Useful Facts on Common Herbal Remedies
Thursday, March 13th, 2008In the ongoing battle against the everyday illnesses you and your family will encounter, it’s good to know that trusted allies are no further away than your backyard garden or medicine chest.
Below is a list of helpful herbs and the things that they can help you combat.
Echinacea: This works its wonders through helping to boost your white blood-cell count, which aids in fighting disease. Take echinacea at the first sign of a ‘bug’ (cold or flu), or at the outset of any type of infection.
Lemon balm: Excels as a mild relaxant, and helps to defeat the virus most often responsible for cold sores.
Feverfew: This should be in the ‘arsenal’ of those who are in the process of treating and trying to prevent the onset of migraine headaches.
Nettle: Suffer from hay fever? Then keep nettle, a tested allergy fighter, close at hand.
White willow bark: Contains salicin, which is a predecessor of aspirin. It acts a geat deal slower, and a lot gentler, than the pure full-strength aspirin you get at the drugstore. This makes it unlikely to cause an upset stomach. Willow bark can also be taken to deal with mild fevers, and other aches and pains.
Saint John’s wort: This has been found to be as tough as normal pharmaceuticals when it comes to fighting mild to moderate depression.
Valerian: It’s near perfect for delivering a good night’s sleep, especially when used alongside lemon balm, passionflower and, surprisingly enough, hops!
Wild indigo: Remember our old friend echinacea? It helps to form a dynamic duo with indigo to battle those pesky sinus infections. Indigo’s other strength is its’ effectiveness against upper respiratory infections.
Slippery elm: This aids in coating and relaxing your throat and intestines. It’s great against coughs and sore throats, and can also fight diarrhea and most other digestion problems.
Peppermint spirits: This is a 2-headed ‘friend’, for it helps to prevent headaches and soothe upset stomachs. Got a headache? Dribble a small amount of peppermint on a folded tissue or hanky, then rub it across your forehead, your temples, and also on the back of your neck. To calm your upset stomach, place a few drops in water and then swallow. Don’t give this internally, however, to your very young children, as it may cause problems with their very tender tummies.
Chamomile tea: This is a tried and true mild relaxant, helpful against colic and the occasional upset stomach. It’s safe to give to your children as well. Chamomile tea bags can be used on your eyes to treat conjunctivitis (pink eye). Place your tea bags in a small amount of boiling water. When they’ve cooled but are still warm to the touch, place them on your closed eyes, then lie back to relax. Repeat this ritual for 15 minutes each 2 or 3 times a day.
It’s great to know that in this fast-paced, technological society we live in nowadays, that there are ‘old-school’ remedies that can help us as powerfully and sometimes more effectively than over-the-counter medicines. Grandma and grampa weren’t far from the truth when they told you that help is sometimes just a step or two beyond your back door, or in the cool of your old medicine chest.
About the Author: Keith Guyton is an aspiring writer and infopreneur. He currently resides in Middletown, Ohio with his wife Cheryl and their dog, Max.