Entry #6 (Self-generated)

Herbs & Natural Remedies

  Many health related issues can be dealt with right at home. Although, serious health issues should be examined in a hospital, many minor health issues can easily be helped with natural remedies.  For example, some herbal teas that can be made right at home are:

•  Nettle: Is one of nature's best remedies for an assortment of ailments including anemia, high blood pressure, rheumatism, arthritis, coughs and colds, congestion, urinary tract infections, and kidney and bladder problems.

•  Chamomile Tea: soothes the stomach and relieves bloating and indigestion. Chamomile tea is also known to fight insomnia by relaxing the body and the mind, enabling the person to fall asleep naturally.

•  Green Tea: comes with such a host of health benefits, lowers cancer risk and also inhibits carcinogenic in cigarettes and other compounds when imbibed. Green Tea contains potent antioxidants called polyphenols, which help suppress free radicals, also stops certain tumors from forming, lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels and thereby promotes heart health.  Green tea also lowers blood pressure, prevents and fights tooth decay and dental issues, and inhibits different viruses from causing illnesses.

With these few and many others, herbal teas can be made and mixed together to give great health benefits.   Although many herbs are best drank as tea, maybe with a little honey (which can never hurt you but only boost your immune system), some can be added to meals and still give you the same type of health benefit. For example:

·         Dill: A digestive tonic to help soothe indigestion.

·         Garlic: A wonderful antibacterial that is great for treating colds and bacterial infections. Boosts immunity and helps clear out toxins.

·         Dandelion: This common weed is a great digestive tonic as well as bladder curative. It helps stimulate the kidneys to increase urine production, which helps flush out your urinary tract.

·         Marijuana: Good for easing nausea, treating glaucoma, boosting appetite and managing pain.

   Besides eating and drinking, herbs can be made into tinctures, lotions, and ointments to be used in first aid. Some Antibacterial Herbs include:

Calendula: can be used in first-aid to heal wounds, prevent infection and treat pink eye.

Clove: is typically used as a topical analgesic (it has a natural numbing quality!), it can also be used to combat intestinal bacteria. For internal use, use in cooking or make a cup of clove tea.

Garlic: is more effective against several types of bacteria than penicillin. Garlic is also friendlier to the body than antibiotics because it attacks the offending bacteria without wiping out the body's normal flora. Garlic can be used as a tincture, capsule, infused in oil or simply added to your diet. (If cooking with garlic, avoid heating past 130 degrees as that will decrease its potency.)

Oregon: grape root is a potent antibacterial herb, especially when combined with echinacea. Do not take if pregnant, breastfeeding or if you have a history of diabetes, stroke, hypertension or glaucoma. Take as a tincture, but not for long-term treatment as it can decrease Vitamin B absorption.

Marshmallow Root: soothes, lubricates, softens and heals. Marshmallow root also contains tannins found effective against bacteria found in urinary tract infections. Marshmallow root can be taken internally as a tea.

Usnea: is used to treat urinary tract infections, strep and staph infections, respiratory and sinus infections as well as fungal infections like yeast and vaginosis. Usnea is best used as a tincture. No known precautions, but consult an herbalist before using in pregnancy.

Yarrow Flowers: have a number of different uses. As a powder, they stop bleeding quickly. Infused in water, it speeds the healing of canker sores. As a tea, yarrow is used to fight urinary tract infections. Because it can cause uterine contractions, avoid during pregnancy. 

Some Antiviral Herbs include:

Astragalus: is one of the antiviral herbs that works by boosting the immune system. Taken internally, either as a capsule, tincture or buy adding it to soup, astragalus root is known to increase your body's defense against viruses. Astragalus root is best used as prevention, so take it during flu season or before going places with large crowds of people. Avoid if you already have a fever.

Cranberry: is a potent defense against urinary tract infections due to its ability to make the bladder lining too "slippery" to adhere to. Full of antioxidants, cranberry also has antiviral properties and prevents plaque formation on teeth. Cranberry can be taken in a capsule or as juice (make sure it is unsweetened).

Elderberry: is used as a remedy for viral infections like the flu and common cold. Elder stimulates the circulation, causing sweating, effectively cleansing the body. Elderberry syrup is the common delivery method and 1-3 tablespoons can be taken per day during infection. Leaves, roots, seeds, and berries of the raw plant contain cyanide-producing compounds and should not be consumed without cooking properly.

Ginger: is used to prevent and decrease duration of the common cold. Ginger can be taken as a tea, in capsule form, or added to meals.

Licorice: is antiviral and antibacterial. It is commonly used for gastric ulcers as it kills H. pylori that causes ulcers without upsetting the stomach. Steep these antiviral herbs as a tea and drink by itself or blended with other herbal teas. Avoid during pregnancy.

Mullein-infused oil: is a great remedy for ear problems, including ear infection, especially when combined with garlic. Use the mullein flowers to create an infused oil.

Olive Leaf: is used to treat the flu, common cold and herpes. Olive leaf can be taken as a tincture, capsule or tea mixed with mint. Avoid during pregnancy.

Ways to use Herbs:

Herbal teas: To make an herbal tea, steep 1 tbsp of antibacterial or antiviral herbs in 1 cup hot water for 5-10 minutes. For children, use 1 tsp herbs in the same amount of water.

Herbal infusions: They are steeped in water for several hours in a tightly sealed jar. Using a quart-size canning jar is best because they can hold up well to boiling water. Once prepared you can drink them iced or heated, add them to baths for soaking wounds or sore muscles or used to make compresses or poultices. Put a handful of dried herbs in your canning jar. Fill the jar to the fill line with boiling water. Secure the lid tightly and let it steep until the water has completely cooled. Strain out the antibacterial or antiviral herbs and enjoy.

Infused Oil:

You'll need:

·         An oven-proof dish

·         Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth

·         1 cup jojoba or coconut oil

·         1/2 cup antibacterial or antiviral herbs (one herb or a combination)

·         Clean, dry jar(s) to store your oil in

·         Labels

Heat your oven to 200 degrees, then turn it off. To your oven-proof dish, add the oil and herbs, then stir them together. (If the coconut oil is solid, let it melt first in the oven, add the herbs and stir). Put the dish in the oven. After 3 hours take out the herbs and strain the oil into your clean jar(s). Label and store in a cool, dark place.

So next time you think about chugging down some Nightquil or taking an aspirin, try using one of these herbal remedies that can be grown and made right at home. These are easy to consume, good on the body, and cheap to make. Would you ever use these remedies? If so which one do you think would be the most helpful for yourself? Thanks for reading my blog and please comment your thoughts below!