Herbs that Heal – Herbal Remedies
The use of herbs with healing properties is more than 5,000 years old, and many people still swear by certain herbal remedies. Prior to the advancement of modern science, herbs were one of the only ways people could seek relief from their pains and sicknesses. Sometimes, the use of herbal remedies was combined with specific prayers and spiritual ceremonies or rituals.
An herb is a seed-producing plant that can hold a large quantity of water and which does not develop woody tissue, but retains a soft and pliable texture. Examples of common herbs are catnip, spearmint, chamomile and hyssop. In addition, an herb can also be a spice, which is a variety of vegetable that is aromatic and pungent. Examples of herbs that are also spices include cumin, rosemary and paprika.
Herbs and spices are typically cured in their original environments before being processed and shipped for containment. For example, cloves are the dried, unopened flower buds from the Syzgium aromaticum, which is a tree in the Myrtle family. Likewise, gingerroot is peeled and dried right after harvest, and is exported later.
Herbs can act in the following ways:
– Diuretics – an herb that promotes the flow of urine.
– Alkalinizers – an herb that raises the pH higher than 7.
– Tonics – an herb that invigorates or strengthens
– Acidifiers – an herb that lowers the pH below 7.
– Astringents – an herb that staunches the flow of blood
– Diaphoretics – an herb that promotes perspiration
– Laxatives – an herb that promotes bowel movements
– Nervines – an herb that either excites or soothes the nerves
Many herbs can produce more than one of these benefits, while others only cause one. Below is a summary of some of the most powerful herbs in each of the above areas.
Astringent Herbs
Bistort, Agrimony, Acorn, Fluellin, Rosemary, Red Sage, Eyebright, Cinnamon, Balm, Willow Bark, Arbutus, Jambul, Pilewort, Rhatany, Scullcap, Cohosh, European Birch and Acacia.
Alkalizing Herbs
Dandelion, Kelp
General Tonic Herbs
Barberry, Nux, Rosemary, Tansy, Snake Root, Beth Root, Box Leaves, Celery, Bugle, Chamomile, Culver’s Root, Angustura and English Alder
Diuretic Herbs
Buchu, Night-Blooming Cereus, Queen’s Delight, Celery, Butterbur, Damiana, Celery, Couchgrass, Coffee, Garlic, Jewel Weed, Juniper Berry, Paraguay Tea, White Bryony, and Blue Flag.
Diaphoretic Herbs
American Bittersweet, Asparagus, Dandelion, Fig, Olive and Rhubarb.
Laxative Herbs
American Black Alder, Agar, American Bearsfoot, Fit, Hartstongue, Pitcher Plant, Rhubarb, Benne, Boneset, Burdock and Asafetida.
Nervine Herbs
Black Willow Bark, Asafetida, Black Currant, Gelsemium, Golden Seal, Mistletoe, Kelp, Oats, Scullcap, Rosemary, Caroba and Chamomile..
