Using Herbs

From earliest of times, herbs have been used as medicines, flavourings, colourings. Herbal medicine has developed by intuition and experimentation. Following doctrine of signatures, wise medicine women and men over centuries, have been able to develop knowledge we now have which allows us to use herbs safely. The doctrine of signatures is simple and is helped along with intuition.

An herb may look a certain way; have a certain colour or taste. This leads to knowledge of what herb can be used for. For example, ginseng can look like a man, it is found to be an all over tonic for men. Pennywort looks like an ear, and is excellent for soothing ear aches. Herbs with a yellow colouring, eg Dandelion, are perfect for liver, as are bitter tasting herbs.

Modern medicine has followed wisdom and knowledge of ancient ways and extracted healing properties from herbs. The use of herbs in our modern society is just as popular as it has always been.

Herbs can be used in a variety of ways. We use them just for enjoyment of their taste in cooking and in herbal teas. It is interesting to note that herbs we use in cooking, generally, have a role in helping digestion. Herbs such as basil, oregano and thyme can all ease digestive process. Garlic and ginger, used often in our cooking are very beneficial to our health. Both these herbs have many different medicinal qualities about them.

Garlic boosts our immune system, helps to keep arteries clear and is good for any heart condition. Ginger warms us, by improving circulation, eases nausea and is great for those suffering with arthritic aches and pains.

Peppermint is another great one we are all familiar with. There is a reason for those after dinner mints! It helps to ease digestion and relieve after dinner indigestion.

Herbal teas are really popular. Whether you drink them just for taste or for medicinal purposes, there is one or a combination of herbs that will suit everyone.

Making an herbal infusion (tea) is simple; even in you don't have teabags.

To make herbal infusions or teas, place desired amount of dried herb (usually 1-2 teaspoons) in a warmed teapot and cover with boiling water. Allow tea to infuse for about 10 minutes. A tea infuser can be used in place of a teapot or bag, to make just a cup, or for convenience of taking it with you when you are out. You may like to mix your herbs to make your own special brew.

These organic nutrients are normal sourced through our intake of fresh fruit and vegetables. Due to following factors, it is not always possible to get our recommended daily allowance (RDA) of vitamins:

1) Poor soil quality 2) Modern processing methods 3) Popularity of 'Junk' foods As an alternative to getting your RDA through diet, many people now take vitamin supplements.

The following list of vitamins are known to be especially beneficial to arthritis sufferers:

Vitamin B5 – When grouped and tanked together, B vitamins work at their peak. They, and B5 specifically, are good for reducing swelling.

Vitamin B3 – This vitamin reduces tissue swelling and dilates small arteries, increasing blood flow. Note that Vitamin B3 is NOT advised for persons with high blood pressure, gout or sliver disorders.

Vitamin B6 – Another B that reduces tissue swelling.