Health

Use of Medicinal Plants

There is some debate in the medical community over the efficacy of herbal treatments. Certain medical professionals are totally against it because of the lack of research and the uncertainty of its consequences. On the other hand, holistic and homeopathic practitioners advocate for using only natural remedies. Our shopping centers are teeming with health food stores and vitamin shops, all of which are happy to “sell” you the latest and greatest natural wonder herb.

The reality is probably somewhere in the middle of all these explanations. Maintaining a healthy body, mind, and spirit is far more nuanced than simply popping a “natural” or “prescribed” medication. Using medicinal herbs as part of a health regimen is one option. Teas, tonics, compresses, poultices, oils, and lotions are just some of the many forms these herbs might take. Like most things in life, striking a healthy equilibrium is crucial. We are living in a time when people are increasingly interested in returning to more traditional methods of living, be it by “going green” with their vehicles and homes or by using conventional herbal and natural therapies.

A collaborative approach to your healthcare is integral to striking a healthy balance as you learn to use medicinal herbs. Let your doctor know you want to supplement conventional treatment with alternative methods. Include a shift in your diet that incorporates many of the popular herbs used in cooking to help people feel better physically and mentally.

Certain widely available medicinal herbs can get anyone started on the path to establishing a healthy balance between spices and other parts of healthy life.

* Aloe, whose antibacterial leaf juice serves as an ingredient in various commercially available goods. There is no denying its curative value when used topically.

One common French herb is thyme, which has a mild clover flavor. Those experiencing flatulence, headaches, inflammation, asthma, whooping cough, or stomach cramps may benefit from drinking thyme tea.

Chives have a softer, sweeter onion flavor and are utilized in many cuisines. As with other members of the onion family, its heated vapors are thought to alleviate congestion while lowering blood pressure.

Sage is a popular herb because of its lemony flavor and its versatility. It is commonly used as an antiperspirant in Germany. When they are finished nursing, it can help the mother’s milk dry up more quickly.

* Savory – Two types of savory are employed in cooking, and both are delicious. Tea made from summer savory is used to treat sore throats, minor stomach upsets, and rare diarrhea.

* Tarragon – a popular herb in French cooking, tarragon is also thought to help with rheumatism and stimulate the appetite. The herb also contains antioxidants.

* Garlic – The flavor of garlic is well-known, and its culinary applications are well-known to most people. Only recently have scientists discovered the incredible healing potential of this plant. Garlic, according to herbalists, is effective against the common cold, the flu, viruses, and yeast infections because it kills bacteria. It has long been used to treat worms in humans and animals. Both high blood pressure and breathing problems may benefit from its use. According to research out of China, garlic may help ward off some forms of stomach cancer. Herbalists say it is effective against the common cold and kidney and bladder problems.

* Mint – Many types and flavors of mint can be used in cooking. Because it contains menthol, peppermint has long been employed in numerous home remedies. In addition to easing menstrual cramps, it functions as an antispasmodic on the digestive tract.

* Oregano — commonly used in Italian cooking, but also said to alleviate indigestion, coughs, and headaches when brewed as a tea. One drop of the herb’s oil applied to an aching tooth does wonders.

Parsley’s mild taste makes it a great flavor-blender. It’s more potent than oranges in terms of vitamin C content. Therefore, it can be used as a vitamin therapy on its own. As a bonus, it’s a good source of vitamin A, B vitamins, calcium, and iron.

* Basil – Basil’s rich peppery flavor has become a popular culinary herb for centuries. It’s valuable, both fresh and dried. Basil, a member of the mint family, has been used for centuries to treat indigestion and has a mild hypnotic effect (which may explain why sleep seems so appealing after a hearty Italian meal).

The entire caraway plant can be consumed. Its acidic, nutty flavor complements many dishes. Like ginger, it possesses a characteristic that eases digestive issues.

* Clove – Cloves have a strong, almost wintergreen-like flavor and are used in many cuisines. Dentists often recommend it for patients with sensitive teeth due to its mild anesthetic effect.

* Dill — This aromatic herb is most commonly used to flavor pickles. Additionally, it has been shown to eliminate gas. Interestingly, it can enhance appetite and milk production in pregnant women.

* Marjoram — a culinary herb with a flavor resembling oregano. Marjoram is believed to have antifungal and antioxidant effects.

*Ginger has a citrusy flavor and can be found in many cuisines. It aids digestion and keeps motion sickness at bay. The improvement in blood flow is attributed to this as well.

Rosemary has a solid but elusive flavor that defies easy description. Leaves put on the skin are supposed to relieve rheumatism and eczema. It is also used as a mood enhancer, a remedy for migraines, muscle spasms, and an expectorant.

If you want a hot flash, cayenne pepper is your herb. This herb has several therapeutic uses despite its fiery flavor. With 369 milligrams in just one ounce, the mature pepper far outstrips any other food you may cultivate in terms of vitamin C content. In addition to vitamin A, it is rich in iron, potassium, and niacin. Oddly enough, this hot substance can be used to cleanse the digestive tract and reduce the symptoms of a cold or a fever.

* Fennel – The leaves of the sweet species of fennel are frequently used in salads and dressings. In addition to being a modest stimulant, it also has a weak diuretic effect. There’s also speculation that it can help breastfeeding women produce more milk. Factoid alert: fennel was considered one of the nine sacred herbs that could cure the nine causes of medieval ailments.

The licorice-like anise can be used either whole or ground. You can try the leaves in tea, cut them up, and add them to a salad. Anise aids digestion and stops gas buildup. The oil of anise has also been considered a mild expectorant.

Favored for its pleasant flavor, cinnamon is also an effective antifungal and antibacterial agent. It can also be used as an anti-nausea remedy.

This is not an exhaustive list of all culinary plants with therapeutic properties. This is just the beginning of what we hope will be a whole body of research demonstrating the health benefits of many common culinary herbs. When used appropriately, each of these herbs poses no danger whatsoever and has few, if any, adverse effects. Talk to your doctor about making healthy lifestyle changes, and then choose a qualified holistic or homeopathic practitioner to assist you.

Carla Goddard, Msc.D. is a Creality Visionary catalyst who brings together soul spirituality and business to turn disorder into order and hardship into a blessing. She is altering how we interact with life and business by illuminating and expanding ancient wisdom, the power of collaboration, the spirit of creation, and the growth of conscious awareness.

Modern Medicine Woman and Doctor of Metaphysical Sciences Carla Goddard. The Women Community and The SoulvolutionalTM Way Coaching Program were created by Carla Goddard, Msc.D.

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