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The Most In-Demand Herbs Of Them All
Where do you start? Sage herb? Basil herb? Many cooks know the best
herbs to go in their culinary creations but have no idea about the
medical use of herbs. Because these natural
substances are readily
available at organic produce stores and as oils, creams, and capsules
at health food stores, many people are interested in knowing more
about their health and medicinal benefits. While any purported list
of “top ten herbs” will be up for vigorous debate by herbalists,
here are some of the most common herbs and their medicinal uses.
What are the Herbs I Should Know About?
Many of the items listed below are common herbs for cooking but also
have time-honored medicinal properties. Be aware that any herb should
only be used in the recommended manner and at the suggested dosage
as the excessive ingestion can lead to unwanted and unpleasant side
effects.
BASIL
A bitter, pungent herb with egg-shaped leaves and small, reddish-purple
flowers, basil is used as a nerve tonic and memory enhancer as well
as an expectorant to clear the throat and lungs of phlegm and to ease
respiratory complaints. The juice is good for both ear aches and the
fungal skin infection known as ringworm. An infusion of basil will
treat gastric distress and strengthen the stomach. Further, basil
serves to strengthen the kidneys and to protect the body from cardiac
disease.
Because basil does contain estragole which has been linked to cancer
many herbalists caution pregnant women or those who are breast feeding
to avoid its use. People with kidney or liver disorders may also want
to avoid basil as a supplement but used in limited quantities in its
role as a food seasoning, basil is considered completely safe.
BURNET
The Great Burnet plant (unlike the Lesser Burnet used most often in
salads) grows to 2-3 feet in height with sparse leaves and purplish
brown flowers. Good to treat both internal and external wounds (especially
bowel inflammation), burnet has an energizing and mood lifting effect.
It is an astringent with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties
and the root is a diuretic. When brewed into a beer, burnet is considered
to be a blood cleanser. The parts of the plant are dried for medicinal
use.
In some people burnet causes respiratory distress marked by tightness
in the chest or throat. Rashes and hives on the skin are also possible.
If any of these symptoms appear, discontinue using burnet immediately.
CHAMOMILE
for the stomach. When brewed into a tea, chamomile helps with stomach
cramps, indigestion, loose bowels, cold, fever, flu, insomnia, nervousness,
and menstrual cramps. It is often used with babies suffering from
teething pain or colic. When used externally as a paste, chamomile
treats skin rashes, burns, and infections and chamomile oil is effective
against eczema and neuralgia.
Side effects with chamomile are so rare as to almost be unheard of
although, as with any plant, it is possible to have an allergic sensitivity.
If you feel that chamomile is causing any ill effects simply discontinue
its use.
CHIVES
As a member of the onion family, chives herb possesses many of the
same medicinal qualities. Although onions would be a better choice
because of their size, chives are also effective in treating blood
pressure problems. The leaves, stalks, and flowers are all used and
can be a lovely substitute for garlic for those who cannot tolerate
the stronger plant.
The only side effect most people report when eating chives is indigestion.
Because the plant is a member of the onion family, albeit a mild one,
some people find chives to be too tangy for their stomachs. As with
any substance that upsets your digestion, stop eating chives if this
proves to be the case.
LEMON BALM
Lemon Balm has natural calming properties and will help to inhibit
the growth of viruses and bacteria. Starting out the day with a cup
of Lemon Balm tea has a soothing effect and can be especially good
for women suffering from pre-menstrual syndrome. (It is available
in powdered supplemental capsules as well.) Due to its antibacterial
properties Lemon Balm can also be used to clean scrapes and scratches
while in salve form it is excellent for insect stings.
Lemon balm has no reported toxicity or side effects although if used
in great quantities it can make you drowsy. Many herbal practitioners
do not feel it is appropriate for nursing mothers and pregnant women.
Continue to : Best Herbs You Should Know About
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