Monday, 6 January 2014

A Closer Look At Herbs That Heal

By Jeannie Chapman


Herbs that heal have been in use in places such as China for practically thousands of years. The practice is really quite ancient and even in the modern era, the practice does not seem to be dying down, although the use is not as widespread or as prevalent in the same way as the past. Since the sixties, they have been commercially sold in Europe and the United States.

Before pharmaceuticals and medical colleges were established, there were many folk traditions on both continents that made the use of herbs very popular. It should be noted that certain types do in fact possess some sort of healing properties. It is advisable to consult physicians before ingesting anything, however.

A few of these are extremely well known. Some may even double as culinary ingredients, which can contribute greatly to a much healthier diet. As an example, there is garlic, which has antibiotic as well as antiseptic properties. Many are of the opinion that it can greatly help out as it concerns problems like having parasites and for digestion.

Garlic may be cooked or it can be eaten raw, depending on what one wants to do. It also happens to be readily available in supplement form. Fennel is yet another herb that can serve a dual purpose. It is quite popular with cooking and at the same time, it is highly effective in treating nausea. Those with sore throats may gargle with tea that is made from fennel.

In hot climates, a lot of house are likely to be in possession of a few aloe vera plants, with at least one or two. The leaves of the plant is known to produce sap that can soothe sunburn effectively. Many also use it in the form of an ointment for the treatment of eczema patches as well as canker sores.

Ginseng and ginger are two examples whose use is possible to trace all the way to ancient China. The former can be described as a great anti inflammatory and as a decongestant. The latter is considerably effective when it comes to heart and stomach problems. A few studies indicate that ginger is helpful in easing arthritis pain as well as the stiffness that is associated with it.

Since the nineties, Echinacea has become highly popular as an over the counter herbal supplement. The users normally take it as a way of combating the common cold. It is also believed to strengthen the immune system. Tea was often made out of it by Native Americans.

Popular types that are common to the United States would include slippery elm and yarrow. Yarrow is specifically common in the Rocky Mountain states, and like many, it is traditionally taken as tea. The clinical studies are inconclusive when it concern efficacy. Slippery elm is formed into a poultice and is used to treat rashes, wounds and boils.

Many prefer herbs that heal over certain pharmaceuticals. The appeal here would lie in the organic and pure attributes that they possess. The medical community is not as enthusiastic, since it is their view that such things have considerably less potency and are therefore inadequate in treating more serious illnesses, which has some truth.




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