Herbal Medicine

Herbal medicine is the oldest and most popular form of healing in the world but it continues to defy our conventional understanding of medicine. It has no inventor, no country or culture owns it,  and it has no known starting point in history. This sets it apart from all other forms of medicine or healing. It is also a universal medicine. There is no recorded civilization or culture, across the world or through history, that has not used plants for medicine. 80% of the world's population still rely on plant medicines. There is even evidence that our prehistoric human ancestors used plant medicine and that wild animals still do. Plants are as natural as water, breathing or sunrises. They lay good claim to being the only natural medicine and are as useful today as they ever were.


The simplest definition is " the use of plant material as medicine". For many people, this includes using whole plants, making simple extracts like teas, and the extraction and purification of single ingredients of plants to make modern pharmaceutical drugs like digoxin or morphine. Other people exclude the extraction of single ingredients because, they argue, the natural mixture of chemicals in plants is what makes them so effective and safe..   This simplistic definition is inadequate. Throughout history and particularly in modern herbal medicine, how the plants were used has been essential to the practice of herbal medicine. The herbs have been used within distinct systems of medicine. Each system is identified by its own philosophy of health, a theory of disease causation, and a clear logic and method in using the herbs as treatment.

In contrast with the system of homoeopathy, for example, which was defined precisely by its inventor, there are several different systems of herbal medicine in use today. Throughout history there has been many more. Any attempt to identify herbal medicine with a single system is therefore not only inappropriate, but might deprive us of valuable insight into the mysteries of healing with plants.. All of the history of herbal medicine contributes to present knowledge. It was Hippocrates who described medicine as more of an art than a science, and any art is best appreciated by reflection, not definition.


The filtering of herbal medicine through thousands of years of practice in different countries and cultures has produced many different approaches and philosophies. Far from being conflicting approaches they are, like different literary traditions, products of the intellectual and physical resources of the time and often astound by their creativity. Many ancients beliefs about both healing and herbs have been shown to be correct by modern science. Before describing modern herbal medicine, it is helpful to reflect on how the history and universality of herbal medicines have influenced current practice.

Hot compresses promote relaxation while soothing aching muscle and stiff joints. Since the motions are very gentle, it can be more appropriate for parts of the body that are too tender or sore for hand massage. it also represents a great alternative to accupressure, since it stimulates the same points of the body. Likewise, it will leave you intensively relaxed and energized. Herbal Ball Massage is known for its healing properties: it improves blood circulation and stimulates the internal organs. While the heat dilates blood vessels, it increases the blood and oxygen circulation in the body and improves the efficiency of the different organs. Herbs used in the compress will also have different and specific benefits: ginger is used to treat digestive disorders and allergies, lemongrass and kaffir lime boost the immune system, jasmine has antispasmodic and anti-depressive effects, turmeric is an anti-bacterial that will heal skin infection or lesion...

Protect yourself against flu or the common cold by using herbal remedies to optimize your immune system. Returning to college or an office enviroment after long summer holidays can bring you into contact with a wealth of viruses. As soon as the central heating is switched on and the windows shut, colds and sniffles start to spread. Protect yourself and enhance your immunity with some antiviral herbal teas.

Thyme, Sage and Rosemary are particulary good because they are all powerful antiseptics and help to increase the body's immunity to infection. Sage is an expectorant and astringent for colds and sore throats. Rosemary is stimulating and warming.

Making Your Herbal Teas
Fresh or dried herbs may be used.
1. Place 1-2 teaspoons of chopped sage, thyme or rosemary in a small teapot.
2. Pour in hot water and allow to infuse for 5-10 minutes.
3. Strain into a teacup. Sweeten with honey if desired.

Add lemon and eucalyptus to your herbal remedy to enhance its restorative and healing qualities.

Garlic is a fantastic natural remedy for times when your immune system could do with a boost. Its potent microbiological activity is also useful for treating sore throats and coughs. Adding honey helps to benefit the immune system.

Making Your Syrup
1 Collect the following ingredients
* 5 tablespoons of Organic Honey
* 1 whole bulb of Garlic

2. Peel the garlic cloves and mash using a pestle and mortar, or with a garlic press. Then add parsley - a great source of vitamin C.
3. Add the honey and mix in a bowl
4. Cover and allow to infuse for at least 24 hours.

Herbaceous, citrus and sharp, fresh aromas such as Mint and Pine will all help to clear a stuffy head. For a natural alternative to decongestant capsules, inhale the vapours of this synergistic blend of dried garden herbs to help clear your nose and throat. Chamomile will reduce catarrh, while the peppermint will provide refreshing relief from fever and headaches. Thyme can be added for its anti-microbial activity.

Making Your Inhalation
This healing herbal inhalation can be made from dried or fresh plants or oils.

1. Collect the following ingredients:
* 10g chamomile flowers
* 10g dried peppermint leaves
* 10g dried thyme leaves
* 1 litre steaming hot water

2. Place the herbs in a basin
3. Add boiling water from a kettle.
4. Cover your head with a towel and inhale for 5 minutes.

Mix essential oils of any of the plants in your list of ingredients with 10ml of carrier oil and dab under your nose before bedtime for all-night benefits.

Rosehip Syrup is rich in vitamin C and will help fortify your immune system agasint infection. Walk the autumn hedgerows and harvest the vibrant, scarlet hips of wild roses. Rosehip sysrup is simple to prepare, delicious and packed with Vitamin C, protecting you from colds. It is especially good for children.

Making Your Syrup

1. Prepare an infusion from the rosehips by boiling in water for 15 minutes.
2. Strain and reserve 500ml of the infusion and then add 500ml of honey.
3. Gently heat for a few minutes to dissolve the honey.
4. When cool, decant into steralised dark glass bottles and cork.

Take a tablespoon 2-3 times a day. The tannins in the hips are mildly diuretic and help to calm stomach upsets.

To increase the vitamin C content of your syrup, add Blackberry juice to it.

Banish your blues with a remedy that will keep you fresh and invigorated during Autumn. You can take St John's Wort tincture daily to protect yourself from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), but consult your Doctor first. This herb can affect the effectiveness of conventional medicine.

Making Your Pick Me Up
1. Place 250g of freshly chopped St John's Wort leaves and/or flowers in a stoneware or glass basin.
2. Add a litre of high-proof vodka and liquidise with a blender.
3. Pour into glass preserving jars and stir each day for 2-3 days.
4. Strain, using a muslin bag, and dilute the alcohol with 200ml spring water.
5. Decant into sealable dark glass bottles and store in a cool area.

For rapid relief from sore throats, gargle with this medicinal herbal infusion. Sore throats are a common and painful symtom of winter viral infections. Gargling with antiseptic herbs is an effective way of tackling these infections.

You will need:
10g Dried Purple Sage
10g Dried Rosemary
5g Dried Lady's Mantle
350ml Water

Method:
1. Measure the Purple Sage, Lady's Mantle and Rosemary and place them in a teapot.
2. Add boiling water. Allow herbs to steep for 15 minutes.
3. Strain the mixture, reserving the liquid. Allow to cool before use. It can be stored in a sealed jug in the fridge for up to a week.
4. Gargle from a full wineglass every 2-3 hours. If your sysmtoms persist for more than a week, consult your doctor.

NOTE: AVOID USING SAGE AND LADY'S MANTEL IF PREGNANT.

Sage and Rosemary are rich in antiseptic plant oils that have potent healing abilities.
The Lady's Mantle in your herbal gargle will help soothe inflamed tissue due to its powerful astringent action.

Fresh herbs can be substituted for dry. Simply double the quantity if using fresh.

Create a soothing syrup for winter coughs and colds by blending healing herbs with the natural goodness of honey. Winter colds are unavoidable, but a wholesome syrup of Honey and herbs will restore good health. Mediterranean herbs retain their medicinal properties when dried. Lok for unblended honey from specific plants. Red Clover Honey is believed to be a useful strengthening tonic. Honey is a natural antiseptic, useful also for coating ability, which keeps the herbs in contact with the infalmed respitory tract.

To ease a tight chest, use Thyme; For a feverish chill, try Sage: To combat lethargy, add rosemary.
Blend or use individually.

You will need:
450g Honey
20g Dried herbs (for example, rosemary, sage and thyme)
1L Water

Method:
1. Pour 1 Litre of water into a heavy bottomed saucepan. Bring to the boil and add 20g of dried herbs.
2. Cover with a tightly fitting lid and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
3. Strain the liquid through a fine sieve or muslin. Reserve liquid.
4. Simmer the liquid, uncovered, for a further 15-20 minutes.
5. Add 450g of Honey, stirring on a low heat until it has dissolved.

One or two tablespoons of your herbal syrup, taken morning, noon and night, will ease a sore throat and calm a chesty, troublesome cough.

Vitamin Boosting Smoothie

Start your day with this nutritious, tasty smoothie, packed with goodness and energy. Smoothies are a great way to meet your daily requirements of fruit. Make sure you drink it fresh as Vitamin C deteriorates quickly. Banana are an excellent source of energy, minerals and soluble fibre. Cranberries are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants and Bio yoghurt boosts your body's *friendly* bacteria.

Making Your Smoothie

You will need:
1 Banana, Sliced
100g Plain Natural Bio Yoghurt
100ml semi skimmed milk
50g Frozen Cranberries

Placed all your ingredients except the cranberries, into a blender and whisk together for 20 seconds. Serve in a tall glass placing the cranberries on top.

A tasty home-made fruit smoothie is an excellent and tasty way to boost your vitamin intake and therfore strengthen your immune system.

Detox Massage
A vigorous massage with detoxing oils will help to re-energise your body and mind. Massage helps to stimulate the lymphatic system, helping to clear toxins from the underlying muscle tissues.

Making Your Blend
1 Blend the esssential oils in the sweet almond carrier oil and store in small, dark glass bottle.

4 drops of Grapefruit Oil
3 drops of Lemon Oil
3 drops of Juniper Oil
20ml Sweet Almond Oil.

2. Alternatively, add 2-3 drops of grapefruit or lemon oil to a dry skin brush. Brush the body regulary to boost the circulation and lymphatic system.

Lemons fragrance is an antiseptic and uplifting citrus scent. It is an invigorating massage oil.
Juniper oil has a slight warming effect on the skin that can help to flush out toxins.

Nettle Detox Soup

The green leaves of many plants have detoxing and cleansing properties that can help to clear out a sluggish system. Wearing rubber gloves, pick the nettle tops. Take only the top fresh leaves of new plants (between Febuary and April). Wash the nettles, discarding the fibrous stems.

Nettles will lose their sting when coooked - although obviously avoid stinging nettles if you can!

Ingredients:
1 Large Onion
Large bowl of Nettle Tops
500g Diced Potatoes
1L Vegetable Stock or Water
1 Bunch of Fresh Parsley, Chopped
1 tbsp Vegetable Oil

Method:
1. In a large saucepan, saute the onion in the oil for 5 minutes
2. Add the Potatoes and saute for a further 2-3 minutes
3. Add the nettles, chopped Parsley and vegetable stock
4. Bring to the boil and simmer for 20 minutes
5. Liquidise the soup, season to taste and swirl in cream if desired.
6. Enjoy with crusty wholemeal or wholegrain bread

This soup is packed with vitamins and miinerals. Nettles stimulate the liver and kidneyts, cleansing the body of winter toxins.

This salad stimulates the liver and adrenal glands. Rich in vitamins and minerals, it is an ideal spring tonic to kick start a sluggish digestive system and help your liver to detox your body.

Ingredients:
Coriander Leaves
Cress
Salad Rocket
Alfalfa Sprouts
Dandelion Leaves

Making Your Salad
Roughly chop the leaves and combine with the alfalfa sprouts in a large bowl.
Toss in a light dressing of a little olive oil, black pepper, sea salt and lemon juice.

Always use fresh, organic ingredients and wash well before use. Pick from your garden or a secluded field. Avoid using plants near polluted roads or dog walking areas.

Chicory can protect the liver and Dandelion has known diuretic properties. Cress is rich in Vitamins A, B1, B2, C and E as well as minerals including Iron. It has been valued as a healing plant since the time of the Ancient Greeks.

For effective first-aid treatment against insect bites and stings, apply this aromatherapy marigold salve.  Insect bites and stings can take the enjoyment out of holiday picnics and BBQ's.  Pack your handy marigold salve into your day bag for fitst aid use.  Marigold has a long tradition of medicianl use.  It is soothing, antiseptic and antiinflammatory.  This versatile slave is good for cuts and grazs too and your salve will also reduce the chance of bites becoming infected. 

You will need
30g Fresh Marigold Petals
30g Petroleum Jelly
5 Drops Tea Tree Essential Oil

Method
1. Melt the petroleum jelly in a saucepan over a low heat.
2. Add the freshly collected marigold petals.  Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring continously.
3. Allow the mixture to cool slightly.
4. Stir in the tea tree oil and pour into sterilised screw-top jars.

Your salve will be effective agasint wasp and bee stings, mosquito, gnat and horsefly bites, as well as jellyfish stings.