Herbs for Health

INTRODUCTION

Let me start by saying, “I am not against allopathic medicine.  It has its place.  And in the area of emergency care, I believe allopathic medicine is the best treatment.”  With that said, I include in that treatment such things as setting broken bones, sewing up people after accidents, or any life-threatening illness that requires immediate intervention.

Many prescription drugs are stored in our liver or other organs and eventually our bodies stop responding, or build up a resistance or tolerance for these chemicals; whereby, rendering them useless when an emergency arises. 

Herbs are natural and most will pass through our system if the body doesn’t need them.  Yes, there are precautions with certain herbs and dosages, just like any other thing we eat that may cause allergic reactions or taken in excess.  An example is too high a dosage of certain vitamins can have an adverse effect on us.

For simple everyday illnesses, I believe herbal remedies are far better.  By avoiding prescription drugs and OTC drugs, our bodies will respond to antibiotics when we really need them.

When I hear all of the side effects that are mentioned on drug commercials I wonder if the benefits outweigh the risks.

If mother earth provides us with an abundance of plants why not use them the way our ancestors used them; the way the medicine women and shamans used plants.

My passion for natural, as well as organic, products led me to become certified as both a Family Herbalist and Holistic Aroma-therapist.  It is just now that I have acquiesced to getting a microwave.  I know … go figure.  But micro waves shooting throughout my food?  I’m still uneasy with that thought.  But that’s progress – I think?

What I want to share with you are recipes that I have compiled over the past several years for both herbal, and as I grow this section on holistic health, essential oils used in promoting the body's natural healing potential as it relates to women’s beauty and health.

The recipes that I have listed on this page are not my complete library.  Instead I chose the ones that I felt you would have an easy time with finding the ingredients.

Plant Signatures
As in aromatherapy, plants have what are known as signatures.  Signatures are the characteristics of a plant that help identify what its use and functions are; color also is an indication of its use.

Flowering herbs are characterized by the color of the bloom. 

Herbs with yellow flowers are used for the digestive and urinary system covering the liver, gall bladder and urinary problems.  Example of these types of herbs are Dandelion and St. John’s Wort.

Herbs with reddish flowers are good for blood purifiers and alternatives.  Alternatives are also known as blood purifiers.  They are agents used in treating toxicity of the blood, arthritis, cancer, skin eruptions, and infections.  They are useful in treating skin disorders that are caused by blood impurities.  Examples of these types of herbs are Echinacea and Ginger.

Herbs with blue or purple are used as sedatives or relaxants.  They have a calming and relaxing effect on a person, which is desired while they are recuperating from an illness.  They are also useful for relaxing muscle spasms.  Examples of these types of herbs are Chicory and Purple Passion Flower.

Recommended Suppliers
First, let me start with my list of recommended suppliers.  I purchase my herbs from Mountain Rose Herbs (www.mountainroseherbs.com), Atlantic Spice (www.Atlanticspice.com) or Herbalcom (www.Herbalcom.com).  My first choice here is Mountain Rose Herbs because they have a large selection of organic herbs.  And, I have never been disappointed in the quality of their herb.  I order teas from Atlantic Spice and Herbs by Merlin.  Atlantic Spice has a minimum order. 

I have found Frontier Herbs to be of less quality than herbs purchased from the above suppliers.  However, if you are in a pinch – then Frontier Herbs can be found in most health food stores.  I guess I’m just an herb snob.

I purchase my essential oils from  www.Camdengrey.com because you can purchase them in larger quantities at a better price.  The majority of my fragrance oils come from Nature's Garden and Scents of Paradise.  Both companies have great fragrances.  I use fragrance oil in my incense and essential oils in my soaps and lotions.

Your Spice Rack - Your Herbal Medicine Cabinet
If you step back and look at your spice shelf, you will discover the most convenient medicine cabinet in your home. 

Most of our spices have been used by our ancestors and naturalists for preventing and relieving, gas, as stimulants, as aid to digestion, and relief from nervousness, spasms and colds.  These herbs are known as “crisis remedies” because they are useful at the onset or first stage of dis-ease. 

In addition herbs are natural and a great alternative to the synthetic drugs found in a typical household medicine cabinet.

So now let’s get down to Herbal  Health and Beauty!

Note:  Use chinaware or earthenware for steeping any herbs.