In the past, people relied on many different herbal medicines. Willowbark, for example, helped relieve headaches while iris root treated toothaches.
Use the following as a quick reference to some of the more common and beneficial medicinal herbs and their soothing and healing properties. Before using any herbal remedy, it is wise to take advice from a qualified practitioner or doctor.
Rosemary: Make an infusion from the leaves and flowers, and drink three times daily for stomach upsets. Use the infusion as a rinse after shampooing and conditioning hair.
Sage: Use crushed, fresh leaves as a preliminary antiseptic on minor wounds. An infusion of Sage leaves aids digestion and may also reduce perspiration.
Thyme: For cold, flu, and allergy relief, make an infusion from the leaves and stems, and drink three times daily.
To treat cold and flu symptoms, make an infusion from rosehips; drink one cup three times a day.
Passionflower tea can have a tranquilizing effect on the central nervous system.
Make a decoction from which hazel bark and use it in a compress for cuts, bruises, and insect bites.
Rosemary and Sage are wonderful medicinal herbs, treating a variety of ailments, from nausea to cuts.
To promote healing, apply the fresh gel from aloe leaves to scalds, sunburns, blisters, acne, and scrapes.
Make a compress from calendula flowers and apply to stings, bruises, scrapes, and burns.
A tea made from fresh coneflower [echinacea] roots treats respiratory infections. Drink up to three cups a day.
CALMING CHAMOMILE:
Like catmint, chamomile will relieve cramps, settle upset stomachs, and aid digestion. Make an infusion from flowers and drink three cups daily.
POTENT PEPPERMINT:
Peppermint is wonderful as a decongestant and for settling an upset stomach.
