorant, a laxative, stomach problems, and peptic ulcers, licorice was one of the most popular medicinal herbs of colonial America. It is also an excellent remedy for bronchial problems, coughs, hoarseness, mucus congestion, bladder and kidney problems, and helps to reduce fever. Licorice can be taken as an infusion of 1tsp. rootstock to 1 cup of water once a day, or can be found in candies or lozenge form.

Marjoram can be useful as an antispasmodic, an expectorant, to aid upset stomach, indigestion, and headaches. Other uses include colic, nervous disorders, common coughs and whooping cough, as well as, respiratory complaints and as a calmative. Take an infusion of 2 to 3 tsp. of herb in 1 cup of water 1 to 2 times a day, or add 1 to 2 tsp. of the herb to your food once daily.

Mint is one of the best known and widely used herbal remedies. Used as an antispasmodic, nervousness, insomnia, coughs, migraine, nausea, hearth burn, vomiting and abdominal pains. It is also believed that mint is an aphrodisiac. It can be taken as an infusion of 2 to 3 tsp. in 1 cup of water 1 to 2 times a day, or it can found in all kinds of candies and in lozenge form.

Onion is another common kitchen item that can be used to promote health. Used as a diuretic, expectorant, and to help strengthen the heart. It is also believed to restore sexual potency, and reduce blood pressure. As with garlic, the juice can be taken in increments of 1 tsp. 3 to 4 times a day, or you can add ¼ to ½ an onion to 1 meal daily.

Raspberry is another old American favorite, used as an astringent wash, a laxative, and for vomiting and nausea. This herb can also be used to help prevent miscarriage and to help reduce labor pains. Take an infusion of 1 oz. leaves to 2 cups of water once a day.

Sage was widely used by Native Americans for all sorts of ailments such as reducing perspiration, including night sweats, to help stop the flow of milk in nursing mothers, to aid in nervous conditions, trembling, vertigo, and depression. Sage can also be used as a gargle for sore throats, tonsillitis, and laryngitis. A wash can also be made from it to use on insect bites. Make an infusion of 1 tsp. leaves in a ½ cup of water for a total of 1 cup a day, 1tsp. at a time. Sage can also be added to food at ½ to ¾ tsp. in one meal a day. Sage has also been burned and used to help cleanse and center the mind and soul.

Finally, I would suggest using honey to sweeten and flavor the infusions you may make to help with the flavor because it is natural and has some healthful properties of its' own. All of the herbs listed above are known to be safe foods to anyone not suffering from food allergies. If you experience any reaction or discomfort from any of these remedies please discontinue use and contact your physician immediately. I wish you a happy and healthy life.