For years, people around the world have used a variety of natural herbal remedies to deal with the aches and pains of life. Many naturalists utilize herbs to fight common ailments, sustain good health, and even combat the effects of serious illness. Western medicine has developed at a break-neck pace, and many North American and European cultures have moved away from the benefits of natural medicine. However, coupled with the sound advice of a doctor, natural herbal remedies are often more beneficial than a bottle of pills. Those that use natural herbal remedies often report enjoying the same results of western medicine without any of the side effects. A great way to incorporate natural healing into your life is through the use of herbs.
Some of the most useful herbs for treating illness and boosting health are familiar plants seen in the produce section of the local market. Keep in mind that a licensed practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine can help you with specific medicinal cures. Some herbs are very potent and their application is better performed under the watchful eye of a professional. However, there are some simple natural remedies that can be created from herbs grown right in your backyard garden.
Garlic has been used for more than 5,000 years as a way to boost the immune system. The essential oils in garlic contain sulfur, and it works as a disinfectant, killing germs as it moves through the bloodstream and organs. Garlic helps to lower bad cholesterol and raise good cholesterol, as well as preventing blood clots from forming in the arteries. Both of these actions help the body avoid stroke and heart disease. Garlic is also a big help when you are feeling the early effects of a head cold. Mix one ounce of pressed garlic with honey and let it sit for one hour, allowing it to infuse into the honey. Take one to two teaspoons of the mixture every hour as needed. Unlike over the counter cold remedies, the natural effects of the garlic and honey are immediate. Garlic is very simple to grow in a home garden. Take a starter clove of garlic and bury it in the garden. With some water and sunshine it will sprout, and in no time, your kitchen will be filled with garlic.
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Dill, most commonly associated with pickled cucumbers, is a great herb for a wide variety of uses. It was so valuable in ancient civilizations that it was sometimes accepted as currency. The oils in dill seeds help to ease the symptoms associated with intestinal diseases such as stomach aches, flatulence, and heartburn. Dill seeds contain folic acid, beta-carotene, vitamin C, and potassium. They are also rich in iron and calcium, and provide a good deal of dietary fiber. A tea made from dill seeds helps to promote lactation in nursing mothers. The tea can also be sipped before bedtime to help ease the symptoms of insomnia. A word of caution about dill: you can overdo it. Excessive amounts can impede kidney functions, so if you are battling the ailments that dill treats, consult a doctor if they persist beyond a few days. Dill can be grown in the garden from seeds, and needs little care besides weeding and occasional watering. It is a hearty plant, so it is great for beginning herb gardeners.
If you are advancing as an herb gardener, and would like something more challenging, try saffron.
Saffron comes from the stigmas of the autumn grown crocus. It is a very popular spice in Spain, and some doctors even believe its liberal use in Spanish cooking is the reason for the low rate of heart disease in that country. Saffron is very expensive, and because of that, is not used as often for medicinal purposes. Its healing properties are valuable for treating illness, and can be used to combat the symptoms of gout by creating a salve with petroleum jelly. Simply mix the powder from the ground stigmas into the jar of jelly, and apply to the affected area.
Because saffron strengthens the heart and nervous system, it helps to alleviate fatigue and exhaustion. It also aids in digestion by increasing the production of gastric juices. It may be helpful to let the saffron threads sit in warm water for a bit before using them, because they are potent and may have a bitter taste straight from the plant. It is very important to use just a small amount because ingesting more than 1/3 of an ounce will not only taste terrible, it could be fatal.
These are just a few of the many plants that can be grown in a backyard garden and used for medicinal purposes as
natural herbal remedies. You should consult your doctor concerning any serious problems, or before self-diagnosing or treating an illness. Coupled with sound medical knowledge, herbs can be a simple and inexpensive way to ease the effects of common illnesses. Herbs usually require minimal care, and can often be grown in small pots on a window-ledge indoors. Some even produce lovely flowers, so in addition to their culinary and medicinal uses, they will add color and fragrance to your garden. Be sure to know when to harvest the herbs for use in the home, since many no longer have the same effects once they have flowered. For those looking for a gentle, natural way to treat their health, consider using herbs grown in your own garden.
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