September 12th, 2011 • Posted by Jenniferalise Patterson • Permalink
These safe, effective, dependable, time-tested herbs deserve to be a staple in your home-care kit. Used carefully, they offer some of nature's best qualities for many minor afflictions and often at a fraction of the cost of stocking your medicine cabinet with synthetic antibiotics. Because some pharmaceutical antibiotics have adverse side effects, many consumers are happy to find herbal alternatives, a task that's even more economical if your garden hosts some of these herbal helpers. For any prolonged condition or serious ailment, keep in mind, a trip to see your health-care provider is a must.
This is the best herb for minor wounds, especially burns. Many studies show aloe stimulates the creation of new skin cells. Aloe has anti-inflammatory action that helps minimize wound swelling, and antimicrobial and immune-stimulating action that helps prevent wound infection. I keep a small potted aloe in my kitchen so its soothing gel is always handy where most household burns occur. Just snip off a thick, leathery leaf, slit it open and rub the cool inner leaf gel on the burn.
Note: Use aloe only on minor burns and wounds. More serious wounds require professional medical care.
- Arnica Cream (Arnica Montna)
Offers pain relief, heals bruises and reduces inflammation, easing muscle aches, strains and sprains. Rub into injured area as needed. Look for preparations that contain at least 15 percent arnica tincture.
- Homeopathic Arnica Tablets
Good to have on hand to give to kids when they fall down or get bumped and bruised.
Quells anxiety and nervousness. Place 4 drops in drinking water as needed throughout the day.
- Black Cohosh (CIMICIFUGA RACEMOSA)
Relieves abdomen, lower back and leg cramps associated with premenstrual syndrome. (For adults only - never give to growing children.)
- Cayenne Powder (CAPSICUM FRUTESCENS)
Stops pain immediately and bleeding from minor cuts and scrapes. Sprinkle wound with cayenne powder (it will probably sting) and apply pressure until bleeding stops. Then wash it out, disinfect the wound and bandage it. Kitchen variety is OK; also available in cream preparations.
- Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
This herb's long history as a traditional tranquilizer is supported by recent research. Argentinean researchers have discovered that a compound in chamomile oil (apigenin) binds to the same cell receptors as the Valium family of tranquilizers and anti-anxiety drugs. This suggests similar effects. When Japanese researchers exposed animals under stress to chamomile vapors, the animals' stress hormone levels fell significantly. Try chamomile tea when you feel anxious, or add a handful of chamomile flowers to a hot bath and inhale deeply. Chamomile is also a stomach soother. To brew chamomile tea, use 2 to 3 heaping teaspoons of flowers per cup of boiling water.
- Echinacea Tincture (ECHINACEA ANGUSTIFOLIA; E. PURPUREA)
Fights upper respiratory, urogenital, fungal and parasitic infections. This is one herb I always have plenty of. It is very effective at stopping nasty bugs if given at the very first signs of imbalance. I've discovered that if I put a dropper full of tincture in a small glass with the juice of 1 freshly squeezed orange and 1/2 of a packet of Alacer's vitamin C powder, even small children will drink it down. We've had incredible results fighting off colds and flus with this mixture at our house! Making your own tinctures is very economical.
- Eyebright (EUPHRASIA OFFICINALIS)
Clears eye infections and soothes red, tired eyes from allergies or pollution. Make an infusion with capsule contents or loose herb and apply as a compress. If you can't find eyebright, substitute chamomile tea bags. Fennel also works well.
- Fennel Seeds (FOENICULUM VULGARE)
Alleviates gas and stomach upset. Chew several seeds. Make a tea by steeping a teaspoon of seeds in boiling water for about 10 minutes; strain and drink.
- Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Fleshy and aromatic, ginger has been used in cooking and healing since the dawn of history. And many studies have shown that ginger prevents motion sickness and great for quieting coughs. Ginger also safely prevents morning sickness of pregnancy - important because pregnant women often are cautioned against taking pharmaceutical anti-nausea drugs.
Ginger (and its close botanical relative, turmeric) also has anti-inflammatory action. Recently, Wisconsin researchers gave either a placebo or ginger (4 grams twice daily) to 261 elderly people with osteoarthritis of the knee. The ginger group reported significantly greater relief.
Use ginger liberally in cooking or buy capsules at health-food stores or supplement shops.
- Goldenseal Tincture(HYDRASTIS CANADENSIS)
Eliminates traveler's diarrhea caused 'by exposure to unfamiliar bacteria in food and water. Also works well with echinacea to fight colds or flu.
- Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Since ancient times, lavender has been used as a tranquilizer, sleep aid and digestive aid. Lavender also soothes an upset stomach.
Research suggests the herb also may aid in recovery from childbirth. After 635 new mothers had a vaginal delivery, British researchers gave them one of three bath oils: true lavender oil, synthetic oil or a placebo. After 10 days, those using true lavender oil reported the speediest recovery from perineal pain.
For lavender tea, use 1 to 3 teaspoons of flowers per cup of boiling water. For a relaxing bath, place a handful of lavender flowers in a cloth bag and run bath water over it. Or add strong lavender tea, tincture or oil to your bath.
- Homeopathic Nux Vomica Tablets
Calms headaches, stomachaches and even hangovers. Given at the first signs of nausea, this remedy can really calm an upset tummy fast.
- Peppermint (Mentha xpiperita)
After feasts, the ancient Greeks ate mint to settle their stomachs. That's the origin of today's after-dinner mints. Peppermint is rich in menthol and carvone, both of which soothe the digestive tract. In one study, German researchers gave either a placebo or an over-the-counter digestive aid containing peppermint oil (90 mg) and caraway oil (50 mg), also a stomach-soother, to 45 people with chronic indigestion. After four weeks, the placebo group reported no change in abdominal distress, but 95 percent of the herb group reported significant improvement, with 63 percent "free from pain."
The menthol in peppermint also helps treat colds. It's a mild anesthetic, so peppermint tea can help soothe a sore throat. And it's a decongestant; inhaling peppermint tea vapors helps relieve nasal congestion.
For indigestion or colds, make a tea using 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried herb per cup of boiling water. Tea also may help relieve irritable bowel syndrome, though most studies have used peppermint oil capsules.
- ST. John’s Wort Salve (HYPERICUM PEFORATUM)
Relieves the discomfort of hemorrhoids. Apply topically.
- Slippery Elm Lozenges (ULMUS RUBRA)
Soothes sore throats and suppresses coughs.
- Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)
An Australian study shows that tea tree oil kills many bacteria and fungi that cause infection. When tested head-to-head against pharmaceutical antiseptics, tea tree oil is equally effective. It's especially beneficial in treating fungal infections, such as dandruff, athlete's foot and toenail infections that discolor and deform the nails. Buy 100 percent tea tree oil and apply it with a cotton ball or swab.
Note: Tea tree oil can irritate some people's skin. If redness or itching develops, dilute to 50% with almond oil or discontinue use.
If you suffer from arthritis, turmeric is your herb. Turmeric is the Indian herb that gives curry blends their yellow color. The yellow pigment in this herb, curcumin, is also a natural COX-2 inhibitor, the latest rage in arthritis medication - though curcumin is a safer option than pharmaceutical products. Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant that helps prevent cataracts, colon cancer and Alzheimer's disease. Naturopaths recommend buying curcumin tablets and taking 400 mg three times daily.
- Valerian Tincture or Capsules (VALERIANA OFFICINALIS)
Works as a tranquilizer to relieve insomnia and anxiety.
Stimulates immune system to fight infections ranging from the common cold to urinary tract infections. Available in capsules, tablets and powders. I keep a box of Alacer's vitamin C powderon hand for mixing with nasty tasting tinctures.
- Zinc Lozenges (GLUCONATE OR ACETATE FORMS)
Reduces duration of cold or flu. Take with food to avoid nausea.
