ÔSIMPLE
HERBS FOR SIMPLE AILMENTSÕ
The
average American never considers using an herbal remedy for their common
everyday day-to-day ailments. Ibuprofen, aspirin, Tylenol, cortisone cream,
antifungal creams, antihistamines and several other over the counter medicines
are the usual medicine cabinet fare. They are convenient and, for the most part
they do work. But taking these medications on a regular basis should not be
considered a healthy thing to do. These medicines do have side effects, and
will eventually lead to the need for bigger medicines (prescription medicines)
to get the same affect.
Changing
this pill popping habit will take some determination and patience but can
provide the same relief you were looking for while providing numerous healthy
benefits. The next time why not try these simple inexpensive remedies.
For
indigestion- try some peppermint or chamomile tea. Or use the essential oils of
these herbs- applied externally. Chamomile can also be added to the bath water
to calm frayed nerves, excellent to calm a wild child at bedtime.
For
tension headache- use feverfew as a tea. Use Fenugreek tea if the headache is
sinus in origin, relieving the pain and pressure of a stuffed up nose. Or a
drop of eucalyptus oil directly over the sinuses can provide hours of relief
from sinus pressure and pain.
For
skin rashes without blistering use tea tree oil. This oil is naturally high in
antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial phytochemicals (plant based chemicals.)
Mix 3-5 drops in one ounce of olive or jojoba oil and apply sparingly. A fresh
squeeze of lemon applied with cotton balls is another wonderful remedy for skin
rashes or insect bites.
For
sleeplessness try valerian capsules, lavender essential oil or grate some
nutmeg onto a cloth and inhale the vapors. These herbs all help relax the mind
and allow for natural sleep. If muscle aches and pains are keeping you awake
use a magnesium supplement one hour before bedtime.
For
a dry cough use slippery elm lozenges or zinc lozenges. Slippery elm helps calm
and soothe and zinc will prevent a viral cold from taking hold, and relieve the
cough.
For
joint aching try some ginger tea. Take it internally or brew 5-6 bags in a
concentrate and poor it in a bath of hot water. Ginger not only helps with
joint aches, it relieves indigestion, calms nerves and helps balance the
internal organs.
For
minor toothache the old time remedy of clove oil really does work. Not meant to
stave off a visit to the dentist- just help you get through a toothache until
you can see your dentist.
For
fatigue and restlessness try ginseng. This herb is called an adaptogen as it
helps the body adapt to conditions of occasional undue stress providing energy
and endurance.
These
few natural medicines can be used safely and for a number of minor ailments
that come up from time to time. If used as directed in simple teas or applied
topically they should not interfere with any prescription medications. Till
next time, Rebecca