herbs

herbal medicine

Herbal medicine has been used since the beginning of time. Plants still have the same healing powers they had thousands of years ago. The same plants have been used and documented for more than 5,000 years in the ancient cultures of the Greeks, Romans, Egyptians and Chinese. There is also historical documentation from Native American cultures and their use of healing herbs.

Herbalism is understanding how different herbs work with the body to restore balance and health. Herbs can also be used to boost immune function and promote health before any disease occurs. The use of herbal remedies continued for thousands of years, until the birth of modern medicine. New medical practices pushed aside the old.

synthesized herbal ingredients

Scientists discovered how to isolate the active ingredients in herbs and synthesize more potent, faster-acting medicines. The problem with this is that these “more potent” medicines can produce more powerful problems and side effects. With all the added chemicals, preservatives and synthetic formulations, the safety of the original herb is gone and the natural healing power of the herb is taken away.

herbal synergy

Herbalists believe in “herbal synergy”, which means that in order for the herb to be as safe and effective as possible, it is important to use the whole plant instead of extracting only the active ingredients. For instance, meadowsweet contains salicylic acid, which is the active ingredient in aspirin. While aspirin alone often causes issues in people who have sensitive stomachs, meadowsweet also contains tannin and mucilage, which work to protect the stomach from the salicylic acid.

herbalists

The herbalists of previous centuries knew virtually nothing of the chemical constituents of the herbs, or why they had certain properties, but they knew a little about disease and which herbs were good for certain ailments. This knowledge was not based on science, but perhaps through their own experience and intuition.

dried herbs

Dried herbs can be stored for long periods of time without losing their potency because they are in a state of sleep. When they are moistened they are re-awakened and you can benefit from their healing powers through brewing teas or using them in food. Dried herbs have unique healing properties not found in fresh plants, therefore, the art and science of using plants as medicines for health and healing also includes using dried herbs.

fresh herbs

The ancient Hebrews scattered fresh leaves, twigs, and stems of fresh mint, marjoram and other herbs on the floors of their homes and synagogues. By walking on these, the fragrant essential oils would be released into the air. This practice was also common in the temple (where they sacrificed animals) where the scent acted as a disinfectant, as well as an air freshener.

some of the ways herbs are used

• Decoctions are made by boiling barks, roots and berries to extract the active ingredients. The liquid is strained and can be taken either hot or cold.
• Tinctures are made by soaking herbs in water and alcohol to extract and preserve the active ingredients. The liquid is then stored in small bottles and taken with water.
• Infusions are made like teas. Boiling water is poured over the herb and is left to sit for about 10 minutes, creating a liquid to be taken as a hot drink or medicine.
• Infused Oils are made with chopped herbs and oil. The mixture is either placed in a bowl over boiling water, or left to infuse in the sunlight.
• Creams are made from herbs and either oil or fat. The mixture simmers for about three hours before it is strained and set in dark bottles.
• Ointments are also made from herbs combined with either oil or fat. The ointment is then heated quickly over boiling water before it is strained and set.
• Herbs can be used for flavoring in cooking.
• Essential oils are the distilled liquids of aromatic plants known and esteemed for their therapeutic qualities. The oil can be applied topically or diffused.

Tags: Essential Oils, Herbs