Herbs lost their popularity during the industrial age, but in recent years the medical profession has returned to the study of their uses as medicine since chemically produced drugs have so many side effects. Many people are creating medicine cabinets with herbal formulas for various ailments. These are just a few of the herbs used for medicinal purposes:
Artemisia – It is used externally as a pain reliever.
Anise – The seeds are crushed and steeped in 1 cup of boiling water 15 minutes and then strained; putting 1 tsp. each of cider and honey in the strained water to relieve congestion.
Parsley – Chewed after a meal to cleanse the digestive system.
Cinnamon – Drop of cinnamon oil in a cup of hot water relieves diarrhea.
Lemon Grass – Used in a tea that helps reduce fever.
Garlic – Two or three cloves a day thins the blood, promotes circulation and expels mucus from the lungs. Also used for hypertension.
Rosemary – Steeped in 2 cups of boiled water for twenty minutes, covered and then trained and apply on a clean cloth to the forehead of back of the neck o relieve a headache.
Dandelion – Use leaves as diuretic in tea. The roots can be eaten raw for a laxative.
Sage – Make a tea from 2 tsp. of chopped leaves in boiling water. Let it steep for a few minutes. This is good for hot flashes. It is also good for sinus congestion. Do not drink sage tea if nursing.
Ginger – Make ginger tea by simmering 1 tsp. of dried grated ginger root in 1 cup of water for ten minutes. Strain and add a few drops of honey to relieve nausea. It also helps with hypertension.
Turmeric – This is good for fibromyalgia and arthritis. It also used as a blood purifier. Use it in a powdered form and add pepper and ginger to activate it.
Basil – Used in oil form on the forehead to relieve headaches and calm the mind.
Lavender – Apply lavender oil to forehead to relieve anxiety or sniff to relieve sinus congestion.
Mint – Use leaves to make a tea to relieve indigestion.
Herbal Tonics – Are very gentle to our bodies and have been used for thousands of years. They are considered to be a food for the body and like food; must be used in moderation. They are excellent choices for preventive medicine and cleansing.
Herbs at Home:
You can save time and money by growing these five basic medicinal herbs in your garden or on your window sill: Echinacea for immune system, Chamomile for gentle sleep, Yarrow for first aid, Lemon Balm for colds and Peppermint for digestion. These five herbs are generally safe for all of us. Just their smell soothes the soul.