Herbal Medicine And Healing
Herbal Medicine And Healing
Did you know that Herbal Medicine can be used to have multiple healing effects on the body? For example, if you have a painful cut, you want a salve to include a variety of herbs that soothe pain, prevent inflammation/swelling, stop bleeding, and promote speedy healing/binding up of the wound. One herb with its many functions can sometimes be enough, but a combination can be very beneficial in both acute and chronic illness.
Some of my favourite medicinal herbs:
Cleavers (Gallium aparine) This herb has many common names such as; stickywilly, catchweed or goosegrass and you may remember it from your childhood days as “stickyback”. It is useful for the lymphatic system; it can work to dampen inflamed lymph nodes, heal scar tissue, speed up the recovery of slowly healing wounds, and with eczema and small cysts.
Asian Ginseng (Panax ginseng) is used as one of the great tonic remedies in Chinese Medicine. It’s used to alleviate symptoms of a depletion and exhaustion to restore vitality. Its used to normalise immune functionality and commonly used in cases such as chronic fatigue.
Dandelion (Taraxacum officials) With its bitter taste dandelion helps aid digestion, by increasing secretions on the tongue and within the gastro-intestinal tract. Beneficial for those with hepatitis or those who work with strong solvents such as paint fumes, but should be avoided in those with a stressed liver or low blood pressure.
Dandelion-Burdock A tincture of Dandelion and Burdock root is an excellent and popular combination for cleansing and activating the liver. This tincture is useful in cases of poor or sluggish digestion, skin conditions such as acne and eczema, and any general health issue in which the liver may be of concern.
Comfrey (Symphytum) – oils or creams containing comfrey are extremely healing. When applied topically it provides a demulcent and soothing action to promote repair, as it’s rapidly absorbed through the skin.
This muscle rub product contains Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), which is an effective anti-inflammatory. The salve can be rubbed in to sore muscles to ease muscular pain, sciatica, rheumatic pain and inflammation. I also recommend: Cayenne Pepper, Ginger Root, St. John’s Wort, Chamomile Flowers, and Peppermint Leaf to help reduce inflammation and swelling.
Life is one big learning curve and full of adventure and there will always be more to learn. Thats what makes this journey into herbal medicine so wonderful!
Consult a Professional Herbalist before taking any of these herbs.
