47 HERBAL REMEDIES: PART 2
47 HERBAL REMEDIES: PART 2. INTRODUCTION: In recent years the issue of Alternative Healing has skyrocketed to the forefront of the medical field. A 2004 government survey concluded that more than one-third of adults use alternative medicine and healing.
In recent years the issue of Alternative Healing has skyrocketed to the forefront of the medical field. A 2004 government survey concluded that more than one-third of adults use alternative medicine and healing.
One facet of this burgeoning interest in Herbal Medicine.
While it may seem “trendy” to some, Herbal Medicine has been around for thousands of years. Many of the familiar pharmaceutical medications we use today were created from “natural” ingredients. Drugs like opium (from poppies), aspirin (from willow bark), digitalis (from foxglove), and quinine (from the cinchona tree.)
Interestingly, the synthetic version of “aspirin” is credited with the beginning of the pharmaceutical industry. A chemist working for the Friedrich Bayer Company in Germany created the synthetic. The company registered the term “aspirin” as a trademark but Bayer lost the patent rights when the Allies seized and resold its foreign assets after World War I.
The right to use the term “aspirin” in the United States was purchased by Sterling Drug in 1918. But even before the patent expired in 1917, Bayer had been unable to prevent its formula from being copied. Hence, the term “aspirin” has been a generic term in the U.S. ever since.
It would be impossible to cover this topic adequately in one volume. What we will endeavor to do with this ebook is provide you with an overview of herbal remedies and subsequently give you an in-depth look at 47 simple herbal remedies to common, everyday ailments.
Please remember that there is no substitute for advice from a medical practitioner. The contents provided here should not replace a health and fitness program and are provided for educational purposes only. You should consult your medical practitioner before embarking on any program that affects your health and well-being.
List of Herb:
Acne
Equal parts: Butternut, Burdock, Echinacea, and Cleavers to 5ml of tincture applied three times a day.
Altitude Sickness
In a pot of boiling water, steep Cloves, Allspice, Bay Leaf, Celery Seed, Cinnamon, and Marjoram in quantities to taste. Mix in the following mints: Basil, Savory, and Thyme. Should be taken in advance of anticipated travel or hike.
Alzheimer’s Disease
This disease affects four million Americans. It strikes about 10 percent of people over 65 and about half of those who live beyond 85. Acetylcholine is a brain chemical known as a neurotransmitter. Acetylcholine is a key ingredient to cognition and reasoning.
People with Alzheimer’s often have a deficiency of Acetylcholine. The problem with experimental and FDA-approved drugs is their toxicity which carries a potential for liver disease. Since the premise is to slow the degeneration of Acetylcholine and preserve what is already in the brain, some herbs can help.
It just makes sense to look at herbal alternatives, specifically those herbs that contain compounds that prevent the breakdown of Acetylcholine. Horsebalm, Rosemary, Brazil Nut, Dandelion, Fava Beans, Fenugreek, Ginkgo, Sage, Stinging Nettle, Willow, and Gotu Kola are all beneficial for the treatment of Alzheimer’s. Those herbs that can be added as dietary supplements are encouraged.
Horsebalm helps to prevent the breakdown of Acetylcholine. Add a few droppers of Horsebalm to a favorite herbal shampoo. Research has also shown that adding foods high in lecithin is promising. Plant foods such as Dandelion Flowers, Poppy Seeds, Soybeans, and mung beans should also be added to the diet.
Arthritis
The term Arthritis translates to “joint inflammation.” If you suffer from Arthritis, chances are you have taken drugs to combat the effects or tried other “home remedies.” If you haven’t yet tried “Urtication,” it might be helpful. The term “Urtication” comes from the botanical name, Urtica dioica and dates back some 2,000 years to biblical times.
Urtica dioica is “Stinging Nettle. The treatment is to grasp the nettles in a gloved hand and swat the sore joints with the nettles. This may seem bizarre, but the practice has proven to be so effective for some sufferers of arthritis that they now maintain a nettle plant on their window sill.
Asthma
Ephedra sinica (Ma Huang) is an excellent bronchodilator. The natural form of Ephedra is better tolerated than the synthetic “ephedrine” causing fewer negative heart symptoms.
Gumweed 24 parts tincture
Pill Bearing Spurge 24 parts tincture
Lobelia 12 parts tincture
Wild Cherry 12 parts tincture
Licorice Root 12 parts tincture
Motherwort 12 parts tincture
Ma Huang 10 parts tincture
Aniseed 1 part e.o.
5ml. of mixture taken 3 times a day. If Pill Bearing Spurge proves difficult to obtain then double the amount of Gumweed to make up for it.
Athlete’s Foot
Fungicidal essential oils are the most effective topical treatment. Examples are Myrrh, Ti-Tree, and Garlic. The treatment will be smelly but will also show dramatic results.
Bad Breath
Chewing on parsley will eliminate bad breath. Chewing on Cardamom is very effective as Cardamom kills bad breath bacteria.
Bronchitis
Try two teaspoons of horehound per one cup of boiling water. Add lemon and licorice to taste.
Bruises
Crush and chop chilled parsley and apply to the bruised area. Parsley will pull the color from the bruising very quickly. Possible to have the discoloration gone within 24 hours.
Burns
There are three levels of burns. The first degree only hurts the outer layer of skin, like a sunburn. Second-degree burns will develop blisters indicating the burn has penetrated deeper into the skin and is more painful. The worst type of burn is a third-degree burn and is a medical emergency. For minor first and second-degree burns, use a leaf from an aloe plant for instant relief.
Cancer
Let’s make it clear that as of this writing there is no known cure for Cancer. The term itself is ambiguous and can be any type of malignant illness. What we will give you here is a Cancer and Blood Purifier:
4 parts Licorice Root
4 parts Red Clover
2 parts Burdock Root
2 parts Stillingia
2 parts Berberis Root
2 parts Poke Root
1 part Cascara Amarga
1 part Prickley Bark
1 part Buckthorne Bark
Fill gelatin capsules. Take 1 on the first day, and 2 on the second until you reach 36 per day for 2 years. Avoid vinegar, pork, and tomatoes.
Canker Sores
Mouth wash: Equal parts Marshmallow and Chamomile infused to be gargled often. Also, consider Balm and St. John’s Wort.
Colds and Flu
At the first sign of sniffles, immediately ingest Echinacea. There are over 200 viruses that can cause the common cold. They are shared by coughing, sneezing, and by hand. Therefore, the first treatment is prevention! Wash hands often and well, using a good anti-bacterial soap. Eating garlic can help in the prevention of colds and flu. Here are a few other remedies:
Pour a cup of boiling water over a couple of tablespoons of fresh, shredded Ginger Root. Makes a good hot tea that is effective against the most common cold viruses.
Constipation
One to three tablespoons of whole or crushed Flaxseed two or three times a day will help with chronic constipation. Be sure you get at least eight glasses of water a day to keep the bulk moving through the digestive system.
Coughing
Slice a large onion into rings. Place in a deep bowl. Cover the slices with organic honey. Allow standing overnight. In the morning strain the liquid creating a simple cough elixir.
Dandruff
Create an herbal scalp rinse.
Add one teaspoon of Potassium Chloride (find in the salt section at the supermarket) into 6 cups of water. Heat until the Potassium Chloride dissolves. Chop four ounces of fresh Celandine (if fresh is not available use a half cup of the dried herb instead). Add Celandine to the solution.
Allow standing for two hours. Then boil slowly for 20 minutes. Strain out the plant material, and simmer reducing to one and one-half cups. Add eight ounces of glycerin and continue simmering reducing the liquid slowly to two cups. Strain the result and bottle it. Store in a cool place. Use once or twice a day as a hair rinse.
Depression
Persistent depression is a serious disorder and you should see your doctor for treatment. In the meantime, you might like to try a Licorice tea. Simply add some to any of your favorite herbal teas. Using up to approximately 3 cups of tea a day or more or ingesting larger amounts can produce headaches, lethargy, sodium and water retention, loss of potassium, and high blood pressure. At least eight Licorice compounds are monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors which are compounds capable of potent antidepressant action.
Diarrhea
Use two to three teaspoons of Agrimony (high tannin content) leaves to make a tea.
Apple pulp is rich in pectin. Try eating applesauce.
Use cooked carrots to treat diarrhea in infants. Will soothe the digestive tract while providing nutrients that are lost during the attack.
In all cases, drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
Earache
Taken internally, Garlic can help cure a middle ear infection. A few drops of Garlic oil in the ear can’t hurt either. You can also try using a teaspoon of dried Echinacea in tea.
Fever
Two to three teaspoons ofElderflowerss a day in tea will help reduce feverish chills.
Try Ginger tea or eat candied ginger or sip ginger ale. Add peppermint to fever-fighting teas.
Flatulence
Ever wonder why the instructions on packages of beans recommend soaking the beans overnight? It has nothing to do with the recipe, but everything to do with an anti-gas remedy. You can also deflate flatulence with a tea made up of Camomile, Caraway, Dill, Fennel, Lemon Balm, and Peppermint. Sweeten with Licorice.
Gallstones and Kidney Stones
The best way to treat these diseases is with prevention and that begins with drinking six to eight glasses of water each day. This keeps the urine too diluted to create the stones in the first place. Drink several cups of Stinging Nettle Tea each day to prevent and treat kidney stones. To one cup of boiling water, steep one teaspoon of finely chopped dried herb.
Gout
It is purported that Celery Seed keeps uric acid below critical levels. Try taking two to four tablets of celery seed extract daily.
Headache
No single treatment works for all headaches. Feverfew is probably the best-known treatment. Some people try ingesting the leaves directly, causing mouth sores. The good news is that you can also brew tea with two to eight fresh leaves steeping in boiling water. Do not boil the leaves, however, as it breaks down the effectiveness. Pregnant women SHOULD NOT take Feverfew nor should women who are breastfeeding.
Heartburn
Camomile is the best source of heartburn and stomach problems. Licorice might be a second choice but take care. Too much Licorice will produce headache, lethargy, and a potentially serious loss of potassium as well as the possibility of high blood pressure.
Hemorrhoids
Use the following salve after each bowel movement.
One teaspoon Calendula
One teaspoon Camomile
One teaspoon Yarrow
One teaspoon Plantain
One teaspoon of St. John’s Wort
Mix each herb in powdered form with enough emollient oil (almond) to form a paste then apply.
High Blood Pressure
Try vegetable soup. Yes, vegetable soup. Add any of the following: Celery, Garlic, Hawthorn, Kudzu, Onion, Tomato, Broccoli, Carrot, and Purslane (anything else that contains magnesium), Saffron, Valerian, Fennel, Oregano, Black Pepper, Basil, and Tarragon. Consume regularly. Eliminate pork, beef, and alcohol from your diet. Eat more plant foods and herbs and use a good vitamin regimen.
Indigestion
Create a tincture of:
A dash of Angelica, Anise, Camomile, Coriander, Fennel, Ginger, Rosemary, and Turmeric along with two dashes of any mint herbs. Steep these herbs overnight in the refrigerator in a mixture of alcohol and water (one shot of vodka per cup of spring water). Drink as a tea or mix with juice.
Insect Bites/Stings
Try using Citronella Oil. Do not use without first diluting. Add several drops to vegetable oil and rub directly on your skin.
Insomnia
Lemon Balm is a sedative as well as a stomach soother. Try a tea made with two to four teaspoons of dried herb per cup of boiling water.
Liver Problems
Use Milk Thistle for all types of liver troubles. Available in capsule form at health food stores.
Menopause
Black Cohosh is recommended for many “female complaints.” It contains estrogenic substances that relieve menopausal symptoms, especially hot flashes. Native American women knew to use it for childbirth and other gynecological problems. Try 2 parts Chasteberry, 1 part St. John’s Wort, and 1 part Life Root. To 5ml of tincture taken three times a day.
Motion Sickness and Nausea
Raspberry leaf tea, used for morning sickness is also a good treatment for motion sickness. Ginger is another treatment for motion sickness. Munch it or buy Ginger capsules at the health food store.
Osteoporosis
Few people know that high protein diets leech calcium from bone. Reduce protein intake and try this broth:
Place leftover fish bones in a large pot. Add a few quarts of water. Bring to a boil. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes. Add a couple of handfuls of finely chopped Cabbage, Dandelion Greens, Stinging Nettle greens, Parsley, Pigweed, and Purslane. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you prefer. Remove fish bones before serving as a vegetable/herb soup or as a stock for hearty bean soup.
Pain
Use clove oil for toothache, applied directly to the painful tooth.
Red Pepper contains capsaicin that stimulates the release of endorphins. Use in recipes.
Willow bark contains salicin, the original aspirin. Start with a low-dose tea. If you are allergic to aspirin, avoid this treatment.
Pneumonia
There is no substitute for your doctor’s recommendations, but you might enhance treatment with a tea comprised of Dandelion. Cook the greens and roots. And drink the juice that remains after the green is cooked. If fresh Dandelion is not available, use the dried herb.
Prostate Enlargement
Make a spread of Saw Palmetto, Licorice, and Pumpkin Seeds. Place a half cup of fresh Pumpkin Seeds in a food processor. Add one Saw Palmetto Capsule contents (without the capsule), and add a few drops of Licorice extract. Blend until smooth. You may add a little Brazil Nut oil to make it spread easier. Eat a couple of tablespoonfuls every day. Make small batches at a time toensuree freshness.
Psoriasis
Folk healers have recommended rubbing mashed Avocado on psoriasis patches. If nothing else, it is cool and soothing.
Shingles
Try using a mixed mint tea. Use lots of Lemon Balm plus any other mints you would like: Hyssop, Oregano, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sage, Self Heal, Spearmint, or Thyme. Add a little Licorice as well. Drink it, of course, but also try applying it directly to the rash.
Sinusitis
Create your favorite vegetable soup. Add heaping amounts of Garlic, Onions, Horseradish, Hot Pepper, and Ginger. Enjoy the dish while feeling your sinuses open.
Skin Problems
In addition to Aloe, the best-known herb for skin treatment, try Evening Primrose Oil. Apply directly to the irritation. Should be available in your health food store.
Sore Throat
Slipper Elm capsules will do the trick for a raging sore throat. Just remember that it is probably a portent of a cold, flu, or strep to come. Another treatment is a few teaspoons of crushed Eucalyptus leaves per cup of boiling water for a soothing tea.
Sunburn
Use wet teabags to apply to sunburned areas. Aloe applied to the affected areas is always a good recommendation. Calendula speeds the healing of burns. You can probably find commercial creams that contain Calendula at your health food store.
Swelling
One of the active components in Ginger is Zingibain. One gram of Zingibain can tenderize as much as 20 pounds of meat. The most pleasant method of ingesting Ginger is to eat Ginger candy. Pineapple is also known to contribute to the reduction of swelling. Tastes good too! Dandelion is a potent diuretic and can remove some of the excess fluid that causes swelling. You can also purchase capsules.
Tinnitus
Hands down, Ginkgo is the best treatment for Tinnitus. The best way to take it as an extract which you will probably only find in a health food store. When shopping looks for 50:1 on the label. 40mgs per day is recommended to treat Tinnitus.
Tonsillitis
Echinacea and Goldenseal are a good bet to treat Tonsillitis. Combine the two as a tea and gargle as well as ingest.
Toothache
As mentioned earlier, Clove Oil is a good treatment for toothache. Another is a compress of Ginger and Red Pepper. Mix the powdered spices in enough water to form a paste. Use a small cotton ball to dip in the paste then apply the cotton directly to the tooth without letting it touch the gum. If it is too hot, rinse your mouth and try a different remedy.
Ulcers
You may find this recipe too tasty to be called a treatment!
Bananas, Pineapple, Blueberries, Ground Cinnamon, Ground Cloves, Ground Ginger, and Honey. Cut up the bananas and pineapple and place them in a serving bowl. Add blueberries and season generously with the Cinnamon, Cloves, and Ginger, and sweeten with the Honey. Or, use the above ingredients to create an anti-ulcer drink.
Vaginitis
Carefully peel a clove of Garlic so that no nicks are made in the meat. Wrap in clean gauze with a clean, unbleached string creating a small tampon-like packet. Insert into the vagina each night for up to six nights. If this treatment does not cure the infection see your physician.
Yeast Infections
Mix two to three drops of Tea Tree Oil in a tablespoon of yogurt. Soak a tampon in the mixture. Insert the tampon at night for up to six nights. Care must be taken when using any plant extracts. They are extremely concentrated and even in small doses can cause harm.
HERBAL RESOURCES
HerbMed® – an interactive, electronic herbal database – provides hyperlinked access to the scientific data underlying the use of herbs for health. It is an impartial, evidence-based information resource provided by the nonprofit Alternative Medicine Foundation, Inc. http://www.herbmed.org/
MedlinePlus – A service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/herbalmedicine.html
American Botanical Council – Online resource for herbal news and information. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/herbalmedicine.html
