Easy Homemade Herbal Remedies and More

Let me tell you first that herbal remedies are good for those people who fear that their physicians are over medicating them or who have adverse reactions to the medicines. In fact, there is an old tradition world wide of using herbs to ease symptoms and cure ailments. Though many doctors trained at medical schools in the United States remain skeptical, the use of herb is becoming increasingly common in this country. People are using herbal remedies to cure Flu, cold, cough, motion sickness, relief in gas pains, congestion and as a digestive aid, diuretic and beyond. You should always consult an experienced herbalist for the appropriate selection and dosage. Like drugs, herbs can produce side effects too. For example herbal teas may contain chemicals that cause rapid heartbeat and double vision in some people. It is possible to grow and dry your own herbs but use extra caution, if you have wild herbs. Many plants look alike and what you think is beneficial herbs may turn out to be a deadly poison.

The following are safe and easy homemade herbal recipes that can be made with ingredients you may already have in your kitchen pantry.

Ginger:- Recommended, remedies for cold, remedies for flu, relief of gas pains and motion sickness. Recent research supports its use for motion sickness.

1 oz. of grated ginger root

1 pt of water

Mix one ounce of of grated ginger root per pint of boiled water. Drink as much as you wish.

Eucalyptus:- Recommended to clear the nose and bronchial tubes.

2 oz. eucalyptus leaves

1 qt. water

Boil fresh eucalyptus leaves in water then inhale the steam with a towel over the head.

Peppermint:- Recommended for coughs, colds, flu, congestion and as a digestive aid. Peppermint is an FDA approved cold, cough and congestion medicines. Research also supports its use as a digestive aid.

½ oz. peppermint leaves

1 pt. water

Mix ½ ounce of peppermint per pint of boiled water. Step 5 to 20 minutes. Drink as much as you wish.

Garlic:- Recommended for cold, flu, cough and bacterial infections and as a diuretic. This herb contains a chemical that act as an antibiotic.

8 oz. minced fresh garlic

Place peeled minced garlic cloves in a jar. Cover with olive oil and let stand for three days, shaking occasionally. Strain and store in a cool place. Take one teaspoon hourly for symptoms.

Other herbal products and their suggested uses include elecampane for asthma and bronchitis, catnip for insomnia and menstrual pain, chamomile as a mild sedative, wintergreen for temporary pain relief,

Echinacea to fight infections, witch hazel for skin problems; marshmallow to sooth skin abrasions, cascara sagrada for constipation and dandelion as a laxative, diuretic and appetite stimulate. Be wary of herbal remedies promising to boost your immune system. Such products may not be what your system needs at the time to work more effectively.

Always choose the most reliable sources. Among the best are the products whose labels describe the active ingredient in the herb and tell you how much of it each dose contains. Many natural herbs contain active ingredients similar to those in conventional medicines and should be approached with same care. For example herbalists often recommend white willow which contains salicylate, the active ingredient in aspirin. Do not give white willow to anyone under the age of 18 who has the flu or other viral infection because of the risk of Reye’s syndrome. Take only the recommended amount of the herb and no more. Tell your doctor what herb or herbs you are taking so that your doctor can help monitor its effectiveness.

Make your own recovery the first priority in your life.
- Robin Norwood