Each week I write articles for Rescu. covering all aspects of wellbeing, yet herbal medicine is the common thread between them. My love for plant-based therapies is no secret, and instead of addressing one specific topic today, I thought I’d share the ‘why’ behind my herbal passion. I want to encourage you to consider the power of herbs for home, health & healing (or, to seek recommendations from a trained Herbalist or Naturopath on how to do so).
Naturopaths employ a range of modalities for client support; food as medicine, meditation, specific supplementation and lifestyle measures. Yet herbal medicine undoubtedly carries the most history & tradition.
Long considered ‘at odds’ with conventional medicine, it is becoming increasingly mainstream with advances in clinical research for the treatment and prevention of disease.
After all, many pharmaceuticals currently available to physicians are derived from plants, for example White willow (Salix alba). The bark of the willow tree contains large amounts of salicylic acid, which is the active metabolite of Aspirin.
But we can go back even further. In Ancient Times, early Sumerians created clay tablets with lists of hundreds of medicinal plants such as Myrrh and Opium. Ancient Egyptians wrote the Ebers Papyrus, the oldest and most important medical papers, containing information on over 850 plant medicines including Garlic and Juniper. Similar recordings have been found in China, India, Middle East, Italy and Greece.
How are herbs administered?
Herbs may be given in the form of teas, tinctures, tablets, ointments or salves, steam inhalations, poultices, baths or in food. Parts of the herb used include the whole plant, flowers, leaves, roots, berries, fruit, pods and seeds. And their actions are exceptional, ranging from antiseptics, anti-inflammatories, adrenal restoratives, cardio tonics, vasodilators, nutritives and hormonal balancers. Indicated for many conditions, herbs can help support immune deficiency, low energy, cough, sore throat, bloating and wind, poor digestion, irregular bowel movements, constipation or diarrhoea, stress, poor sleep, nervousness/anxiety, post operative, chronic illness, fertility, hormonal irregularity, PMS, detoxifying after the pill and cleansing.
Simple herbal remedies
Create an herbal tea or infusion by steeping lighter parts of the herb (leaves, flowers, stems) in boiling water. You may recognise these familiar remedies in tea form: peppermint, chamomile, green tea or lemongrass.
Alternatively, an herbal decoction is made by boiling the tougher parts such as roots or bark, for longer periods of time. An example is a blend of Chai spices such as cinnamon bark, cardamom pods, clove buds and ginger root.
If not making your own, you can buy good quality herbal teas from health food stores, supermarkets and fine food shops. Choose organic to ensure you’re not exposing yourself to irradiated produce – a process of sterilisation using radiation that non-organic produce undergoes upon entering the country.
Herbs that pack a punch – herbal tinctures
Herbal tinctures are herbs or spices macerated and steeped, then drained and pressed. They are not only stronger in taste but also potency, with concentrated constituents extracted for maximum therapeutic effect.
NB: Herbal tinctures are only available with a prescription from your Naturopath or Herbalist. A qualified practitioner will ensure your medication, supplements or disease state does not interact with the herbs. When an herbalist prescribes herbal medicine they consider one’s constitution: age, allergies, sensitiveness, robustness, size, temperature, current status of health and personality. Always remember to tell your practitioner if you’re pregnant or breast-feeding.
Don’t fancy the taste? Try a tablet.
Herbal tablets are finely ground, dried parts compressed to form a tablet. Sometimes herbs are mixed with gelatine or gums to create a chewable lozenge for a sore throat. A commonly used herb for this preparation is Echinacea.
Other herbal uses and preparations
Herbal ointments or salves are applied to the skin. Arnica, Thuja, Calendula, Comfrey or Witchhazel are typical remedies that can be purchased over the counter.
Steam inhalations are used to treat the upper respiratory tract, nose and sinuses. Herbs such as Peppermint, Rosemary, Thyme and Sage can be placed in a bowl of hot water to draw out the active constituents. Lean over the steam with your eyes closed and inhale. Placing a towel over your head and bowl will create a cocoon of steam.
Poultices are used over the skin to treat an aching, inflamed, or painful part of the body. They can also be used for wounds & cuts. A simple poultice can be made by infusing calendula flowers in a pot of hot water for 5 minutes, pouring over a muslin cloth in a sink, rolling the cloth (including flowers), ringing out the water and placing over a wound.
For cosmetic purposes, we employ many every day herbs and spices for external and internal nourishment. Organic Chamomile, Calendula, Lavender and Rose petals make a relaxing and cleansing bath or foot soak. You can also mix Lavender flowers into a clay mask or scrub for antiseptic properties and exfoliation.
Eat your herbs!
Some meals simply aren’t complete without the addition of delicious herbal flavours; think Lamb & Rosemary, Pork & Fennel, Mint & Watermelon. But beyond palatability, fresh (or dried) herbs impart significant therapeutic benefits. Try the following to not only enhance taste, but also the medicinal value of a dish:
Rosemary has a woody scent that works extremely well in any lamb dish or liver pate. Therapeutically, it has antimicrobial, analgesic (pain-relieving), antioxidant and antispasmodic properties and stimulates detoxification. It can be made into a tea to increase mental concentration, calm constrictive headaches, anxiety, colic and wind. It is also wonderful for memory – which is why rosemary is worn on Remembrance Day.
Basil adds a warm and sweet flavour to tomato dishes. It blends particularly well with oregano and marjoram. Therapeutically, the natural essential oils give this herb anti-infective and anti-inflammatory properties.
Bay leaves give a sweet, balsamic and spicy flavour to roasts, curries and soups. One or two leaves is all you need in a dish. Therapeutically, bay leaves soothe the tummy.
As you can see, my love of all things herbal is well justified. Their dynamic applications, ranging from the delicious & culinary to the potent & bitter ensure that however you take them, they are sure to inspire, heal & delight.
For more on Anthia, check out her website at www.ovvioorganics.com.au
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