The Herbal Medicine Chest

Before attempting herbal remedies, please remember that herbs may have various effects on people and some herbs may cause certain adverse reactions when combined with medications. Always remember to contact your health care practitioner, your physician, or your allergist if you are experiencing any illness or discomfort and advise them which herbs you are using. It's also a good idea to discuss with them which herbs you may be planning on using.

The Medicine Chest By Symptom

Using medicinal herbs cab be both educational and fun, in addition to their "health-help" abilities. You can treat some minor conditions, but remember safety comes first. All you need to get started is a teapot and a couple of pots or sauce pans. Herbal tinctures can be purchased in a herbal store or you can make some with vodka.

• Anxiety: Try calmative herbs, such as Valerian root, Kava root, and Passion Flower herb, for both immediate and extended help in calming frazzled nerves through stressful times.
• Burns, Scalds, Sunburn: Break off an Aloe Vera leaf and generously apply the gel directly to the burn.
• Bruises: Apply Arnica cream or oil (only if the skin is unbroken).
• Coughs: Inhalant of Eucalyptus oil.
• Deoderant: Make your own antibacterial deodorizing spray: Add 1 ounce of Thyme tincture to 2 ounces of water and shake well. Then add 30 drops of essential oils (Rosemary, Lemon, Lavender or a blend) and shake again. Pour the mixture in a small spray bottle (makes 3 oz.). Never boil herbal preparations in aluminum pots.
• Diarrhea: Try this delicious recipe for combating diarrhea: Peel four apples and add the peels to one cup of water. Simmer the peels with 1 teaspoon of honey for 20 minutes or until sauce forms. Sprinkle with Cinnamon and serve. The natural pectin in the apples firms up the bowels.
• Herbal Baths Relaxant: Mix the following into your bath water: 2 drops Thyme oil, 2 drops Tea Tree oil, 4 drops Lemon oil, 1 drop Eucalyptus oil.
• Headaches: Equal parts of Lavender and Marjoram oils, used in an oil diffuser or gently rubbed into the temples.
• Insect Bites: Apply a dab of Lavender oil or Tea Tree oil directly to the bite.
• Motion Sickness: Chew crystallized Ginger.
• Nasal Congestion: To help with nasal congestion, add a few drops of the essential oil of Eucalyptus to a vaporizer and let it fill the room while you sleep.
• Nosebleeds: Apply Witch Hazel extract directly to the nasal passages.
• Rashes and Skin Irritations: Apply Tea Tree oil directly to all skin problems such as burns, scrapes, sunburn, acne, athletes foot, etc...
• Sprains: Apply Witch Hazel, Comfrey, or Arnica to a piece of gauze or cheesecloth to make a compress.
• Stomach Ailments, Nausea: Use 1 tablespoon freshly grated Ginger root per 1 cup water. Simmer, covered for 20 minutes.
• Teething: Rub a little Chamomile or St.John's Wort (in liquid form) on a baby's gums to ease the pain of teething.
• Toothache: Apply Clove oil directly to the tooth.

The Medicine Chest By Herb

• Aloe Vera Gel - Keep this burn-reliever on hand in either plant form or in a bottle of the pure gel, which is available in natural food stores. If you use the bottled gel, replace after one year.
• Arnica - rubbing a topical treatment of arnica on bruises and sprains will promote faster healing and reduce pain; Also stock up on the tiny arnica pellets used in homeopathy for the same purpose.
• Calendula - This anti-inflammatory and immune function activating herb treats scrapes, scratches, and minor cuts and burns. Look for it in a spray or salve formula that adds the soothing qualities of olive oil, aloe or Vitamin E.
• Charcoal Powder - In cases of diarrhea, you'll use this to carry toxins out of the digestive system and relieve gas and bloating.
• Echinacea - Take a few drops of this infection preventive in tincture form at the fist sign of cold, sore throat or flu. Avoid it, however, if you have sunflower allergies.
• Garlic Capsules - Used as vaginal suppositories, garlic capsules can help fight off yeast infections. The juice of this natural antibiotic helps treat minor skin irritations.
• Ginger - Use ginger teas or capsules to prevent nausea or motion sickness.
• Lavender - The essential oil of this aromatic plant promotes burn healing. When massaged into the affected area, it reduces the flow of nerve impulses, which helps soothe the area and lessen the pain.
• Nettles - Use capsules of freeze-dried extract of stinging nettle instead of antihistamines to alleviate minor hay fever symptoms.
• Peppermint - A natural stimulant, peppermint tea quells indigestion and relieves menstrual cramps. Used in capsule form, it can also help combat irritable bowel syndrome.
• Tea Tree Oil - This disinfectant for cuts and scratches can also be used as a mosquito repellent. It comes in handy in cases of athlete's foot and other fungal infections, too.
• Witch Hazel - this liquid comes from steeping branches of the witch hazel tree in water, then mixing the results with alcohol. Use it as an astringent for cuts and bruises, or to relieve sore muscles.

GUIDELINES

1. Always consult with your doctor(s).
2. Research the herbal remedy you're considering.
3. Use standardized products, if available.
4. Avoid herb combinations.
5. Pregnant, or considering pregnancy? Avoid medicinal herbs.
6. If taking daily medications be cautious.
7. Stop taking herbs prior to surgery.
8. Know the potential side effects of herbs.
9. If you don't need it, don't take it.

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DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT and to provide stern warnings against use where appropriate. No claims are made for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Some plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals. Some plants used for illness in the past have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied.