July 2008 - Home Made Herbal Remedies

Herbal remedies made at home from readily available plants save money and can be very effective. Always be sure of the identity of a plant before using it as a remedy. Remember, too, that individual reactions to herbal usage vary from person to person and what may work well for one may not for another.

Use the following herbs topically (externally): Aloe (Aloe barbadensis) – Juice from the cut leaves soothes burns, insect stings, and speeds healing for cuts and abrasions. Banana (Musa spp.) – Rub the inside of banana peels on poison ivy to dry up the blisters. Broadleaf plantain (Plantago major) – Crushed or chewed leaves placed on the site relieve the itching of insect bites, poison ivy, and are one of the best drawing herbs for local infections, splinters and stings. Flax (Linum usitatissimum) – Use the crushed seeds wrapped in cloth r gauze as a poultice for sores. Garlic (Allium sativum) – Juice from the crushed cloves is a powerful antifungal. Hens-and-chicks (Sempervirens spp.) – Use as aloe above. Rosemary (Rosemarinus officinale) – Strained infusion (tea) of leaves as a hair rinse conditions both hair and scalp. Also may temporarily darken hair. Sweet fern (Comptonia pere-qrina var. asplenifolia) – Juice from crushed stems stops poison ivy itch.

Use the following herbs internally: Chamomile (Chama-emelum nobile) – Flower tea aids digestion, soothes stomach upset, eases colic, calms and soothes tension. Note: Persons sensitive to ragweed pollen should test first using a small amount of chamomile, then wait 48 hours for reaction, before using as a remedy. Cranberry (Vaccinium macro-carpon) –Juice helps prevent and cure bladder infections. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) – Leaves (fresh or cooked) are high in vitamins, while dried root acts as a mild laxative. Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) – Fresh, dried or preserved (jams, jellies, wine, syrup, etc.) berries are antiviral and dark colors indicate high antioxidant properties. Garlic (Allium sativum) – Raw garlic or the juice from crushed cloves mixed with hot water and honey soothes sore throat and cold symptoms. Peeled, chopped cloves taken routinely lower cholesterol and blood pressure. Horehound (Mar-rubium vulgare) – Tea from fresh or dried leaves soothes coughs and acts as an expectorant, thinning out mucosal secretions.

Peppermint (Mentha X piperita) – Leaf tea soothes stomach upsets, aids digestion, and relieves stuffy sinuses. Rosemary (Rosemarinus officinale) – Tea from leaves and flowers eases cold symptoms and indigestion. Rose (Rosa rugosa, R. caninis) – Rose hip (seed fruit) tea is very high in Vitamin C and contains laxative properties. Sage (Salvia officinalis) – Leaf tea and tincture is excellent for cold symptoms, indigestion, and for use as a mouthwash and gargle.

These two lists contain a tiny sample of gentle healing from common herbs. But be careful when using extracts or infusions of plants whose properties you do not fully understand. Always use at least three resources which list the specific healing activity or property of that herb before using it. Remember, too, that a "remedy" from a plant, wild or domestic, is not necessarily safe. Natural substances, just like synthetic substances, are not automatically benign. Always consult a health care professional, know your medical history, and know your herb.