Herbal Medicines Are Making A Big Come-Back

It is well known that herbal medicines have been used traditionally for centuries to heal a huge range of health problems. It is no surprise considering we are getting fed up with experiencing nasty side effects from allopathic prescriptions. That is not to say that they are without any side effects, but they are fewer. Prescribed responsibly, they work with the body to heal, rather than to suppress and control. There has been a surge of interest in the great treasure store of Chinese herbal remedies.It is highly recommended that you talk with your doctor about any herbal remedies that you are taking or are considering taking because they may interact with some prescription medications.
Diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer can be treated with herbal medicines as can typical daily irritations such as coughs, fevers, insect bites and colds. These treatments can also be taken internally and externally. They come in many forms and it is important that you understand the difference in them.
Pill – herbs that are in this form are not as potent as some of the other forms. One pill is the equivalent of a half cup of tea or 1/6 oz. of an herb.
Syrup- the average dosage is 1 tbsp. A syrup is the liquid extract that is usually thickened an sweetened.
Tea – one tsp. of the herb per cup and you will drink it three to four times a day.
Tinctures – a concentrated form of herbs. This is a liquid and you will take it 4 times a day.
Concentrated liquid extract – similar to a tincture without the water and the alcohol.
Aromatic waters – these are most often used to treat skin conditions. Usually in the form of a body oil.
Compress – you can prepare this at home. Simply soak a wash cloth in a strong herbal tea, tincture, essential oil or aromatic water. Wring out the cloth and apply to the skin.
Poultice – This is a sticky paste that you would spread on an injury and then cover with a bandage. This is made by chewing, blending or pounding fresh plants.
Salve – a thickened herbal concoction made with a vegetable oil or olive oil.
Now we will take a look at some common herbs and what you can use them for.

Some Common Herbal Medicines

Aloe Vera – this wonder herb can be used to treat gastro-intestinal infections, it can also soothe and heal burns and soften skin. It helps improve circulation of the blood and the lymph. It is recommended that you include an aloe plant in your herbal garden or as a house plant. Breaking a leaf off the plant to use at a moments notice.Alfafa – high in nutrients, this herb is used to treat kidney stones and to help reduce swelling and fluid retentions. This herbal medicine is also good for the digestive system, glandular, urinary and skeletal systems.
Catnip – this herbal medicine is not just for our four legged furry friends. It is an ideal herb to help nourish the stomach and the nervous system. Catnip also has an incredible reputation for treating symptoms of the flu.
Billberry – if you suffer from night blindness or have other problems with your eyes, making sure that you are supplementing your diet with bilberry will help improve your symptoms as well as increase circulation to the eye and decrease the amount of strain that is put on the eyes.

Important Note

It is important to purchase your herbs from a reputable company, that obtains its supplies from carefully regulated and controlled sources. There have been horror stories of all sorts of extraneous things being found in loose imported herbs from China, that have not come from a regulated source.It is becoming more and more important that we search for more natural and holistic ways to improve our daily lives. Herbal medicines have been used for centuries by many cultures around the world. It is time to see what they can do for you.