Natural Remedies that are Herbal-Herbs to Use and Preparation

Effective herbal remedies can be prepared in your kitchen!   But, be careful of self-diagnosis.  If any unusual conditions persist, it is best to seek a qualified medical herbalist or medical health care provider.  While herbs are a natural, powerful, healing tool, they can be poisonous if taken in excess.

To obtain maximum benefit from herbs, it is most important to prepare them correctly!  Some methods of herbal preparation are listed below.

• Flowers mixed with their leaves and stalks make the best infusion
• Flowers, leaves and stalks together release their active ingredients easily
• Measure the required amount of herb into a warmed china teapot
• Pour boiling water over it
• Steep for ten minutes before straining
• Discard all infusions after a few hours

Making an infusion is similar to making herbal tea.

• Woody stems, roots, seeds, and bark are best for decoctions
• Chop or crush the herb to break down the active ingredients
• Put the required amount in a glass or stainless steel saucepan
• Cover with water
• Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for ten minutes
• Strain and use while still hot

• Tinctures are highly concentrated mixtures of liquor and herbs
• The ratio of herb to liquid by volume is 1:5
• Put the chopped or ground herb into a container with a lid 
• Cover with vodka
• Leave in a warm place for two weeks
• Shake mixture twice a day
• Strain through cheesecloth, squeezing well
• Store in a well-sealed dark bottle

• A compress enables the inflamed skin or wound to absorb the active ingredients
• For a compress use the liquid of an herbal infusion or herbal decoction
• Soak a clean cloth in the heated herbal liquid
• Apply compress to the affected area

• A poultice is a compress that contains solid (but soft or mushy) ingredients
• Wrap the herbs from a hot infusion or hot decoction in gauze
• Apply poultice to the inflamed skin or wound
• Place a hot water bottle over the top to maintain the heat within the compress

Herbal remedies can alleviate various common conditions!  Some conditions that can respond well to herbal healing are allergies, arthritis, digestive problems, headaches, high blood pressure, low blood pressure, insomnia, kidney and urinary infections, menopausal problems and skin diseases.  The following is a list of popular herbal treatments for common conditions:

Angelica –For colds, coughs, gas, respiratory infections, indigestion and loss of appetite

Arnica – For bruises and sprains

Balm of Gilead – For eczema, psoriasis, sore throats and laryngitis

Borage – For fever, inflammation, respiratory infections and stress

Chamomile – For anxiety, insomnia, flatulence, indigestion, inflammation, conjunctivitis and wounds

Dandelion – For gall bladder problems, water retention and jaundice

Fennel – For colic, indigestion and coughs

Garlic – For colds, adenoid problems, respiratory infections, bacterial infections and high blood pressure

Hyssop – For colds, coughs, sore throats, respiratory infections, loss of appetite, bruises and anxiety

Lavender – For nervous exhaustion, insomnia and headache

Lemon Balm – For indigestion, anxiety and depression

Marigold – For bruises, burns, wounds, skin inflammation, fungal infections and adenoid problems

Meadowsweet – For fever, nausea, digestive problems, constipation and urinary infections

Nettle – For constipation, water retention, bleeding, eczema and allergies

Oregano – For colds, coughs, sore throats, headache, muscular pain, bites, stings and wounds

Peppermint – For loss of appetite, nausea, colic, headache, menstrual problems and skin irritation

Rosemary – For headache, muscular pain and general debility

Sage – For laryngitis, inflammation, wounds, anxiety and depression

Thyme – For coughs, sore throat, laryngitis, respiratory infections and infection in wounds

Valerian – For anxiety and stress

Witch Hazel – For oily skin and acne

Yarrow – For menstrual problems

Yellow Dock – For skin problems

Before preparing herbal remedies, you might want to understand the history of herbal remedies and how the medical uses developed.  Understanding how to identify the unique signature of herbs will also assist you in herbal remedies uses and preparations.