Healing with herbal medicine 1

Herbal medicine is the most ancient form of healthcare in the world. The use of plants or plant parts to treat illness and restore health is a part of human history around the globe. Herbal medicine in its modern manifestations, though, is more than just the medicinal use of plants. Herbal medicine is also in a sense a holistic medicine as it focuses on treating the individual as a whole, rather than just their symptoms, by stimulating the body’s natural healing powers.

The World Health Organization estimates that, today, more than 75 percent of the world’s population uses herbal medicine as primary healthcare. Even beyond this, almost a quarter of all modern prescription drugs, including aspirin, are derived from plant sources.

In the Western world there has also been a surge in popularity in the use of herbal medicine. Here’s how you can harness the power of herbal medicine.

Preparing herbal medicine
The healing properties of herbs can be used in a variety of ways. Different herbs have a range of different properties which can produce beneficial results when prepared in various ways. Herbal medicine can be prepared in many different ways such as in compresses, decoctions, extracts, infusions, healing oils, tinctures, ointments/creams or poultice.

Herbal medicine and healing
Below are a list and description of herbal medicines known for their healing properties.

Aloe vera
The clear gel inside aloe leaves can promote new skin growth, soften skin and heal minor cuts and burns, including sunburn, while preventing infection. This herbal medicine can also be taken in a drink, usually mixed with water, citric acid, fruit juices and preservatives, to soothe the digestive system, protect against ulcers and ease constipation and arthritis.

Black cohosh
As a herbal medicine, black cohosh has been used to treat women’s conditions. This herb contains phytoestrogen-like chemicals that can ease menopausal symptoms, premenstrual anxiety, mood swings and menstrual pain. It’s also used to ease arthritic and rheumatic pain from inflammation.

Chamomile
Chamomile has been used for centuries as a herbal medicine to treat gastrointestinal complaints. Commonly served as a tea after meals to relieve indigestion, the plant’s fresh or dried flowers are also used on the skin, mouth and gums to ease bacterial infections.

Dandelion
Dandelion has been used to remedy liver, gallbladder and kidney problems. It has also been considered a blood purifier and used to treat eczema and cancer. 

Echinacea
At least three distinct species of echinacea are used in modern herbal medicine, and different parts of the plant are used, depending on the species. As well as fighting colds, echinacea can be applied as a poultice to wounds and burns to ward off infection and stimulate healing.

Feverfew
This herbal medicine can be used for fevers, anaemia, spasms and dyspepsia. The leaves and aerial parts of this plant are used today to reduce the severity and frequency of headaches, particularly migraine. A pain-relieving anti-rheumatic, this feathery-leafed plant can be taken in tablet or tincture form, or by chewing on fresh leaves or making them into a tea.

Garlic
Garlic has been used to treat respiratory problems, poor digestion and low energy. This herbal medicine also lowers bad (LDL) cholesterol levels. The bulbs of this herb are also used to treat sinusitis, chest infections, acne and digestive infections.

Ginger
Studies show that the high levels of ginger oil contained in the plant’s bulbs can ease nausea, boost the immune system’s ability to fight infection, relieve headaches and help prevent blood clots that trigger heart attacks and strokes.