Drug companies ply us with syrups, pills and ointments for almost every ailment. These treatments are often costly but they carry with them their own dangers. And….they’re not always effective.
Herbal treatments have been used by humans for tens of thousands of years. For much of history, herbal teas, tinctures and salves were the only available form of treatment. Herbal remedies didn’t always work but they were often effective in alleviating health problems.
Today, a large part of our population seems to have forgotten the power of these herbal remedies but both conventional and alternative health practitioners remind us that turning to such natural preparations is much more than an online casino gamble in getting you healthy.
In all instances, it’s important to remember that, just as you shouldn’t mix pharmaceuticals without a doctor’s OK, you shouldn’t use herbal therapies in conjunction with other types of drugs without consulting with a knowledgeable health practitioner.
Some of the most effective plant therapies include:
Thyme
You can prepare a thyme oil to be used as an antibacterial or an antiseptic. Some of the sweet-smelling citrus varieties of thyme are preferred for children who have upset stomachs. It’s also often used to reduce bacterial resistance to penicillin and other common drugs. Research is being conducted to test thyme as a treatment for skin problems (including acne), yeast infections, high blood, foodborne bacterial infections, colon cancer, breast cancer and yeast infections.
To prepare a thyme tincture, saturate the leaves and stems of a thyme plant with alcohol and leave it to sit for a month or more.
Calendula
The dried petals of the calendula plant are used in ointments, tinctures and washes to treat bruises, cuts and burns as well as the minor infections they cause. The application of calendula has also been shown to be helpful in preventing skin inflammation or dermatitis during radiation therapy in people with breast cancer.
Calendula is an antiseptic, antifungal wound-healing ally. Calendula has skin-soothing properties and it is often added to diaper creams and natural cosmetics.
To make a calendula salve or oil, infuse high-quality, unrefined, cold-pressed oil with dried calendula flower heads or flower petals. The best carrier oils for preparing a calendula solution include grapeseed oil, jojoba oil, olive oil, rosehip oil, virgin olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, hemp seed oil, argan oil, safflower oil or sunflower seed oil.
Cilantro
Cilantro is helpful as a digestive aid and is said to be able to move toxic agents from the body. Cilantro is eaten – you can add it to soups, salads and curries or munch on it fresh. Cilantro thrives in cool moist soil without direct sunlight.
Lemon Balm (Melissa)
Lemon Balm has a relaxing, calming effect on the nervous system and the stomach. It’s also an effective sleep aid. You can prepare lemon balm in teas by steeping it in water or make a tincture with a glycerin base (derived from plant-based oils). You can then take a few drops of the tincture internally during the day or before you go to sleep.
To make lemon balm tincture, chop up lemon balm leaves and put them into a glass jar. Pour vodka over the lemon balm and make sure that all the leaves are completely covered. Close the jar tightly, shake it and place the jar in a dark cabinet for a month or longer. Strain the leaves from the vodka and use the vodka as the tincture.
Echinacea
Echinacea tincture is believed to stimulate the immune system to help ward off viruses and infections and, once contracted, mitigate their effect on your system. If you feel a cold or flu coming on you can start taking Echinacea drops throughout the day. Some people take Echinacea as a preventative but it’s advised not to take it for more than 2 weeks at a time.
To prepare Echinacea, infuse dried Echinacea flowers in vodka or arak or some other flavorful alcoholic drink. Allow it to steep for at least a month and then use it as a tincture. You can add Echinacea drops to water if you don’t like the taste of it straight.
Rosemary
Rosemary tea – made with fresh rosemary steeped in boiling water – is high in anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant compounds and help protect the body from inflammation and oxidative damage that can lead to diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and cancer.
Ongoing research is being conducted to determine rosemary’s suspected effect on lowering blood sugar, improving memory and mood, supporting brain health, protecting eye health and vision, benefitting heart health, promoting digestion, boosting weight loss and promoting hair growth.
Peppermint
Peppermint has been used in many societies and cultures to relieve digestive discomforts when drunk as a tea and to soothe sore muscles when applied as a liquid or a lotion.
Peppermint tea can be made by infusing peppermint leaves in boiling water and allowing it to sit. Peppermint oil can be made by soaking peppermint leaves in an alcoholic beverage, like vodka or rum.
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