Welcome To Herbs For Health, A three part series on the use of herbs.

Herbs have been used to treat what ails us for centuries -- they are nature's cleansers, healers, soothers, and antibiotics. Years ago, early pioneers learned (perhaps .. the hard way) that certain plants had medicinal qualities, as well as nutritional value.

From the beginning of time, residents in every section of the earth were making daily discoveries by watching what the animals ate, and what the animals avoided, so they too, could benefit form Nature's Bounty. Today, herbology is an art, and an acquired skill passed down through the ages.

Change comes slowly ... there is no "quick cure all" for what ails us. Herbal products treat our ailments gently, slowly --- think: the tortoise - slow and steady! Because, that is how herbals react in our system --- slow and steady.

In today's world we expect immediate gratification and that expectation in itself causes a lot of undue stress to our systems. Herbals can help us to calm down and relieve the stress of the daily grind.

Some herbs to consider and their uses are:

Aloe - treats the skin, burns and promotes healthy intestinal activity; useful for occasional constipation.

Balm - treats headaches, excessive gas, high blood pressure, asthma, bronchitis. Also an excellent natural antibiotic and stress reliever. Known to repel several types of bacteria including streptococci. Also known as Melissa Herb, Lemon Balm and Sweet Balm.

Basil - drinking the tea is soothing for ulcers and prevention of dental plaque when the tea is used as a mouth rinse.

Bilberry - increases blood circulation to the eyes, improves vision and successfully treats cataracts.

Cinnamon - powerful antiseptic, kills bacteria, fungi. Helpful in lowering blood sugar in Type II diabetes.

Black Cohosh - relieves PMS and menopausal symptoms

Cayenne - powerful pain reliever - active ingredient 'capsaicin'. Acts as a stimulant and has antiseptic properties.

Chamomile - good for digestion; a calmative because it slows down the central nervous system.

Cranberry - useful for urinary tract problems Dandelion - a helpful diuretic; young leaves and flower are used to make tea.

Dong Quai - the women's herb - relieves PMS symptoms and menopausal symptoms.

Echinacea - Wonderful for upper respiratory infections, colds and allergies.

Evening Primrose Oil - treats arthritis, rheumatism and alleviates anxiety. High content of GLA (Gamma Lineolic Acid) helps to reduce high cholesterol. Also helpful with symptoms of PMS and menopause.

Eyebright - Relieves inflamed eyes due to allergies and air pollutants.

Feverfew - prevents and treats migraine headaches.

Garlic - Wonder Herb! treats high cholesterol purifies the blood, lowers blood pressure powerful antibiotic, repels insect pests, slows tumor growth. Garlic will be featured in an article by itself in the future.

Ginger - Treatment of motion sickness and nausea. Helpful for sick stomach.

Ginkgo Biloba - enhances memory, strengthens blood vessels and capillaries; slows down dementia.

Ginseng - increases energy, strengthens immune system; anti-aging herb.

Goldenseal - reduces inflammation of ulcers, cleanses blood and liver; is used in the treatment of AIDS and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Useful for pink eye and eye irritations.

Kava - relieves anxiety and stress; helpful sleep aid Lavender - mild sedative when used as tea; aromatherapy agent - has calming effect.

Licorice - good for asthma, allergies, helps fight viruses and boost immunity. *Caution* for diabetics and those with high blood pressure - may cause increase in blood pressure. Use Deglycyrrhized licorice.

Milk Thistle - used to remove toxins from the system and protect the liver. Silymarin, the chemical substance isolated in milk thistle has shown to be very helpful with Hepatitis, particularly Hep C.

Nettle - Source of Vitamin C and Iron; helpful for anemia and in building red blood cells

Onion - Works like Garlic, but not as strong

Parsley - helpful diuretic when used as a tea; also counteracts the odor or garlic when taken together.

Passionflower - helpful with anxiety and tension. Used as a tea before retiring, helpful with insomnia.

Peppermint - treatment of headaches; treats irritable bowel. Peppermint oil applied to the temples and forehead will alleviate headache pain. Aids digestion and soothes indigestion.

Rosemary - good for upset stomachs and excessive gas.

Sage - eases sore throats and alleviates night sweats.

Saw Palmetto - treats prostate; antioxidant qualities

St. John's Wort - treats mild depression

Tea Tree Oil - antiseptic, topical antibiotic. Treats yeast infections and fungus infections. Excellent for oral care and mouth infections. Stops the itch of insect bites.

Thyme - helps loosen phlegm and lessen coughs

Valerian - calmative; relieves insomnia

Uva Ursi - astringent; diuretic. Useful for diabetics and those suffering from kidney problems. Cool tea applied with a compress will soothe hemorrhoid pain and reduce swelling.

These are just a few of the many herbs that are believed to be safe to use. Part Two will explain many ways to use herbs, and which herbs to avoid.

Remember --- herbal remedies DO work and CAN promote healing. The reason they work is because they are powerful remedies and should not be misused. Small dosages over long periods of time are the tried and true ways of herbs Enjoy herbs everyday - they are part and parcel of Nature's Bounty.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to treat or cure any dis-ease. It is highly recommended that before you begin a course of herbal self-treatment that you consult with your treating medical practitioner first.

Your comments are always welcome - just sent an email by clicking here

Next --- Herbs For Health, Part 2

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