Since the times before recorded history, since before even the first rock painting, humankind has felt the effects of sickness and injury, and for just as long, we have tried to solve and cure these problems in health. In modern times when we feel ill or injured, we seek the advice of a doctor, who will diagnose the issue, and prescribe a dosage of some suitable chemical drug as the treatment. Before the times of chemical drugs, however, we would consult the local shaman or witchdoctor who would use ancient natural remedies that often relied upon the healing qualities of herbs!
Over time, the human race developed an immense knowledge of the healing properties to be found in the natural world around us, and can be seen in many different cultures throughout human history. It was common belief that by using herbs to cure ailments either by infusion or ingestions, that, one could heal using the natural powers of nature. As time progressed, more effort was put into finding scientific reason behind why these herbs worked, and through careful synthesis of these properties, mankind developed modern chemical medicine.
In modern times, there still rages a strong debate about the validity of alternative medicines and natural therapies as viable health alternatives to the modern FDA controlled chemical medicine treatments. The reason for this is because there has not been, until recent time,. Enough scientific testing being done to prove the claims of such alternative medicine. It is with great interest that we have seen many, many scientific tests and trials being performed to check the validity of these alternative remedies, and most probably, due to recent FDA regulations making it harder for manufacturers to advertise these products without having prior testing and regulation requirements being met.
Herbal extracts are not only being focused on by the health industry but also in products for the home, such as lemon being used for dishwashing liquids, various scented herbs for pot-pouri baskets, and also the use of many more natural herbs in our modern beauty products as well.
This article will outline a few of the more commonly used household herbs and some of the more common uses for them, however, you should remember that this list is very, very basic and for a more comprehensive list of herbs and herbal remedies you should follow the information at the end of the article to get more thorough information!
Below we will take a brief look at 23 commonly used herbs and the parts of each herb that are used to make the remedies. As well as including a few notes about the common uses for the herb.
1: Aloe Vera
This herb had been used for many centuries by many different cultures spanning the globe. The most common part of the Aloe Vera plant is it's pulp from insides of succulent leaves. Aloe Vera is used topically to not only heal burns and wounds, but also to stimulate the regeneration of cells in the body and also has astringent, emollient, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. When Aloe Vera is ingested, it is said to soothe stomach problems, aid in healing, and also contains laxative properties.
2: Cayenne Pepper
It is most commonly the berries of the Cayenne plant that are used to make herbal remedies. The berries are said to contain nutrients that aid in digestion and circulation, as well as, arthritis, colds, sinus infections, and throat pain. Cayenne berries are also said to have qualities that help prevent ulcers from bleeding. A tonic made of berries of the Cayenne plant can be used for conditions such as lung, heart and kidney problems, as well as, problems of the stomach, pancreas and spleen. Cayenne is also used to enhance the effects of other herbs.
3: Cedar
The leaves and tips of young cedar have been used as an effective herbal remedy in the past as a stimulant for the immune system and also aid in blood flow. Cedar has been used to remove warts, and also as a cleanser for the urinary system as well.
4: Dandelion
The leaves, roots and tops of the Dandelion plant are an effective herbal tool to fight against cholesterol and also Urinary Acid. It is also used as an effective diuretic as well as being believed to cleanse both the liver as well as the blood. It can help with other issues related to the stomach, kidneys, spleen and pancreas.
5: Eucalyptus
The Eucalyptus Tree is also used for herbal remedies, having it's bark, leaves and essential oil used to prevent coughs and colds , to clean the body of congestion, as a relaxant for sore muscles and joints as well as helping to reduce swelling and improve blood flow.
6: Fennel
Fennel is another common herb that contains healing properties within it's stems, roots and berries. It has been used in various ways in the past, from an eyewash, to a tea, even being used as an appetite suppressant. It is mainly associated with easing stomach pain and stomach disorders. Fennel is also commonly recommended as a supplement to people undergoing cancer treatments as well.
7: Garlic
The Garlic bulb, common in home cooking, also has some very potent healing attributes as well that are not so commonly know. Since the earliest times the Garlic bulb has been used for not only cleansing the body and boosting the immune system, but also for, its power to prevent future illnesses setting in.
Garlic is also commonly used to aid the circulatory system as well as for the digestive system.
8: Green Tea
Another common household cookery item that contains notable medicinal properties, usually found in the leaves of the plant, is Green Tea. Some of the uses that Green Tea has been used for health, are as, an aid to the digestive system, helping with stomach, intestinal and colon disorders, as well as being used for a clearer mind, better skin, and is also said to prevent the onset of cancer as well.
9: Juniper
The berries of the Juniper are also a beneficial herbal medicine, having the healing properties of being a natural diuretic and commonly used to aid in such conditions as fluid retention, obesity, congestion, kidney conditions, prostate disorders, asthma and other conditions as well. Juniper berries are also said to help assist in regulating the flow of blood and also the sugar levels found in the body.
10: Lemon Grass
Lemon Grass has been used for a very long time in herbal remedies as a flavoring as well as for its ability to heighten the effects of other herbs. It is most commonly prepared as a tea to drink and is reported to have beneficial effects on the nails of your hands and feet and also in your skin's health.
11: Licorice
Licorice Root is another commonly used herb for it's healing benefits and is commonly given to sufferers of an allergic reaction. Licorice root is also used in effective depression treatments and other treatments that face fatigue disorders. It is known as a natural laxative and digestive aid and is also used to loosen mucus in bronchial conditions. Licorice root is also known to be used for stimulation the Adrenal gland and the production of a drug in our brains called Interferon.
12: Mustard
Another common kitchen herb that is used not only for its flavor but also for its medicinal properties, are the seeds of the Mustard plant. They are used to help joint pain, injuries and swelling, when used as a poultice for external use, however this should be prepared carefully as it may irritate skin upon direct contact. When taken orally as an eaten remedy, Mustard Seeds are able to improve the digestive system, stomach upsets, and also congestion.
13: Nettle
A little less commonly know of herb is the nettle, aka, stinging nettle. They grow wild in paddocks and the flowers, roots and leaves are used in natural remedies. Nettle is used as a natural mild pain reliever, and is also given as a supplement for Anemia sufferers. Those who suffer such conditions as Arthritis, Kidney Problems, inflammatory and mucus conditions, may also find benefit in taking nettle supplements.
14: Parsley
The stems, berries and roots of the Parsley plant are used for medicinal remedies to help aid in such conditions as high blood pressure, bad breath, obesity, bed wetting, indigestion, gas, expelling worms. Parsley is also used to help with prostate conditions, fluid retention and kidney disorders. As Parsley aids in the prevention of growth of tumor cells, it is also being used for thyroid, stomach, liver, lung and bladder conditions too.
15: Peppermint
The peppermint plant is another of the common culinary herbs that also has some powerful medicinal benefits to it's use. Peppermint leaves and flowering tops are used in most herbal remedies that use peppermint. This is a good herb for anyone who is suffering from headaches, diarrhea, rheumatism, indigestion, poor appetite, heart conditions and also nausea.
16: Pumpkin
Pumpkin Seeds, as well as being a tasty culinary food are also used for their medicinal qualities. The most common use of pumpkin seeds is use for treatment of various types of prostate disorders. Not much information is known yet of the other qualities of Pumpkin Seeds as yet.
17: Rose
Yes, Roses, are not only gorgeous ornamental decorations with delicate scents but is also used as a herbal health supplement. It is the fruit of the Rose that is used in herbal remedies mainly, also known as the hips of the Rose, or better known as Rose Hips. These have been known to heal bladder problems, infections of various kinds, as well as diarrhea. The most common historical use of roses was by Nostradamus when dealing with the plague!
18: Rosemary
Rosemary leaves are another common culinary addition to meals in the kitchen, however, it too, has medicinal qualities that have been long used by those in the know. The main uses of Rosemary Leaves in herbal medicines are to treat cancer conditions, digestive problems and other stomach related issues. It has been used as a decongestant, a reliever of menstrual pain, a treatment for headaches and blood pressure conditions. Rosemary is also said to aid in fighting bacteria and infection, as well as to improve circulation and detoxify the liver.
19: Sage
Yet another culinary herb that is used for it's medicinal qualities is the Sage plant, of which the leaves are generally used. To help reduce sweating and saliva generation, mouth and throat problems, hot flashes and also problems afflicting the central nervous system. Sage is also known to not only increase hair growth, but also should be used carefully by nursing mothers as it is also known to impair milk production.
20: Tea Tree
The leaves and buds of the Tea Tree are used in some herbal remedies that aid with fighting infection, cuts and scrapes on the skin, and also, insects and spider bites. Tea Tree also has beneficial effects for treating skin conditions, athletes foot and herpes outbreaks. If diluted and then gargled in water, it is said to aid colds and sore throats, and can also be used on some yeast infection, however you should first seek professional medical advice on this as no two cases are the same.
21: Thyme
When preparing Thyme for herbal medicinal use, most remedies use the flowers, leaves and the berries of the plant. It is most commonly used for headaches, liver problems, gas and mucus production, fever and also scalp itching. Again, it is suggested that Thyme can be used to help with the treatment of Candidiasis, however, it is still a good idea to seek medical advice before attempting this. Thyme can also aid in respiratory issues.
22: Turmeric
Tumeric is another medicinal herb that is common as a culinary herb, and grows similar to ginger having bulbs or rhizomes that grow beneath the surface of the ground and are part of the stem that the roots shoot out from. Tumeric was always commonly used as an antibiotic and was used in cholesterol treatments, as an anti inflammatory and also liver condition treatments.
23: Willow
Finally is the humble old tree known as the willow, with its majestic droopy branches. The bark of the willow holds known medicinal benefits. It has been used as a natural pain reliever for such conditions as toothache, back pain, muscle strain, joint and nerve pain and other small injuries.
(c) Allan Street, 2009
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