Top Ten Herbs for Your Medicine Cabinet
1. Tea Tree Oil. This essential oil is an anti-bacterial, anti-viral and an anti-fungal all rolled into one. Use this for ringworm, lice, athlete’s foot and any other bacterial or fungal ailment.
2. Chamomile. This herb brewed into a tea will calm an upset stomach in both babies and adults. It will also act as a sedative, allowing you to relax and let go of the day’s stresses. Chamomile essential oil added to a bath will calm both children and adults.
3. Echinacea. This herb works by strengthening the immune system. If taken by either tincture or brewed into a tea at the first sign of a cold, the duration of the illness will be shortened.
4. Valerian Root. If you can get past the smell of this stinky herb, it will act as a sedative and an anti-depressant. Taken before bedtime, it will help guarantee a good nights sleep.
5. Garlic. While many may not consider garlic an herb, it has been proven to help lower blood pressure. Garlic also works to keep the intestinal track clean and free of parasites.
6. Lemons. This can be either essential oil or fresh lemons. Use this for insect bites, rashes or combine with honey for a natural cough suppressant.
7. Aloe Vera. This is the one plant that you keep in the kitchen. Perfect for reducing the blistering effect of burns, the gel from this plant’s leaves can also lessen the pain of sunburn.
8. Ginseng. This comes in three varieties, American, Siberian and Oriental. American ginseng is said to be cooling and will help balance out emotions. Oriental ginseng or panax is said to be warming and will give extra energy. Siberian ginseng is not really ginseng at all, but a plant with the same properties of panax.
9. Ginko Biloba. The extract from this tree is said to help improve memory, benefit the eyes and aid in circulation.
10. St. John’s Wort. Taken correctly this herb is known as an anti-depressant. German researchers have proven it works as well as many pharmaceuticals on the market. Care must be used that this herb is not used with any other prescription anti-depressants.
With these herbs in your medicine chest, most common ailments can be treated simply and naturally. Before taking any herbs, consult with your doctor, especially if you are on any type of prescription medication.
There are many books available on the subject of herbal remedies. Many websites have extensive information available also. With a bit of research, you can have the abundance of Mother Nature to help relieve almost any illness you may contract.
