ÔUSING 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
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