Herbal Remedies for Promoting Good Health

Using Herbal Remedies is a very old practice that started thousands of years ago, where humans use plants as medicine. This may consist of leaves, flowers, berries, and roots of plants to prevent or cure illness, or treat injuries. For centuries, using herbal remedies was practiced until modern medicine was born.

Today, Herbal Remedies may also come in the form of capsules, extracts, lozenges, ointments and teas. Many common medicines actually contain some herbal ingredients. And many healing herbs can found right in your kitchen or pantry.

This may be due to:

• the rising cause of medicine and doctor bills.
  
• the increasing interest in a natural remedy which may treat the underlying cause, vs. taking a synthetic drug which may only treat the symptom.
• natural remedies being less toxic, and producing less side effects than synthetic drugs.

I’ve compiled a list of herbs and herbal remedies that I use to promote good health. You might be surprised to learn that you’ve been using some of these herbs and remedies already.

Aloe Vera Gel is great for sunburn. Aloe cools the skin and speeds up healing of minor burns. I usually keep a large bottle of the green gel handy, especially around summer time. You can find it any drug store or online.

Anise has a wonderful aroma and always reminded me of licorice. It has many health benefits, including relief of gas and upset stomach, and relief of nasal congestion. I once read that Romans used to eat cake with aniseed at the end of meals to prevent indigestion. Anise in the form of seeds or liquor is a favorite ingredient when making Italian pizzelles. Making pizzelles around Christmas time has been a tradition in my family for years.

Cinnamon powder is my favorite topping on pancakes and french toast. I use it as a topping merely because I love the taste, but it has many health benefits. It may lower cholesterol, help to relieve nausea and digestion. Smelling cinnamon may also boost cognitive memory. Around the holidays, I love the smell of cinnamon sticks which can be used for decorations around the house.

Basil contain flavonoids, which protect cells and chromosomes in the body against damage. Basil can also have anti-inflammatory effects, and contains nutrients like iron, calcium, and vitamin C. When cooking, I sprinkle basil on chicken, fish and pasta. I love the health benefits, but I love the flavor even more. My favorite way to eat basil is to buy a bunch of fresh basil, which has a wonderful scent, and chop it up with some diced tomatoes, a little garlic powder, a pinch of salt and extra virgin olive oil. Another one of our Italian family traditions is to make this delicious tomato salad and enjoy it with fresh, Italian bread.

Echinacea fights infection. This can be purchased in the vitamin aisle in most stores, and is helpful to take to prevent or lessen the effects of the common cold. It can boost the immune system by stimulating the production of white blood cells, which are the cells that fight disease.

Green Tea has a long list of health benefits, including lowering cholesterol, preventing diabetes and burning fat. Green tea has powerful antioxidants, and some believe that it is the key to good health and a longer life. I love tea, both green and black tea, and I buy the decaffeinated kinds. I love a good cup of hot tea on a cold winter night to keep warm and soothe the soul!

Parsley contains lots of vitamin C, and is a good source of manganese and calcium. Many of us use parsley as a garnish, or sprinkle it in our favorite dishes, never realizing the possible health effects. I like to add either fresh, chopped parsley, or dri dried parsley on fish and chicken, in soups, and when making homemade meat balls.

Poppy seeds have many health benefits including aiding in digestion, providing minerals to the body and enhancing enzymes in the body. My favorite type of bagels are poppy seed bagels. I eat at least 3 to 4 bagels a week. I know that might sound like a lot of carbs, but I balance it with fruit and alternate some days and have whole wheat toast. I enjoy going to the bagel shop and buying 1 to 2 dozen fresh, warm bagels, slicing them and freezing them so they stay fresh. Before freezing them, I make sure to toast a fresh one or just eat it warm and fresh, with some orange juice or green tea.

I hope you have found this article helpful. Remember that these are merely a few of the many herbs or herbal remedies available in stores today. Many are inexpensive, or may even be items you have on hand in your home.

I’d love to hear about which herbs and herbal remedies work best for you, so please leave me a comment and share your ideas.