medicinal uses of various herbs
Medicinal uses of herbs
ANGELICA
Can be used for colds, coughs, respiratory infections, flatulence, indigestion and loss of appetite
ARNICA
For bruises and sprains, but should not be used internally.
BALM OF GILEAD
Useful for eczema, psoriasis, sore throats and laryngitis.
BORAGE
Used for fever, inflammation, respiratory infections and stress.
CHAMOMILE
This is has antispasmodic properties and can be useful for digestive upsets such as indigestion, flatulence and gastointestinal spasms, as well as being useful for anxiety, insomnia, and inflammation. Chamomile tea can be bought in most supermarkets.
CRANBERRY
This is useful in the treatment of urinary tract infections. Cranberry juice can be bought in supermarkets and Cranberry supplements are also available.
DANDELION
The leaves can be used as a diuretic and the roots as a laxative.
EVENING PRIMROSE
Contains essential fatty acids, which can help with cardiovascular problems, menstrual irregularities and Pre Menstrual Syndrome. The oil can be bought in capsule form.
FENNEL
Useful for coughs, colic, indigestion and conjuctivitis.
FEVERFEW
Has pain relieving properties and is thought to be useful in the treatment of migraines, both in prevention and moderation of the pain.
GARLIC
Is thought to have antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and hypotensive (lowering blood pressure) properties and it also lowers cholestrol and fat in the blood stream. It has proved beneficial in cardiovascular problems and can also be useful for, colds, coughs, bacterial infections and acne. Garlic oil can be bought in capsules form which is odourless.
GINGER
Can be useful in digestive upset, nausea and motion sickness and can increase appetite.
LAVENDER
Has a lovely smell to it and can be used for nervous exhaustion, insomnia and headache.
LIQUORICE
Useful for the treatment of gastric ulcers, coughs and asthma. Liquorice is thought to stimulate adrenal glands so is used to treat fatigue due to adrenal exhaustion. There are theories that M.E. is caused by adrenal stress.
MEADOWSWEET
Used for fever, nausea, digestive problems, constipation, urinary problems and rheumatic pain.
OREGANO
Can be used for colds, coughs, sore throat, muscular pain, bites stings and wound healing.
PEPPERMINT
Has anti spasmodic properties and is used for calming the gastointestinal system in cases of indigestion and irritable bowel. It is also an appetite stimulant and can help headaches, menstrual problems and skin irritation. Peppermint can be bought in capsules form and also as tea.
ROSEMARY
Useful for headaches, muscular pain, neuralgia, general debility and digestive problems.
SENNA
Used as a laxative. For short-term use only as long term dependence can develop. Can be bought in tablet form.
ST JOHNS WORT
This is becoming commonly used in the treatment of depression, but it can react with other medication so must always be checked with your physician. St Johns Wort can be bought in tablet form. It is also thought to be beneficial for pain.
THYME
For coughs, colds, sore throats and infections.
ANGELICA
Can be used for colds, coughs, respiratory infections, flatulence, indigestion and loss of appetite
ARNICA
For bruises and sprains, but should not be used internally.
BALM OF GILEAD
Useful for eczema, psoriasis, sore throats and laryngitis.
BORAGE
Used for fever, inflammation, respiratory infections and stress.
CHAMOMILE
This is has antispasmodic properties and can be useful for digestive upsets such as indigestion, flatulence and gastointestinal spasms, as well as being useful for anxiety, insomnia, and inflammation. Chamomile tea can be bought in most supermarkets.
CRANBERRY
This is useful in the treatment of urinary tract infections. Cranberry juice can be bought in supermarkets and Cranberry supplements are also available.
DANDELION
The leaves can be used as a diuretic and the roots as a laxative.
EVENING PRIMROSE
Contains essential fatty acids, which can help with cardiovascular problems, menstrual irregularities and Pre Menstrual Syndrome. The oil can be bought in capsule form.
FENNEL
Useful for coughs, colic, indigestion and conjuctivitis.
FEVERFEW
Has pain relieving properties and is thought to be useful in the treatment of migraines, both in prevention and moderation of the pain.
GARLIC
Is thought to have antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and hypotensive (lowering blood pressure) properties and it also lowers cholestrol and fat in the blood stream. It has proved beneficial in cardiovascular problems and can also be useful for, colds, coughs, bacterial infections and acne. Garlic oil can be bought in capsules form which is odourless.
GINGER
Can be useful in digestive upset, nausea and motion sickness and can increase appetite.
LAVENDER
Has a lovely smell to it and can be used for nervous exhaustion, insomnia and headache.
LIQUORICE
Useful for the treatment of gastric ulcers, coughs and asthma. Liquorice is thought to stimulate adrenal glands so is used to treat fatigue due to adrenal exhaustion. There are theories that M.E. is caused by adrenal stress.
MEADOWSWEET
Used for fever, nausea, digestive problems, constipation, urinary problems and rheumatic pain.
OREGANO
Can be used for colds, coughs, sore throat, muscular pain, bites stings and wound healing.
PEPPERMINT
Has anti spasmodic properties and is used for calming the gastointestinal system in cases of indigestion and irritable bowel. It is also an appetite stimulant and can help headaches, menstrual problems and skin irritation. Peppermint can be bought in capsules form and also as tea.
ROSEMARY
Useful for headaches, muscular pain, neuralgia, general debility and digestive problems.
SENNA
Used as a laxative. For short-term use only as long term dependence can develop. Can be bought in tablet form.
ST JOHNS WORT
This is becoming commonly used in the treatment of depression, but it can react with other medication so must always be checked with your physician. St Johns Wort can be bought in tablet form. It is also thought to be beneficial for pain.
THYME
For coughs, colds, sore throats and infections.