ÔFIVE
HERBS FOR EVERYDAY USEÕ
by
Rebecca Huber
Minor
aches and pains are the plague of mankind and, as we age the maintenance ticket
to prevent those aches and pains goes up. If you asked yourself just how many
times you were raiding the medicine cabinet for an over the counter remedy in
one weekÕs time the answer might surprise you. Over the counter medicines
arenÕt terribly hard on the body if used infrequently but, consistent use over
a long period of time can harm the body. Tylenol is particularly hard on the
kidneys, antacids may relieve that burning in your gut but neutralizing stomach
acids leaves food undigested and dumps a large dose of bio-unavailable calcium
into the joint spaces.
Why
take a patent medicine when an herb would do the same thing and not harm your
body? The next time you have to go to the drug store for a patented medicine
why not pick these simple herbs.
White
Willow Bark is the forerunner of
aspirin and can easily relieve that nagging headache or the aches and pains of
arthritis or muscle aching from spring clean up. Unlike aspirin, which can
cause stomach irritation, white willow contains tannins, which are actually
good for digestion.
Ginger is good for so many things that ail the body but best
used for indigestion from dietary indiscretions and the morning sickness of
pregnancy. Warmed ginger oil is also a wonderful remedy for earache. A cup of ginger tea after a larger meal
will boost the powers of digestion and stave off problems later.
Milk
thistle is one of the most powerful
herbs used to relieve problems that stem from poor liver function. The liver often referred to as the
bodyÕs chemical factory plays a critical role in maintaining good health. It
detoxifies nicotine, alcohol, the left over residue of processed food, poor
quality water and air, and medication use. Studies actually show that this herb
helps stimulate the production of new liver cells.
Saw
Palmetto can be used by women as well
as men but is a must for men over the age of fifty. Saw Palmetto was the first
herb to be placed in hospital pharmacopoeias for the use of benign prostate
enlargement. More recent studies show that it helps prevent the rise of PSA
levels in men.
Ginseng is a highly valued herb throughout the Orient and has
gained popularity here in America over the past five years. Called an adaptogen
this herb helps the body cope with stress on all levels- physical and mental.
It also helps lower cholesterol levels and is being studied for itÕs
anti-tumoral properties.
Herbs
are powerful plant medicines that work with the body and do not leave behind
residues that the liver and kidneys have to mop up later. Used properly they
are safe and non-habit forming. Using an herb in place of a good diet and clean
water is a poor insurance policy and is not recommended. Always use high
quality herbs preferably certified organic. Liquid tinctures are the most
powerful way to use an herb and I highly recommend them. Till next time,
Rebecca.
8/23/07