Many people do not feel that it is necessary to visit a doctor every time the nose starts to run or the throat starts to hurt. Many people also have an aversion to filling their bodies up with random chemicals. So, perhaps herbal remedies are the solution?
So, for the herbally inclined, here is a list of ten helpful herbs to keep around during the intrepid winter months. Obviously, the herbs are not a cure-all, but if it's just a minor problem, they can be very useful.
Hyssop - This herb is very effective against colds, flu, coughs and sore throats. It is a natural antibiotic! Boil some water, toss some of the dried herb into a tea baller and make a nice cup of tea to ease the pain.
Rosehip Seed - This herb is awesome for body cleansing! It aids the overall health of the bladder and kidneys. It can also be used as a blood purifier and is very high in vitamin C.
Oatstraw - Oatstraw is great for easing indigestion! Make up a nice cup of Oatstraw tea and ease the stomach pains and gas. It can also be used topically as an antiseptic.
Blue Cohosh Root - This herb works as a natural diuretic and can also be used to ease menstrual symptoms (though it should not be used by pregnant women as it is a natural abortificant).
Feverfew - Feverfew (as its name suggests) can be used to break a fever. It is also commonly used to relieve general aches and pains, migraines and sinus infections.
Lobelia - (In small amounts) This herb is good for bronchitis, asthma, colds and any other lung ailment. It should not, however, be used in large doses as it can cause nausea and vomiting and it should also not be used by pregnant women.
Tansy - Tansy has been used in individuals with high blood pressure/hypertension; it also calms hysteria and other nervous ailments. You can also use it topically to help soothe sunburn or acne. It’s great to keep around. Pregnant women should stay away from this one too as it is a uterine stimulant.
Osha Root - It is always good to have some Osha Root lying around…though unlike the other herbs on this list, it isn’t usually found cut, dried and sifted! Usually, it is found in small pieces and the grinding needs to be done after the purchase. (That’s where a mortar and pestle would come in handy!) It can, however, still be taken as a tea…use about 1/2 tablespoon in 8 ounces of boiling water…and strain before drinking! It is generally used as an antibiotic.
Eyebright - This herb is excellent for eye inflammation and it also eases PMS symptoms. Not to be used by pregnant women.
Pennyroyal - It is great for easing indigestion, PMS symptoms and for lung ailments, sore throat, etc…it’s pretty much a “cure-all” herb. Not to be used in high doses or on an ongoing basis. Too much can mess up kidneys and that’s no good! It should also not be used by pregnant women as it is a natural abortificant.
So, if natural remedies are the preferred method, check these out! The world of herbs is an interesting and amazing one. Do some research and checkout the alternative remedies for some of your most common ailments.
Jessica Gleason - Jessica Gleason is merely a woman walking through life with words. She lives to write and writes to live. She has an affinity for cats and ...
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