HOMEMADEHERBALMEDICINE

YourEssentialGuidetoHerbs&DIYRemediesforHealth&Healing

CarmenReeves

‘Aconsciousapproachtohealth&wellness’carmabooks.com

Copyright©2015CarmaBooks

Allrightsreserved.Nopartofthispublicationmaybereproduced,distributed,ortransmittedinanyformorbyanymeans,includingphotocopying,recording,orotherelectronicormechanicalmethods,withoutthepriorwrittenpermissionofthepublisher.

Disclaimer

Thisbookprovidesgeneralinformationandextensiveresearchregardinghealthandrelatedsubjects.Theinformationprovidedinthisbook,andinanylinkedmaterialsisforinformationalpurposesonly,andisnotintendedtobeconstruedasmedicaladvice.Speakwithyourphysicianorotherhealthcareprofessionalbeforetakinganynutritionalorherbalsupplements.Thereareno‘typical’resultsfromtheinformationprovided-asindividualsdiffer,theresultswilldiffer.Beforeconsideringanyguidancefromthisbook,pleaseensureyoudonothaveanyunderlyinghealthconditionswhichmayinterferewiththesuggestedhealingmethods.Ifthereaderoranyotherpersonhasamedicalconcernorpre-existingcondition,heorsheshouldconsultwithanappropriatelylicensedphysicianorhealthcareprofessional.Neverdisregardprofessionalmedicaladviceordelayinseekingitbecauseofsomethingyouhavereadinthisbookorinanylinkedmaterials.Thereaderassumestheriskandfullresponsibilityforallactions,andtheauthororpublisherwillnotbeheldliableforanylossordamagethatmayresultfromtheinformationpresentedinthispublication.

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CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

WhatisHerbalMedicine?

Herbalism:ATradition,andaHistory

MyOwnHerbalJourney

WhatItMeanstoUseHerbalMedicine

CHAPTER1–UsingMedicinalPlants

HarvestingHerbs

DryingHerbs

StoringHerbs

HerbalPreparations

Teas,Infusions,TisanesandCompresses

OilsandSalves

TincturesandVinegars

PurchasingYourHerbs

BuyingEssentialOils

BuyingHerbalSupplements

CreamsandOintments

CHAPTER2–TheTop5EssentialHerbsandtheirUses

Ginger

Garlic

Comfrey

LemonBalm

Ashwagandha

CHAPTER3–25OtherMust-HaveHerbalAllies

Alfalfa

AloeVera

Arnica

BlackHaw

BlackCohosh

Boneset

Cayenne

Cinnamon

Echinacea

Elder

Eucalyptus

EveningPrimrose

Goldenseal

MilkThistle

Mint(SpearmintorPeppermint)

Motherwort

Nettles

Plantain

Rosemary

Reishi

St.John’sWort

TeaTree

Thyme

Turmeric

Valerian

CHAPTER4–MostCommonMaladiesandtheirHerbalPreventives

NervousConditions:

Headaches

StressandAnxiety

Depression

Sleep

Infections:

WoundsandCuts

PinkEye

EarAcheandInfection

Coughs,ColdsandFlu

FungalInfections

Immunity:

Allergies

Fevers

EnergyandLongevity

DigestiveIssues:

StomachAchesandCramps

Nausea

Constipation

Diarrhea

AchesandPains:

Arthritis

PainRelief

Toothache

SoreThroat

SkinConditions:

Acne

Rash

Eczema,DrySkin,andItchRelief

Warts

ChappedLips

BurnsandSunburn

BugBites

BodyOdor

ReproductiveorUrinaryMaladies:

MenstrualPain

U.T.I.’s

CONCLUSION

AWORDFROMTHEPUBLISHER

INTRODUCTION

Asasmalltokenofappreciationtoyouforpurchasingthisbook,Ihaveincludedafreebonusgift,whichyoucanclaimhere

Iwanttothankyouforyourrecentpurchaseofmylatestpieceonhealthandwellness:HomemadeHerbalMedicine,YourEssentialGuidetoHerbs&DIYRemediesforHealthandHealing.

IfyouareapassionatefollowerofmyotherCarmaBookspublications,youhaveprobablynoticedwellbynowhowimportantIdeemtheuseofplantsandbotanicalmedicineinholistichealing.Herbsaremiraculoussaviorsforsuchanextensivelistofissuesyoucanhandleathome:guthealth,inflammation,andevenhealthmaladiesascomplexasthyroidissuesandadrenalfatigue.

Butdoherbsreallywork?Cantheyreallyhelpyoufeelempowered,andtakecontroloveratleastsomeofyourhealth?Maybethosequestionsledyoutoobtainingthisbook.Ormaybe,likeme,youalreadyloveherbssomuchthatyoucan’tholdbackfrombuyinganyliteratureyoufind!

Myimmediateanswertothesequestions?Yes!I’vestudiedandapprenticedformanyyearsasaloverandhuge“herbnerd,”andI’veseenhowtheuseofherbalremediescanslowly,subtly,andpowerfullychangepeoples’lives.Evenbetter—thereisplentyofresearchsupportingherbsforpersonalcare,too.

Ifyougettoknowanduseherbscorrectly,youcanseethoseverysamechangesinyourownlife—sometimes,inwaysyouneverthoughtimaginable.Restassured,thisbookwillshowyouhow.

WhatisHerbalMedicine?

Herbalmedicine,alsocalled“herbalism”orsometimes“herbology,”istheancientpracticeofusingtheplantsaroundus—innature,orourgardens—topromotehealing.

Longbeforemodernmedicineandthetechniquesofsurgery,technology,pharmaceuticalsandvaccines,peopleallaroundtheworlddependedonherbstoprotecttheirhealthandwardoffeventhegravestofillnesses.

Dependingontheculture,country,orregion,therearehundredsoftraditionsofherbalpracticethatexistedlongbeforetheadventofmodern-daytechniques.Infact,while“conventionalmedicine”mayseemlikethemoredominantformofhealing,statisticallyspeakingtheWorldHealthOrganizationmarkstraditionalmedicine(includingherbalism)themostprevalentformofhealingintheworld!

Justthinkofthat—morepeoplearoundtheglobeuseherbalmedicineonaveragethantheyuseconventionalmedicine.Canthatbeahugemistakethattheyuseherbs?Howcoulditpossiblybe?

Insomeareas,thosewhodependonbotanicalhealingmorethanconventionalhealingleadglowing,vibrantlives.Soifthere’ssomethingtoherbalism,what’sthebigsecret?Letmybookrevealthattoyou—andreadonifyouwanttoknow.

Herbalism:ATradition,andaHistory

Whatmakesmostoftheworldturntoherbalhealing,then?What’sthebigsecret?

Well,it’snotreallyasecret.Inessence,itisherbalism’slong-standinghistoryandtraditionthatwinthetrustofsomanypeople.Nottomention—it’scompletelynatural!

Allofourancestorsturnedtoplantsasmedicine,nomattertheircountryoforigin,race,culture,creed,orreligion.It’sevenarguablethatourbodies

becameaccustomedtoandstrengthenedbytheplantswegotacquaintedwithovertime:accordingtoeachuniqueculture,itsmedicineways,andtheevolveddietsofourancestors.Thiscan’tbesaidforpharmaceuticalsanddrugstoday—filledwithchemicalsandsubstancesourbodiesarenotusedto,ourancestorsneverused,andwhichhaveonlybeenaroundforacouplehundredyears.

Anciently,experthealersinallculturescompiled,observed,andexperimentedwithallsortsofdifferentplantsoftheirlocalregion—suchasshamans,medicinepeople,healers,priestsanddoctors.Itwasonlythroughthousandsofyearsoftrial,error,perfection,andteachingthatherballorebecameanavigablebodyofmedicine,whichstillholdsvaluetoday.

Theglobehasrelieduponthis“traditionalresearch”formuchlongerthanman-mademedicines,eventhoughtheyhavebeenscientificallyresearchedintheirownright.Thesecret—whichisnotreallyasecret—isthattraditionalherbalismisarguablymorepopularandwell-researchedthanmainstreamhealthcareinitsownway.

Evenbetter—theverybasictenetsofherbalism,thoughthousandsofyearsold,canbepracticedbyanyonetoempowertheirhealthathome:tohealailmentsfromcoldsandallergies,toinsomniaandheadaches.Thereispracticallynoendtotheherbalknowledgeyoucanlearn.Youcanfindthosebasictenetsofhomemadeherbalmedicineintheeducation-packedpagesahead!

MyOwnHerbalJourney

Therearemanyreasonswhysomanyaredrawntoherbalmedicine,andit’snocoincidence,letmetellyou.Evenbetter,thisbookwillgiveyouallthosereasons—inaneasy,succinct,compactguidethatcangetyoustartedonyourownhealingjourney.

Ifyouarejuststartingonthecolorfulroadintobotanicalhealing,Iwanttoletyouknow:manyyearsago,Iwasjustlikeyou.Ilovedtheideaofherbs,takinghealthintomyownhands,andlearningherbaltraditionsthatwerethousandsofyearsold.

Butmyquestionswerethesame.Doherbsreallywork?

Startingout,thosequestionsledmeatthetimetodelvingintoliteratureonmy

own.Idecidedtoapprenticeandstudywithprofessionalmasterherbalistsandtraditionalhealers,inordertolearnandseehowherbalhealingreallyworked.

Iquicklylearnedthatthereisanenormousacumenofknowledgeinherbalism,andthousandsofplantsoutthere:allwithclaimstofameonhowtheysupportyourhealthandactasmedicines,liketheydidmany,manyyearsagobeforemodernmedicine.

Thetruthis:insomeform,allofthemreallydoworkinsomehealingway.Butafterlearningtraditionalmethodshowever,Ialsowantedtolearnthescientifictakeonwell-establishedhealingherbs.Whatdidsciencehavetosay?

Iquicklyrealizedthatthereisalotofcontroversyandmisinformationoverplantmedicinesinthemainstreamhealthworld!Haveyoueverlookedupherbalinfoonline,onlytonotknowwhicharticleiswrong,andwhichoneisright?

Icertainlydid.Therewassomuchinfointheonlineworld,Ihadnoideawhotobelieveandwhatinformationaboutherbalismtotrust.Someclaimedthatherbsworkedmiracles,whileotherssaidthatherbalismhadalwaysbeennothingbutquackery!

Iknewthatbothwerenotfullytrue,especiallythelatter.Thisstartedmeonanewjourneyintoherbalism:findingthesupportofscientificstudies,trials,andresearchonplantsthatDOinfacthaveproofoftheireffects.

Overtime,IcompiledmyownwritingsandresearchintoaguideImyselfusedwithmylovedones—allaboutwhichherbswerethemostwidelyrespectedintraditionaluse,science,andmyownobservationcombined.

AsIusedthisguideinmydailylifeandeducation,itstruckmeoneday:whynottakewhatIhavelearnedoverthesemanyyearsandcraftitasahomehealthguideforall?

Itismypersonaljourneythroughherbaleducation,research,learning,andpracticethathasbroughtyouthisbooktoday.

Inthepagesahead,youwillfindallthebasics—andultimatelytheTRUTHoftoday’sfront-lineherbalremedies.Withalltheresearchandtraditionalknowledgerightthereatyourfingertips,Ithinkyouwillberelievedthatyoudon’thavetodoallthefootworklikeIdid…thoughallofitwasabsolutelyworthittogetthisbookoutintothepublic,andfinally,intoyourhands.

WhatItMeanstoUseHerbalMedicine

Evenbetterthanhavingalltheinformationatyourfingertips,isknowingexactlywhattodowithit.NotonlywillIsharewithyoumyfavoriteherbalremediesandtheirabilitiestohandleallsortsofailments,buthowandwhentousethisknowledgeaswell:athome,andinyourpersonalhealthregimen.

Masteringherbalknowledgetakeswisdom,caution,andinformedjudgement.Inspiteofalltheknowledgeinthisbook,thereisagoodtimetouseherbs,andthereisatimetotakeyourailmentstotheprofessionalhelpofamoreknowledgeable,professionalherbalist—orevenadoctorwhenthingsgetserious.

Youcan’thandleallyourhealthissuesonyourown.Butyoucanhandleyourpersonalcare,andpreventfuturehealthproblemsbytakingthewheelwiththewiseuseofherbsathome,whereitiswarranted.Thisbookwillshowyouhow.

IwanttothankyouagainforthepurchaseofthisbookIputsomuchworkinto,whichIhopesavesyoutime,money,andpaininbetteringyourhealth.Ifmybooksucceeds,Ialsohopetoseeyoutransformfromapersonwithsimplequestionsaboutherbs…intoapersonwhogetsasexcitedanddevotedtolearningaboutherbsasIam!

Fortherestofyououttherewhoalreadyloveandarepassionateaboutherbalism:I’msureyouneednoconvincingorpersuasiontoreadon,anddiveintothewonderfulchaptersofthisbook—tolearnallaboutherbs,theremediestheyenact,andespeciallythesubjectsofourveryfirstchapter,“UsingMedicinalPlants!”

CHAPTER1UsingMedicinalPlants

Beforewegetintothemanyhelpful,healingherbsoutthere,agoodplacetostartwithusingherbsathomeisbylearningtheiruniversalusesfirst.Thereareanumberofmethodsthatapplytomost,ifnotall,plantsforusingtheminhealingathome—andthishelpsasafirststepbeforeapproachingeachindividualhealingplant.

Unlikemodernmedicine’spills,coughsyrupsorcreams,herbsareperishableandnatural.Youmustthinkofthemmorelikehealingfoodsthatcouldpossiblygobad,inaway.

Butunlikemostfoods,you’llwanttoholdontothemlonger—maximizingtheirstoragecapacitywhilebeingabletousethemasquickly,easily,andconvenientlyaspossible,whenyouneedthem.

Someherbsyou’llwanttopurchaseatyournaturalfoodsorhealthstore,whichmakesstorageeasier(mostherbalproductsareretailedforeasierstorage—suchassupplements).Butwhataboutwhenyouwanttoharvestherbsfromthewild,inthecaseof“wildcrafting”—orusethemfromyourgardenorbackyard?

Herbalistsovermillenniahaveperfectedthesetechniques:whetherthatbetheharvesting,storing,orpreparationofherbsinordertomakethemostoftheirapplicationandperishability.Inthefollowingsections,we’llfindthosetechniquesandexplorethebasicsofhowtoharnessnature’splantmiracles.

HarvestingHerbs

Whatkindofplantareyouwishingtoharvest?Dependingontheplantyou’retargeting,ithasvariouspartsofvaluethatyouwillwanttotakeanduseathome.Eachpartisharvesteddifferently,andthusmustbeapproacheddifferently.

Maybeit’sthestems,orjusttheleavesofaplant,withreportedhealingabilitiesthatyouwanttouse.Youcouldbeafterthebudsorflowers—orperhapsyou’rewantingtoemployaplant’srootforaspecificissue.

Specificpartsrequirespecificharvestingtechniques.Here’sthe“How-to”onthegeneralapproachtoeachplantpart—butifyouarewantingtogetintodetail,Iwouldrecommendlookinguptheuniquetechniquesspecifictoeachmedicinalherbintheupcomingsections!

HarvestingHerbs(FromToptoBottom):

FlowersandBuds–Inmostcases,youcandelicatelyremoveflowers,buds,andpetalswithyourfingers.Pinchthe“neck”orstemoftheflower,whereitattachestoitsbranch,betweenthethumbandforefinger;gentlyremoveandplaceinabreathablecontainer,suchasabasket,beforestorage.Thebesttimetoharvestisinspring—butcertainplantscanvary.

Ifflowerorbudstemsaretootough,tryusingacleanpairofscissorsorgardensnippers.

BerriesorFruits–Likewithflowers,fruitscanberemovedgentlywithyourfingers.Usingacanvasbagormetalcontainer(likeabowl)forholdingworkswell,andtakespecialcareiffruits“stain”easily(suchasElderberries).Besttimetoharvest:latesummerorfall,thoughitvarieswithplant.

Similartoflowersandbuds,usecleanscissors/gardensnippersofremovaloffruits/berriesistoodifficult.

StemsorLeaves(“AerialParts”)–Ontender-stemmedplants(suchasmintorchamomile,e.g.)stemsandleavescanbegentlyremovedwithapinchandsnapofthefingers.Fortougherplants,useaknife,scissors,orsnippers—bundleandtietogetherinbunchestoprepare

forhanginganddrying,witharubberbandorhair-tie.Besttoharvestinspringorsummer.

Withhandsortools,youmayalso“clear”anentireplantinthecaseofannual(short-lived)plants,orthoseyoudon’twanttotendtoyearafteryear.Simplycutitatthestemcleartotheroot,rightabovewhereitentersintotheground—butinmostcases,don’texpecttheplanttogrowback!

TwigsandBark–Someherbshavehealingeffectsfoundinthe“inner”bark,suchasonshrubsortrees.Usingaspecializedknifeorclippers,theoutermosttwigscanbeharvestedonalivingplant,whichshouldholdthesamehealingpropertiesasthebark.Besttoharvestinspring,whenthesapflows.

Becarefulharvestingactualbarkorcertainamountsoftwigsfromlivingplants,ifyoudon’twanttoseethembecomediseasedordie(especiallyendangered/threatenedplants).Itisconsideredmoreecologicaltotakebarkfromtreesorshrubsthathavejustfallenandareexpectedtobedeceased.

Roots–Withaspade,shovelorgloves,removetherootfromthegroundofthedesiredherbyouwishtouse.Forsomeplants,youcanalsodigdownandonlyremovepartoftheroottokeeptheplantalive(suchaswithEchinaceaandotherendangeredplants).Besttoharvestinlatefallorwinter.WholePlant–Iftherearemanyplantsinthearea,theyarenotendangered,andyouplantouseallofitspartsformedicineathome—usesomesturdyglovesandpullitoutbytheroot.Stubbornplant?Usetheaidofashovelorspadeifaplant’srootsaretoostrongforpullingoutbyhandalone!

DryingHerbs

Soyou’veharvestedyourplants.Nowyouwanttohangontoyourplantsforlong-termuseandstorage.What’snext?Manyherbalistsdrytheirherbsbeforeusingthematall.Especiallyifyouarewantingtostorethemin“raw”form,dryingisalmostalwaysnecessary.Storingherbs“fresh”requiresseveralspecialpreparationmethods—youcandothattoo,butwe’llgettothatlater!Aswithharvesting,eachplantpartyou’llwanttodryalittledifferently.Certainpartsneedmoretimethanothers.Foreachseparatepart,here’show.DryingHerbs(FromToptoBottom):

FlowersandBuds–Spreadtheseevenlyonanopenbasketorscreeninonelayer,withtheedgesofflowersbarelytouching(neverpilingup).Leavetodryforjustafewdaystoaweekinanareathatisdarkanddry,gettingadequateaircirculation—flowersmoldespeciallyeasily,sothisisessential!BerriesorFruits–Drythesesimilartoflowersorbuds,layingthemoutinasinglelayer.Leavetodrysomewherewithlittlemoistureandsomeaircirculation,suchasnearafan,forafewdaystoaweek.Somefruitscanbesun-dried,othersshouldnotbe.Ifyouhaveafooddehydrator,itworksexcellently!StemsorLeaves–Afterbundlingtheseafterharvest,hangbundlesupsidedownonaline(clothesline,e.g.)inadryareaforaboutaweek.Runningafanonlowcanhelp.Wrapbundlesbeforehandinsomethinglikeapaperbag—thispreventsexcesswilting,lossofhealingpropertiesduetosundamage,andtheaccumulationofdustorotherdebrisinleaveswhiledrying.BarksorTwigs–Spreadevenly,onlyonelayerthick,onascreenorbasketwithedgesofbarkstwigsonlybarelytouching.Dryinadarkplacewithnomoisture.Barksandtwigstakemuchlongertodry,sometimes2weekstoamonth.Runningafanonlowcanhelp.Roots–Usingacuttingboardandsharpknifebeforehand,cutand

sliceallrootsopen“length-wise”theentirelengthoftheroottoassistwithdrying.Wholerootsaremoresusceptibletorotorslowdrying,ifnotcut.Ifyousodesire,rootscanbe“dicedandcubed.”Dryingtakes2weekstoamonth—storeinadark,dryplaceuntilthen,runningafanonlowcanassistwithdryingtimes.

StoringHerbs

Afterthedryingprocess,driedherbpartsneedtobemovedintosomesortofstorage.Thatway,theystaydry—ortheydon’tgetsodryandbrittlethatyousimplycan’tusethemanymore!Inthatsamevein,youalsowanttopreventyouralreadydryherbsfromgettingwetagain,andpossiblyexperiencingsomemoldormildewproblems.You’llalsowanttostoreyourherbsinsuchawaythatthey’reeasytoaccess,readytouseconveniently,wheneveryouwant.Thefollowingaretried-and-trueherbalstoringmethods.Whetheryouhavedriedleaves,stems,rootsortwigs,mostherbscansimplybebrokenupbyhandandstoredinthefollowingcontainers.Wantgreat-lookingteablends,herbmixesorpowders?Tryusingamortarandpestletogrindupyourherbsbeforeplacingthemintoyourdesiredcontainer.It’salotofwork,butmakesyourdriedstoreslookgreat!Alsotrysiftingleavesandstemsthroughascreenorstrainerforafiner-lookingtea,orevenapowderyoucanaddormixintofoodsandsoups.

GlassJars–Thisisthemostpopularamongherbalists.Driedplantpartsofmostkindsdoverywellinglasscontainers(saveforflowersandberries),withalidtoscrewonandprotectfrommoistureordust.

Optfordarkcoloredglass,likeamber,greenorblue—thesealsohelpprotectyourdriedherbsfromlightdamage,whichsapawaythehealingcompounds!

StainlessSteelMetalContainers–Theseworkexceptionallywelltoo,andautomaticallyprotectplantsfromsundamage.Berriesandsomeflowersdoalittlebetterstoredinmetalcontainersthaninglass

—wheretheyarepronetomold.PaperBags–Herbpartsthatarethemostsusceptibletomoldormildewfarethebestinpaperbags,aspaperhelpsnaturallywickawaydamagingmoisture.Brownpaperbagsfurtherassistinprotectingfromdamaginglight.Certainherbleaves,flowers,andberriesstoremuchbetterinherethananywhereelse.PlasticBaggies–Theuseofplasticcan,ofcourse,becontroversial.Ifit’stheonlythingyouhaveaccessto,itworksprettywell.Ifyouareconcernedaboutharmfulplasticsubstancesleechingintoyourherbs—suchasBPA’sandxenoestrogens—thenoptforsomethingdifferent,ortryasoftenaspossibletostoreplasticbagsofherbsawayfromsunlight.

Keptandstoredwell,youcanhangontoyourdriedherbsandteablendsfor1-2years.Ifherbsarelookingbrownanddull,withnofreshscent,it’stimetochuckthemoutandharvestmore.

HerbalPreparations

Harvesting,drying,andstoringyourherbsisreallyonlythefirststeponamulti-facetedpathofusingherbs.Ofcourse,theabovemethodsareonlythepracticalpart—nowit’stimetogetintousingthemforyourself,toboostyourhealth!Teas,Infusions,TisanesandCompresses–Evermadeyourveryownherbalteabefore?Howabouttopromotealittleherbalhealinginyourlife?Chancesareyoualreadyhave.Maybewithoutevenreallyknowingit!Onceyouhavebuiltupyourveryownstoresofdriedherbs,you’llhaveawideassortmentofloose-leafteastochoosefrom.Ithelpstobuyyourowntoolsformakinglooseleafteaathomewithyourowndriedherbs,withthehelpofteaballs,teastrainersoreven“infusers.”“Wait—whatare‘tisanes’and‘compresses?’”Yes,we’regettingintosome

morecomplexherbalistterminologyhere.Butrealizethata“tisane”anda“compress,”evenan“infusion,”areallbasicallyjustteas.Simplythinkofthemasteasyouuseindifferentways!

Tea–Take1tspto1tbsp.ofyourdesireddriedherb,andsteepinboiledwaterfor5minutes.Sipormakemultiplecupsformildailmentsandsymptoms.Infusion–Take1to5tbsps.ofyourdesireddriedherb,andsteepinboiledwaterfor15-20minutes.Ifyousolike,youcanactuallyboiltheherbfor15-20minutesinthewateritself—beforestrainingoffanddrinking.Infusionsaregreatforslightlymoreacuteailmentsandsymptoms.Tisane–Thiscanalsobecalleda“wash.”Usingtheexactsamemethodsformakinganinfusion,usetheinfusionitselfasatopicalwashforhair,eyes,andskin.Greatforcosmeticuses,ortorinseouttheeyes.Compress–Anothertopicaluseofteasandinfusions,compressesinvolvetakingacleancloth,soakingitintheinfusion,andapplyingittomaladieslikeburns,boils,cuts,bruises,orskinafflictions(suchaseczema).

Forusingteasandinfusionsforvariousailments,typicallydrink2-3cups/perdayfromabout1tspto1Tbsp.ofthedriedplantwithmostplants—unlessotherwisenotedwithcertainplantsinthechaptersahead,forsafety’ssake.OilsandSalves–Thisiswhereherbalpreparationsbecomemoreelaborateandcomplicated.Butthesearealsoexcellentbeginningpreparationstolearn,ifyouarejuststartingout—andveryfuntouse!

Oils–Takeyourchosendriedherb,andplaceitinajar.Coverthedriedherbwithafood-safeoilofyourchoice:safflower,sunflower,andavocadoare

popularchoices(organicandcoldpressedorexpellerpressedareconsideredbestforthebody!)

Placeonawindowsillwithsomeexposuretosunlight,andletherbalpropertiesinfuseintotheoilforaboutaweek.Oncedone,strainherbmatterfromoilcompletely,andstoreinabottled/liddedglassjaroutofthesunshine.Or:placeoilandherbmatterinasmallsaucepan,andheatuponverylowheatuntiloilchangescolor(asitabsorbsherbsqualities).Onlyoptforanoilwithahighsmokepointifusingthismethod.Onceinfused,letcool,thenstrainherbmatterintobottled/liddedglassjarforstorage.Youcanalsousefreshherbstoinfuseintoyouroil,notjustdried.However,ifusingfreshherbs,avoidconsuming/usingtheseoilsinternally!Withdriedherb-infusedoils,youcanusesprinkledonfood,oraddittosaladdressingsforhealingeffects.Foranyinfusedoil,youcantakeateaspoonortwoandrubonto(closed)skinforpains,aches,moisturizing,orotherbenefits!

HowlongcanIstoreorkeepmyoil?Keptinadark,coolplaceawayfromsunlight—andmadecorrectly—oilscanbefreshatleast1year.Throwthemoutiftheygorancid—iftheysuddenlytakeonanuttyorplasticsmell,they’vegonebadandshouldn’tbeused.Salves–Thenextstepupfromoils,salvesarealoteasiertomakethantheymightsound.Allitinvolvesisheatingupanherbaloil,addingbeeswaxoravegetable-basedwax(suchascandelillaorcarnuba,forexample),andlettingthathardenintoa“balm”youpouroutintoseparatejars.

Simplymakeyourdesiredoil–whencomplete,heatoilupinasmallsaucepan(orthetopofadouble-burner,ifyouhaveone)onlow,andonlyuseherbaloilsthathaveahighsmokepoint.

Addanywherefrom1tspto1tbsp.ofall-natural,cleanwaxtotheoil(Iprefertouseacrueltyfreevegetable-basedwax).Watchwaxmelt,stirifyoulike.Takenotethatforsalvesmadewithcandelillaoil,youwon’tneedtoaddnearlyasmuchwax.

“Balmy”or“Oily”Salve?Dipinaknife,stick,orsmallspoonintotheheatedoilandplaceinthefreezerforaminute.Takeitout,andyoucangaugetheconsistencyofwhatthesalvewillbelikewhenit’scooled.

TooOily?Justaddmorewax.TooBalmy?Isyoursalvemorelikeacandlestick?Youmightthenhavetoaddmoreoil—ornexttime,addlesswaxandworkuptotheconsistencyyouwant.

Setupseveralclean,opencontainersonthesidethatwillholdyoursalves.Glassorstainlesssteelworkbest—andmakesureeachcontainerhasalid!Poursalve(withwaxallmeltedandstirredin)intoeachjar.Leteachjarsitandcoolinaplacewheretheycannotbebumped,orstuffcanfallintoandruinthesalve.Onceoilandwaxissolidified,youhavejarsofsalve!Applyittoyourskintomoisturize,ortohealingwoundsorburnsoncetheyhaveclosed.Nothappywiththeconsistency?Tryaddingadifferentamountofwaxnexttime.

Aswithoils,well-madesalvesremainunperishableforatleastayear.TincturesandVinegars–Inthisrealm,you’removinguptothelevelofmoreprofessional,practicalherbalists!Forbothdriedandfreshherbsalike,tincturesandvinegarscanbeexcellentforlong-termstorage—lastingmuchlongerthandriedherbs,infusions,salvesoroils.

Eachofthesepreparationseitherincorporatesalcohol(tinctures)orvinegar,whichprolongpreservation…averyoldtricklearnedandpasseddownamongherbalists.Thishelpstheherbsyouharvestedlastlonger,andinsomeways,makestheiruseabitmorefastandconvenient.

Vinegars–Similartomakinganinfusedoil,fillacleanjarwithyourchoicedryorfreshherb.Coveryourherbcompletelywithvinegar—whiteorapplecidervinegarsbothworkwell,thenlidthejar.

Storeinadark,coolplaceforaboutaweek.Therefrigeratorworksquitewell.Feelfreetoshakesporadically,whichhelpsbreakuptheherbmatterandimpartitsqualitiesintothevinegarbetter.Ifyouareusingametallid,itiswisetoadda“liner”ofwaxpaperbeforescrewingitonwheninfusingvinegars.Thisisbecause:vinegarslowlyeatsawayatmetalovertime!Once“steeped,”strainoutherbalmatterandstoreinseparateglasscontainerinyourfridge.Again—ifyou’recappingthiscontainerwithsomethingmetal,makesuretolineitsothevinegardoesn’teatthemetalaway!Usethisvinegarintopicalapplications,likeatincture,orevenasasaladdressing.

Tinctures–Likewithinfusingvinegars,insteadonepoursalcoholovertheirselectedherbs.Thishelpsyousaveyourherbsforanextendedperiodoftime—somesaytheherbsstaygoodupto10years.Sometimesevenforever!

Itisbesttoselectahigh-proofalcoholforyourtincture,toabsorbasmanyplantconstituentsaspossible.BrandyorVodkaispopular,although“Everclear”isconsideredtheverybest.Higher-proof,thebetter!Storeinadark,coolplaceforatleast2weeksto2months.Shakeonceinawhile,likewithherbalvinegars.Oncetimeisup,strainoutyourtincture.Bottleitinsmallercontainers—oryoucanevenget“dropper”bottlessoyoucanadministeryourtinctureinsmalldosesordrops.

UsingYourTincture–Formostoftheherbsdiscussedinthisbook,dosesforanyillnessis2-3droppersperday,untilissuesrecede—orfollowthespecificguidancegivenforeachherbinthenextfewchapters.

PurchasingYourHerbs

Admittedly,purchasingherbsbecomesnecessaryinsomecases.Theadventurousherbalistorfirst-timermaygetmoredelightoutofdryingherbsandmakingtheirownpreparationsathome—butitissimplybetterandmorecalledforsometimestogettoyournaturalfoodstore,grocer,herbalistorapothecarytoseewhat’soutthere.

Why,exactly?Thereareanumberofreasonswhyyoushouldsticktobuyingcertainherbsorherbalpreparations:

Itisbesttotaketheminsupplementoressentialoilform.Someteasortincturesofspecificherbsareincrediblybitter,soyouhavetofigureoutapleasantwaytogettheminyou—that’swhatsupplementsarefor.

Insomeinstancestoo,capsuledherbs—usuallycontainingasmallbitofthefreeze-driedleaves,herbs,roots,orflowers—worksbetterthanotherpreparations(asinthecaseofNettlesupplementsforallergies,orGoldensealfordigestiveissues).Someherbscomecommonly,oronlyinessentialoilform(EucalyptusandTeaTreearegoodexamples).Ifyouwanttoworkwiththeseherbs,youwillhavetousethemasessentialoils—butevenfurther,learntheproperwaysofusingessentialoilsforhealing.

Theherbsarerare,endangered,orthreatened,andyoushouldnotharvestthem—butinsteadseekthemoutfromanethical,sustainablegrowerorharvester.

SomegoodexamplesincludeEchinacea,Goldenseal,andBlackCohosh.It’sbestyougettothegrocerandbuy

driedorpowderedherb,supplements,ortincturesfromreputablebuyerswhocantrustinglysaytheyarenotdamagingtheplant’spopulationpermanently.

BuyingEssentialOils–Perhapsyouaredealingwithmoreofatopicalskinissue,suchasAthlete’sFootoraminorwound.Maybeyouwouldliketosootheaheadache,orsimplyhaveacalmingaromainyourhome.Inthatcase,purchasingessentialoilscouldbeaperfectfit.Somewordsofcautionthough:

Ensuretoonlyusehigh-qualityessentialoils,NOTtoxic‘fragrance’oils.Thesecheapimitationsareworsethanineffective.Theyactuallyfillyourbodyandbrainwithneurotoxins,makingyoufeelheadachy,stressedandanxious.Alwayslookforthewords‘100%pureessentialoil’onthelabel.Chooseglassbottlesthataredarkblue,greenorbrowntomakesuretheywilllast.Asageneralruleforskinapplication,every1dropofessentialoilshouldbedilutedwithatleast5mlofcarrieroilorotherfluid(withtheexceptionofafewessentialoilsthatcanbeused‘neat’ordirectontotheskin)

Somecommoncarrieroiltypesthatareaffordableandeasytofindinclude:sweetalmondoil,oliveoil,sunfloweroil,coconutoil,castoroil,jojobaoilandavocadooil.

Donotingestessentialoilsandkeepoutofreachofchildrenandpets.Ensureessentialoilsdonotcomeintocontactwithyoureyesandopenwounds,andusewithcautionifyouarepregnant,planningtobecomepregnant,orhaveanypre-existingmedicalconditions.Ifyouhaveanysensitivitiesorconcernsaboutusingessentialoils,

ensureyoutryapatchtestfirst.

BuyingHerbalSupplements–Therearemanycompanies,brands,andstoresouttherethatsellherbalsupplementsforhealth,wellness,andacuteissues.Mybestadvicetoanyoneshoppingthesupplement-path:alwayspurchasesupplementsfromcompanieswithanexpansive,goodreputation,ethicalharvestingandgrowingpractices,andorganically-grownorforagedplants.What’sthetrueadvantageofgettingherbsintoyourlifeinsupplementform?Well,let’stakealookatsomeoftheprosandcons.Pros:

Youdon’thavetotastethem.It’strue:someverypowerfulherbsyoumightreallywantinyourlife,suchasGoldensealandReishi,tasteawfultomost.Fortunately,supplementsgiveyouthechancetonotalwayspassthemup.Youdon’thavetolookfororharvestthem.Reputablesupplementcompaniesdothejobforyou,especiallywithdifficult-to-find,evenrareandendangeredplants.Unlessyoulovetheoutdoors,thiscouldskipyouatriptraipsingthroughthewoods.

Someherbsyoumightnotbeabletofindinyourcountryorareaatall.Turmeric,Ginger,andAshwagandhaareenviableherbs,buttheygrowonlyinAsiaprofusely.Whatifyoudon’tliveinAsia?Supplementcompanieshelpsomeoftheseplantsbecomereadilyavailabletoyou.

Supplementsretainthefreshnessandhealingqualitiesofcertainplantsbetterthananyotherpreparation.StingingNettleisagoodexample,alongwithCayenne,Echinacea,orEveningPrimrose(insupplement“oil”form).Thepreparationsyoumakeathomejustcouldn’tdonearlyasmuch,ifyounotice—sooptforthesupplementroute.

Cons:

Somesupplementcompaniesareuntrustworthy.Makesureyousticktowidelyreputable,trustedsupplementcompanies—recentstudiesintosupplementsfoundthatmanywerefilledwith“adulterants,”orherbsandmatterthatdefinitelydidnotmatchtheadvertiser’slabel.

Wanttomakesureyourherbswork?Makeyourownstuff,pureandsimple.

Youdon’tformarelationshipwithnature,theplant,orhaveaconnectionwithyourmedicine.Thismightnotbeaconcerntoyouatall—andyousimplywantamorenatural,convenientformofhealing.Butifyoureallywanttofeelmoreconnectedtoyourfood,nutritionandhealing—muchlikeyoumightwanttogetmoreacquaintedwithyourfoodthroughgardening,etc.—supplementswillnotprovidethatsomuch.

Forusingsupplementsathome,alwaysfollowthedirectionsontheproductlabel.

CreamsandOintments–Similarinscopetosupplementsandessentialoils,somepowerfulmedicinalherbsworkbestonlyincommerciallymade,fairlyavailablecreams,gelsorointments.Youcouldtrytomakethesesamecreamsandointmentsinsalveoroilform,buttheymayjustnotbeaseffective.Cayennecreams,morespecificallycalledcapsaicincreams,areonegoodexample—theyareformulatedandcraftedspecificallysotheycanbeusedinasafe,easy,andhighlybeneficialway.Asweexplorespecifichealingherbsmoredeeply,somewillbenotedthattheyonlycomeincommercialointmentsorcreams.Ifyouarethemoreadvancedherbalist—maybeyoucouldforayintotheworldofhome-madeointmentorcreammaking.Butforthebeginner,seeifastore-boughtcreamorointmentsatisfiesyouenough—there’salwaystimeforinspirationlater!Forusingcommercialcreamsandointmentsathome,alwaysfollowthedirectionsandproductlabel.

CHAPTER2TheTop5EssentialHerbsandtheirUses

Anewcomertotheworldofherbalhealingmightbeoverwhelmedbythesheervolumeofherbsoutthere.Overtheages,hundredsifnotthousandsofplantshavebeenusedforallsortsofailmentsintraditionalmedicineandotherpractices:headaches,colds,skinafflictions,bellyaches,younameit.

Today,awayofuniversallynavigatingthatinformationislost.Modernmedicineandmainstreamresearchareonlythemselvesjustbeginningtocatchuponunderstandingherbalism,andtonavigatethisseaofusefulbotanicalinformationinawaythatcanbegraspedeasilybyall.

Eventhen,thereisstillcontroversyabouttheuseofherbsandwhattheydoexactly,whichstudytodaystrivestoclarify.Whatancientcultures’herbalpractitionersoncedocumentedandpassedonisonlyknownandkeptbyafew,andinafragmentedwaythatlacksthescientificapproach.

Evenafterjustscratchingthesurfaceofherbalismasabeginner,yourealizethatlearningtheartinvolvesknowingallthefacetsofwhateachplantdoes—butwheretobeginwithoutanythingtoguideyou?

I’lltellyou,evenanherbnutlikemehadtostartsomewhere!ButI’llsharewithyoumylittletrickIusedtogainfootingintheherbalworld—Ilearnedtheuses,effects,andpowersof5herbsthatwerethemoststudiedandwidelysupportedforcommonailments.

Evenmore,Iselected5thatwouldcoverthewidestrangeofailmentspossible,soIonlyhadtostartwith5forpracticallyallmyat-homeuses.Ithenperfectedmyknowledgeanduseswitheachofthem,andfromthere,usedthefirst5tobranchouttotherestoftheherbalworld!

WiththisIopenupournextchapter:TheTop5EssentialHerbsandtheirUses.Thesearethefirst5herbsIstudiedwhenIstartedout.Igotacquaintedwitheachintimately,learnedallthemanystudiessupportingthem,aswellasgleanedallthetraditionalinformationontheirclassicalhealingeffects.

Nowyoutoocanusethese5asastartingpoint.Ifyou’reboldenoughandloveherbs,youcanthendelveintoournextsection,whichwillexploretheusesofsomanymore.

Ginger

(Zingiberofficinalis)Yourcold-fighter,stomachsoother,andanti-inflammatoryHailingfromAsia,Gingernotonlyfoundit’swayintodeliciousethniccuisine—itwasalsousedforitspowerfulhealingeffects.Traditionalherbalistsandscientistsalikehavenoticeditsusefulnesstofightcolds,aiddigestion,andallaythepainsofinflammation.ConsiderGingeramust-havetobeginyourat-homehealingregimen.Evenifit’snotinuseforitseffects—haveitonhandtoaddatasteoftheEasttoyourmeals!MakesuretoexercisecautionandavoidusinglargeamountsofGingerdailywithpregnantwomen,smallchildren,andsomewithheartburndisorders.

SupportsColdsandFlu–Chinesestudiesin-vitroshowedcompoundsinGingerbeingabletokillviruses.TakingGingercouldhelpyouoralovedonegetthroughacoldallthequicker.IndianstudiesrevealedthatGingercanhelprampuptheimmunesysteminresponsetocoldsandflus.

Gingerisapowerfulanti-inflammatory.Consumingtherootcanhelpsootheinflammationofthesinuses,throat,lungs,andrespiratorypassagewaysincolds.

DigestiveAid–Gingermightbemostfamousforhelpingwithnausea.EventheNationalCancerInstituteobservedGingerinchemo-therapypatientsreducingnauseasymptomsbyanother40%withconventionalmedications!

Asapowerfulanti-inflammatory,Gingercanbeusedtoallaypainandinflammationinthedigestivetractduetoheartburnorulcers.Gingerisalsoan

anti-spasmodic.ItisapprovedinsomeEuropeancountriesforstomachcramps,andisevenpowerfulenoughforfemalecomplaints.

Anti-Inflammatory–ThisAsianroot’seffectsagainstinflammationaresostrong,somearthritisandrheuatismjournalstudieshavetesteditsinfluenceonjointpainforoste0-arthritis.Apparently,someofitseffectscanbecomparedtothoseofNSAID’slikeIbuprofenandAspirin!

HomeRemedyUse:Ifexperiencinganyoftheaboveailments,tryaGingerteaorinfusion.1TbspofGingerpowderorchoppedrootwilldo,acoupleoftimesaday.

YoucanalsostoreGingerlong-termforuseinatinctureorvinegar.Tryapplyingacompressforjointpainandissues,oraddGingertoanoilorsalve,eitherasculinarypowderorinessentialoilform.YoucanalsoexperienceGinger’shealingeffectsbyaddingittoyourfood,purchasingitinsupplementform,orfindingitinoneofitsfavoritestore-boughtforms:gingerale!

Garlic

(Alliumsativa)Immune-booster,naturalantibiotic,andbloodpressureallyIt’snocoincidencethatsomeofthemostpopularculinaryspicesaresomeofnature’shealingmiraclesatthesametime.Garlicisesteemedasamedicinalplantallovertheworld,inmyriadsofcultures,andistheveryproofandposter-childofthisphenomena.WhileitoriginatesfromwesternRussianeartheCaucasusMountains,itspowersweresoobviousandnoticeablethatGarlicfounditswayintothecuisineandherbalismtraditionsofancientChina,Rome,Greece,Egypt,theMiddleEast,andEurope.Pleasebewaryofitsuseifyouhaveabloodclottingdisorder,ortakeanticoagulants.

StimulatestheImmuneSystem–Garlic’sinfluenceontheimmunesystemisastounding.NotonlyisGarlic’sactiveingredient,allicin,aconfirmedanti-oxidantofenviableintensity—butstudiesonAIDSpatientshaveshownincredibleimmuneenhancementafterdailydosesofgarliccloves!

SuchapowerfulstrokeontheimmunesystemhasalsomadeGarlicafront-line,long-timeremedyagainstcolds,flus,respiratoryvirusesandotherinfections.

NaturalAntibiotic–Garlic’sactiveingredientallicinhasamazingpurportedantimicrobialcapabilities.Notonlycanitkillbacteria,ithasbeenobservedasananti-fungal,anti-viral,andanti-protozoan.

TestsandtraditiontogetherhaveseenGarlicactivelycombatinfectionssuchasamoebicdysentery,salmonella,E.Coliinfection,tuberculosis,athlete’sfood,women’syeastinfections,andeventhe

viralflu.Garlic’sactivecompountallicinisonlyformedwhenGarliciscrushedorchopped,andthenquicklyoxidizes.Assuch,itsimmune-boostingandantibioticeffectstogethercanonlybeattainedbyeatingfresh,choppedGarlicquickly.

BloodPressureandCholesterol–Allicinandanothergarliccompound,ajoene,havebeenrightfullysuspectedasmakingGarlicaheart-healthyfoodandhealingherb.Indailyamounts,garlicconsumptionhelpslowerbloodpressureandreducecholesterol,aswellaspreventingbuildupofplaqueandbloodclotsinbloodvessels.

HomeRemedyUse–Crushclovesforuseasatopicalantibioticoranti-fungalontheskin.Crush,chop,orevenchewuptoeven10garlicclovesadaytoexperiencepowerfulanti-oxidant,immune-boostingandblood-pressure/cholesterolloweringeffects.Beware:freshgarliccreatesasting,atmightevencausearash/dermatitisinthosesensitive.

Comfrey

(Symphytumofficinale)Topicalmagicforboneandmuscleaches,sprains,bruisesorbreaksInancientEurope,Comfreyalsotoutednameslike“knitbone”and“bruisewort”foritsamazingcapabilityofhelpingthebodybouncebackfromtissuedamage.Applicationsofthefreshleaforroot,plantjuices,salves,orointmentswerepowerfulatmendingminorbruises,allthewaytospeedinghealingofbrokenbones.Forawidevarietyofherbaliststoday,Comfreyisanabsolutemust-haveasahealerofthemusculo-skeletalsystem.Internaluseisnotrecommendedduetoliver-damagingpyrrolizidinealkaloids.Topicaluseisdeterminedtobeabsolutelysafe.

Bone,Joint,andMusclePain–Traditionalherbalistsusedtopicalapplicationsonunbrokenskintoalleviatepainsandachesofthemusclesandskeletalsystem.Comfreycontainsrosmarinicacid,aplantcomponentobservedtoeaseinflammationandpainalike.

Comfrey’seffectsinthisrealmarethemoststudiedofall—aGermancollectionofstudiesobservestheplant’sabilitytotaketheedgeoffofpain,particularlyinthosewithbackpain,arthritis,ordiscomfortfromfractures,sprains,breaks.

SpeedstheHealingofTissues–AnotherconstituentofComfrey,calledallantoin,isresponsibleforshorteninghealingtimeinbodilytissues.Usingitonunbrokenskinoverpulledmuscles,bruises,fracturesorbreakshasbeenobservedcuttingdownonrecuperation.

Comfreyhasalsobeendeterminedassafeforapplyingtoopen,minorwounds.Ateaortincturecouldbeexcellentforthis.Comfreyisalsoacommoningredientinvariousover-the-counterwoundcarecreams.

HomeRemedyUse–OnecangrindorchopuptheleavesofComfreyandapplyitasapoulticetominorcutsorwounds.Thesamecanbedonebyapplyingtotheskinnearfractures,bonebreaks,ormusclepain.Comfreyrootisalsopurportedtohavemanyhealingcompoundslikerosmarinicacidandallantoin.

YoucanalsouseComfreyinateaorinfusionasacompressforthesamepurpose.Comfreyoilsandsalvesmakewonderfultopicalapplicationswherethereisnobrokenskininvolved.

ThecraftingofaComfreytinctureorvinegarmighthelpyoustoreitforlongerandtoapplyasa“liniment”inthesameway,butanypreparationofComfreyshouldnotbetakeninternallyforlongperiodsoftimeduetoriskofliverdamage.

LemonBalm

(Melissaofficinalis)Abelly-soother,tensiontamer,andfemaleallyThinkofaplantlikespearmint:lush,plentiful,andcooling.Thencombineitwithabrushoflemonytaste.YouhaveLemonBalm:anexcellentremedyfornerves,stress,anxiety,headaches,anddisturbancesthatcanariseinfemalehealth.Itsfragranceisheavenly—acrushoftheleavescanuntangleunrestinjustmoments.InEurope,thisaromawasimpartedandextractedtowaters,tinctures,andteastopullawaythedistractionsoffrayednervesinoldtimes.Itspowerswerealsoabletoupliftdigestivetroubles,promotesleep,andsupportfemalemenstrualcycles.Avoidexcessuseifyouhavehypothryoidissues,orarepregnant.

FightsNervousness–StudieshaveapprovedtheuseofLemonBalminEuropeforlow-gradenervousissues.LemonBalmisveryhelpfulwithinsomnia,especiallyifcombinedwithanothersleep-promoter,Valerian.Someresearchproveditwasjustaseffectiveassomepharmaceuticalsforsleepproblems.

It’sbeenfoundthattopicalLemonBalmessentialoilhelpscalmmoodsintheelderlywithdementia;inAlzheimer’spatients,theplanteasedagitationandimprovefocus,makingitapowerfulnervineally.

Astudyofnearly100breast-fedbabiesfoundthatLemonBalmconsumedbythemotherhelpedalleviatecolicandcryingtimecomparedtoaplacebo.

Evenanice,pipinghotteahasbeentraditionallyeffectiveforheightenedanxietyandnervousness.Evenbetter,LemonBalmcanhelpsettledigestiveupset(“butterfliesinthestomach”)thatarises

fromthejitters.

Woman’sMedicine–EuropeanresearchersnoticedaneffectofLemonBalmonuterinemuscle.Itisthusthoughtthatitcouldhelpallaymenstrualcramps,aswellasregulatemenstrualcyclesinahealthierwayiftakenduringcertaintimesofthemonth.

Hyperthyroidism–LemonBalmhasbeenobservedloweringthyroidfunction.Itispossiblethatitcouldhelpthosewithhyperthyroidissuesalleviatetheirsymptoms.

ViralInfections–EuropeanresearchhasalsoelucidatedLemonBalmasanantiviral,makingitapotnetialallyforfightingcolds,flus,andevenherpesorsupportingHIV.

HomeRemedyUse–TeasandinfusionsofLemonBalm,takendaily,doexceptionallywell—use1Tbspdriedherbpercupofwaterforcolds,frayednerves,women’scomplaints,crampsordigestiveissues.Essentialoils,orjustadabofteaorLemonBalmtincture,canbeaddedtoherpescoldsorestoclearthemup—ortoskininotherareassimplytocreatecalm.

Ashwagandha(Withaniasomnifera)

Anutritivetonicforsexualhealth,energy,andwell-beingAshwagandhahasbeenaprideofIndiatraditionalherbalismandAyurvedaforcenturies.Notmanymayknowthatthisplantwithapungentodor—androotsrichiniron,magnesium,andotherminerals—isactuallyverycloselyrelatedtoourculinaryfoodsoftheNightshadefamily.TheseincludeTomatoes,Peppers,Potatoes,andEggplants.Withsuchareputation,somehavecalledtheplant“IndianGinseng”becauseofitsalmost“cure-all”capabilities.However,Ashwagandhaismoreecologicallysustainabletogrow,andremainsanon-threatenedplant,whileGinsengisneitherofthosethings.ThiscornerstoneofIndianherbalismalsohasmoresoothing,affirmingqualitiesasopposedtoGinseng’smorestimulantnature.Makesuretonotusethisherbifpregnant,haveNightshadeallergies,orifyouaretakingthyroidmedication.

NutritiveTonicandAdaptogen–ResearchinAsiancountriespromotesAshwagandhaasan“adaptogen.”Meaningthatitcontainscompounds,anti0xidants,vitaminsandmineralsthatboosttheimmunesystem,protectthebodyfromnervousoroxidativedamage,withstandstress.andincreasethebody’sabilitytocreateenergyandvitality.Overtime,Ashwagandhavisibly

slows“cortisol”levelsthatleadtostressordepressionbyhelpingmodulateadrenaloutput.Thus,thisherbalmedicinecanbeagreattonicforstressanddepressionovertime.

Ashwagandhaextractshavebeenshowntoinfluencechronicinflammationbeneficially,andhealpainfromosteo-andrheumatoidarthritis.

Duetoitshighironlevelsespecially,Ashwagandhacanbeverynourishing,espeicallyforthosewithanxiety,depleteddigestivesystems,oranemia.

SexualHealth–NotonlyhasthispowerfulAsianplantevidencedboostsinenergyandwell-being,sexualhealthappearstobenefitparticularlyfromAshwagandha.Atrialofabout100adultsgiventheherbortheplaceboshowedimprovementnotonlyinenergylevels,butlibidoandsexualenergyaswell!

ThyroidHealth–EvidencehighlysuggeststhatAshwagandhastimulatesthyroidactivity.Itcouldthusbebeneficialforthosewithhypothryoidproblems—butshouldbecontraindicatedinthosewithhyperthyroidismorwhotakethyroid-increasingmedication.

HomeRemedyUse–DrinkanAshwagandhainfusionorteaupto3timesperday,usingabout1tspoftheroot.TincturesandsupplementsarealsopopularlyusedwiththisAsianherbformoreconvenienceindailyregimens.

CHAPTER325OtherMust-HaveHerbalAllies

Inmypracticeandexperience,myTop5Herbsselectionstendtocoverallmyhome-healingbasestimeandtimeagain.Whetheritrelatestoaches,cramps,nerves,orbruises—almostanything,really—Icanusuallyturntooneofmyfabulousfivewithoutasecondthought.Alltheireffectsarewell-studied,trusted,evenversatileandfar-reaching,coveringawidevarietyofailments,troublesandinjuries.Withsomeluckandpractice,I’msurethey’llbecomeyourtrustedallies,too!

Butonceinawhile,youneedanothersupportherb(ortwo!)tocoveryourtail.MaybeoneoftheseTop5justisn’tdoingthetrick,andneedsahelpingherbtogotheextramile.That,oryou’verunoutyourfavoritego-toherbinyourherbalcabinet,cupboard,orgrowingat-homeapothecary.

Whatdoyoudo?Theanswer—turntooneofthe25followingherbsIvalueasfirst-ratehealers,withjustasmuchstudyandtraditionalreputationasmytop5tosupporttheirat-homeuse!Youmightnotalwaysneedthem—butknowingthey’rethere,andwhattheydo,willbecomfortenough.

Alfalfa

(Medicagosativa)Adigestivecleanser,tonic,andnutritiousfoodandmedicineEnjoyAlfalfasprouts?BothstudiesandtraditionalmedicineholdthatAlfalfacanhavehealingeffectsthatcombatcanceranddigestiveailments.UseAlfalfabyeatingitassproutsorleavesrawinmeals,orusefreshleavesinathickinfusioneveryday.Alfalfaistypicallyavailableasanover-the-countersupplementaswell.

Alfalfaisaverycleansingdigestivedetoxifiertothegut.ResearchobservedAlfalfabindingtocarcinogensinthecolon.EuropeanstudiessuggestregularconsumptionofAlfalfahelpslowercholesterol.

AlfalfaleavesareasignificantsourceofVitaminK,Potassium,Iron,ZincandProtein,aswellasVitaminsA,B1,B6,C,andE.

NeverconsumeAlfalfaseedsespeciallyinhighamountsdaily,astheywillleadtodevelopingabloodclottingdisorder.

AloeVera

(AloeVerabarbadensis)Healingforskin,wounds,burns,andDiabeticsalikeYouprobablyrecognizetheword“Aloe”fromskinproductslikelotionandmoisturizer.Interestingly,AloeVeradoesn’tonlyaidskinbeauty—ithealsburns,managesbloodsugar,andcanhavesomebeneficialdigestiveeffects.ApplyAloegelorproducttoskinforwounds,drynessorburns—orincorporateitintoasalveoroil.Aloejuicecanbedrunkfreelyforhelpingstabilizebloodsugar.

AloeVeraisfamousforhealingandrelievingdry,inflamed,oritchyskin,asincasesofpsoriasisoreczema.Itexcelsregenerationofcellsinwoundsandburntskin,includingsunburns.

ModerndatasuggeststhatAloecaninternallyhelplowerbloodsugarintype2Diabetics,andbothinternallyandexternallyhelpspeeddiabeticwoundhealing.

BecautiousiftakinginternalAloeproducts.Makesureyouareonlyusingjuiceorgelthatisfreeofthelatexandanthraquinones,whichcancauseseveredigestiveimbalanceanddiarrheafromitslaxativeeffects.

Arnica

(Arnicamontana)Asunnyhealerforbruises,muscleaches,sprainsandarthritisAdainty,humbledaisy-likeflowerthatlovesmountainterrainandtheNorthernhemisphere,ArnicaisanincrediblypopulartopicalhealerinEurope,withpopularitycatchingupinAmerica.Usethedriedflowerheadsinoils,salves,ortincturesforapplyingtoskinwheremuscles,bones,orjointsaresore.Or,visityourlocalnaturalfoodormedicinesection—Arnicacreamsandointmentstendtobepopularandplenty!

ApplyingArnicarelievespainandswellinggreatlyinbruises,contusions,ormuscularinjurieswheretheskinisnotopen.Thisisduetoobservedsesquiterpenelactonesthoughttoactivateandintenselyfightinflammation.

Teas,tisanes,orliniments(intinctureorvinegarform)canbeappliedtoareasinneedofmusculoskeletalpainrelief.Theflowerheadscanalsobeheatedandbruisedasapoultice.

NevertakeArnicainternallyorputtheproductonopenskin,suchaswoundsorburns.Itcancauseheartandrespiratoryproblemsifabsorbedintobloodstream.

BlackHaw

(Viburnumprunifolium)Yourremedyforcramps—ofallkindsThisbeautifulbush—withbrightredberriesandcream-coloredflowers—isacornerstonefavoriteinUnitedStatesSouthernherbalism.Itwasonceusedforallsortsofwomen’shealthissuesbyNativeAmericans,evenforchildbirth,miscarriage,andlabor.Now,ithassettledintothecomfortableroleofallayinguterinecrampsthataccompanymenstruation—butanyone,manorwoman,canenjoyitsabilitytotakeawayintestinalorstomachcrampsaswell.Tryateaofdriedrootorstem,simmeredforabout10minutes,oryoucanmakeorbuyyourowntincture.BlackHawsupplementsarealsowidelyavailable.

Acompoundintherootsandstemscalledscopoletinworkstosoothespasmsinsmoothmuscles,whetherfoundinthedigestivetractoruterus.Italsoworksonsmoothmuscleinthetrachea,makingBlackHawbeneficialforasthmasymptomsandattacks.

BlackHawshouldnotbeusedinwomenwhoarepregnant,norinchildrenunder16orthosewithAspirinallergies.

BlackCohosh

(Actaearacemosa)Nature’shealinghormonalresourceforwomenAnativetoNorthAmerica,thisstunningplant(onceusedforsnakebitesinNativeherbalism)hasbecomeanimportantherbalmedicineforwomentoday.Itcontainscompoundscalled“phytoestrogens,”whichmimicestrogenandfitperfectlyinfemalehormonereceptors.SupplementsortinctureofBlackCohoshrootarethemostpopular,takeneverydayforcertainfemalecomplaints.Ifyouhaveaccesstoecologicallyharvestedrootyourself,considermakingyourownhomemadetincture,orahotteadaily(use½to1Tbsp.percup).

SomeherbalistssayBlackCohoshisgoodforwomenwithmenstrualproblems.Itismorepreciselyrelievingforwomenwithlowestrogenlevels:especiallywomeninmenopause.Itcanprovideanaturalhormonalreplacementtherapy,butcheckwithyourphysician.

Somemenstrualissuesareinfactduetolowestrogen.IfyouhavePCOS(PolycysticOvarianSyndrome),adultacneissuesand/orirregularmenses,considergettingyourhormonelevelscheckedandtryingBlackCohosh.

AvoidBlackCohoshifyouarepregnant,andmakesureyouaretakingBlackCohosh,notBlueCohosh,whichcanbedangerous.Avoidtakingitifyouhavealiverdisease.

Boneset

(Eupatoriumperfoliaturn)AColdsandFluRemedy–nottobeoverlookedItmightbehardnottothinkthisplanthassomethingtodowithbones.Butactually,itsancient,old-timeusewasforalleviatingcolds,flus,andfeverssointensethattheyliterallymadeyourboneshurt!Usethedriedleavesofthistoweringplantinahotteaortincture,andtakedailyforthedurationofminorviralillnesses.

Beforemodernmedicine,BonesetwasusedtofightDenguefeverandcasesofMalariathatwouldn’trespondtoquininebark—makingithighlyreputabletocoldswithfevers.StudiesclaimthatBoneset’seffectsoncoldsandfluareduetoincreasedstimulationofwhitebloodcells,whichhelpfightoffforeigninfection.

Donotusetheplantfresh,inlargeamounts,oreverydayforthelong-term.Itcausesdiarrhea,nausea,vomiting,andliverdamage.Itcontainspyrrolizidinealkaloids,muchlikeComfrey,whenusedfreshoroften.

Cayenne

(Capsicumanuum)Aspicyfood,digestiveaid,andtopicalnervepainrelieverSomebelieveCayenneandotherhotpeppersdamagethestomach(andyourskin)inhighamountsduetospicychemicals.Thatisamyth—thisSouthwesternpepper’sactiveingredient,capsaicin,isactuallyhelpfulfordigestionandrelievespainforsomeissues.AddCayennepowderorchoppedpeppertoyourfoodtofeelitseffects—oryoucaneasilyobtainsupplements.Over-the-counterpainreliefcreamswithcapsaicinarealsoavailablefortopicalpainissues.

Capsaicincreams,addedtopicallytounbrokenskin,haveshowedgreatimprovementforjoint,muscle,andperipheralnervepains.Itsbenefitscouldaidthosewithosteoarthritis,fibromyalgia,sciatica,andevendiabeticneuropathy.

Cayennepepperhasbeenshowntostimulatesalivaflowandgastricjuices,helpingthebodybreakdownfoodmoreefficiently.

DiscontinueuseofCayenne/capsaicinproductsifredness,burning,orstingingontheskinoccursnomatterwhataftermultipleuses.Someirritationisnormalatfirst,however.Donotapplytoopen,brokenskin.

Cinnamon(Cinnamomumzeylonicum)

Sweetspiceforsweetproblems–DiabetesandcholesterolIronically,thisspicecommonlyfoundwithsweetfoodshappenstobeexcellentatbloodsugarcontrol.Cinnamonisthesweet,powderedinnerbarkresiduefrommightyevergreentreesnativetoIndiaandChina.Cinnamonessentialoilsareavailable,butshouldnotbeusedinternally.SupplementsofCinnamonareavailable,thoughitcanofcoursebeusedinmealsorinateaortinctureathome.

Cinnamoneffectsinsulinreceptorsandhelpscreateglycogen,astorablesugar.Dailyusecanperhapshelptype2Diabeticsmanagetheirbloodsugarlevels.

StudiesfrombothJapanandCanadarevealedthatCinnamonalsohelpslowerbloodpressureandbadcholesterolinturn.

AvoidconsuminglargeamountsofCinnamonifyouhaveliverissues.AvoidapplyingCinnamonessentialoiltotheskin,asitmaycauseaburningrash.Donottakemedicinaldoseswhilepregnant.

Echinacea

(Echinaceaspp.)Amazingimmunityforcolds,flus,andinfectionsThisbeautifulprairieflowerhasreceivedalotofhypeintheherbworldforitscoldandflupowers.Sometreatitlikeanantibiotic,orevenadailytonictopreventfromgettingsick.Intruth,Echinaceajustempowerstheimmunesystemtofightacuteinfections,butcannotpreventsickness.Useaboutatablespoonofdriedleaves,flowers,orrootsandboilforoneminuteforacold-fightinginfusion.Homemadetincturesandfreeze-driedherbcapsulesareaverypopularoption,too.

UseofEchinaceaapparentlyrampsuptheabilitiesof“macrophages”orwhitebloodcells,aswellasinterferonstofightbothbacterialandviralinfections.Takingtheherbeverytwohoursoverthedurationofacoldalonecanshortentheamountoftimeyoudealwithcoldorflusymptoms.

AvoiduseofEchinaceaifyouhaveanauto-immunedisorder.AvoiduseofEchinaceaalsoifyoutakecertainpharmaceuticalsorbirthcontrolpills—checkwithyourdoctor.Donottakehigheramountsthanrecommended.

Elder(Sambucusnigra)

Esteemedvirus-fighterandfeversupporteroftheherbworldIfyouweretocombineEchinacea,Boneset,andGingertogether,youwouldhaveanentirelynaturalherbalmedicinetocombatanycoldorfluthatcomesyourway.AddElder,however:andallyourbasesarecovered!Thisvivid,darkpurpleberryisnotonlydelicious—italsostimulatestheimmunesystemandcombatsviruses.DriedElderberriesmakeadeliciousteaorinfusion,andatastytincture.Drink2-3cupsortake2-3droppersadaywhilesick.Eldersupplementsareoutthere,too.

LaboratorystudiesdocumentedElderextractsactingexactlylikeantiviralmedicine,particularlyforcombatingtheflu.Eldermightinfacthelpfightanyviralorrespiratoryinfection,likecolds,flu,orbronchitis.

Elderincreasesthebody’sabilitytoproduceinflammatory“cytokines”duringfevers,whichareresponsibleforkillinginfectionsviatheimmunesystem.

DonoteatunripeberriesorotherpartsofElderplant.Allparts,includingunripeseeds,areslightlytoxicandmayproducenausea,vomiting,confusion,dizziness,andfainting.Usecautiouslyifyouhaveanauto-immunecondition.

Eucalyptus

(Eucalyptusglobulus)Australia’spremierherbforrespiratoryhealingAstunningAussietreenowfoundallovertheworld,Eucalyptushassnuckitswayintomanyover-the-countercoughmedicines—maybewithoutusrealizingwedependonplanthealingalready!Oilsintheleavesareantibacterial,antiviral,andanti-inflammatory,buttheplantisespeciallybestatopeningupthelungsandassistingwithcoughs.SeekoutEucalyptusinessentialoilsandsupplements.Driedleavesareavailabletomaketeas,tinctures,salvesandoilsforhealingaswell.

AvolatileoilinEucalyptus,eucalyptol,actsasan“expectorant”and“bronchiodilator.”Theseactionshelpopenupairpassageways,stimulateproductivecough,andproduceathinnermucusthatcanmoreeasilybeexpelled.

Eucalyptolisalsoantibacterialandantiviral,helpingkilloffillnessandinfectionwhilealsorelievingrespiratorysymptoms.Thisplant’snaturaloilsarefoundinmanycold-fightinglozenges,syrups,pills,andevenchest-rubs.

DonotingestEucalyptusessentialoilsforanyreason.Diabeticsshouldavoiduse,asitmightlowerbloodsugar.Donotuseifyoutakecertainmedications.Checkwithyourdoctor.

EveningPrimrose

(Oenotherabiennis)AnherbalsourceforOmega-3’sandinflammationsoothingBecauseitbloomsintheevening,EveningPrimroseisgivenaunique,mysteriousname.Itsbenefitsarenotsomysteriousthough—highamountsofplantmucilagecontainOmega-3fattyacids,makingitatargetintheherbalworldfordealingwithinflammatoryissues.EveningPrimroseisactiveonlyinoilform—lookoutforoilcapsulesortopicaloilsatnaturalfoodstores.Ifyouareanadvancedherbalist,trymakingyourownsun-infusedoiloftheseedpods.

EveningPrimroseoil(comparedtoaplacebo)helpsimprovesymptomsofinflamedjointsinRheumatoidArthritispatients,duetoOmega-3’sabilitytomodulateinflammation.

LikeOmega-3’sfoundinanythingelse,EveningPrimrosehelpslowercholesterol,bloodpressure,andtheriskforheartdisease.

Ifexperiencingdiscomforts,discontinueuse.Avoidexcessiveuseinternallyifpregnant.

Goldenseal

(Hydrastiscanadensis)Nature’smagic,naturalantibioticanddigestivetonicGoldenseal’suseoriginatedamongtheNativeAmericans,whothenintroducedittoEnglishsettlers.Today,ithasachievedstudyandreputationenoughtobeoneofthemostwildlypopularherbs—thoughitdoesholdanendangeredstatus.Traditionalandmainstreammedicinealikeupholditasanantibioticandhealerofnumerousdigestiveissues.Usethedriedroottomakea(verybitter)tea,tincture,ointmentorsalve.Supplementsareavailable—topicalusecanhelpwithskininfections,internalfordigestiveones.

Goldenseal’sactivealkaloid,berberine,hasprovenefficientatcombatingstomachorintestinalinfectionslikeGiardia,E.Coli,amoebicdysentery,orH.pylori,bacteriathatcausepepticulcers.

Topically,berberinehelpsfightfungalinfectionsandalleviatepsoriasis.Itspowersalsoenterthearenaofthecold-fightingworld—Goldenseal’salkaloidalsoheightensimmunity,whichcanhelpfightcolds(thoughitcannotkillviruses).

Donotuseifpregnant.CheckwithyourdoctorbeforeusingGoldensealifyoutakeprescriptionmedications.

MilkThistle

(Silybummarianum)Aone-of-a-kindliverherb–unparalleledinmodernmedicineRarelyisthereaplantouttherethatcanachievewhatmainstreammedicationscannot.MilkThistleistheexception.Aspinyplant,theseedsnonethelesshaveunmistakablepowersontheliver.Itmightbejustthehealerforthoseexperiencingliverissues.Onecanmakeateaoftheseedsasahomeremedy.MilkThistlesupplementsarereadilyavailableatmoststoresincapsuleform.

MilkThistle’shealingcompound,silymarin,preventstoxinsandharmfulchemicalsfromliterallyenteringlivercells.Itthusprotectstheliverfromdamage—evenfromalcohol,poisons,alkaloids,andNSAID’s(likeIbuprofen).SeedpreparationsareevencommonplaceinEuropeanemergencyroomsformushroompoisoning.

Thesamecompoundcatalyzesdetoxificationintheliveraswell,makingitacandidateforsupportingHepatitisA,B,C,Cirrhosis,andJaundice.

DiscussuseofMilkThistlewithyourdoctorifyouhaveliverissues.

Mint

(Menthaspp.)Acooling,soothingmust-haveherbformindandbodyWhocouldforgetMint?Oneofthemostpopularherbs,SpearmintandPeppermintalikearewell-usedanddocumentedfortheircalmingeffects,notjustonthenervesandmind—butalsoonthedigestivetract,andforcoughs,colds,andflus.Makingateaathomeforuseeverydayisperfectlysafe,andMintsmakeexcellent,tastytinctures.AlsoseekMintsincoughcrops,syrups,capsules,andessentialoilform.

Peppermint/Spearmint’sactivecompoundssoothecramps,pain,indigestion,andflatulenceinthedigestivetract.Inthemeantime,theyalsohelpcalmthemind.

Topicalapplicationsofessentialoilshelpwithnervouspainsandaches,evenheadaches.

Mentholinallmintshasfounditswayintomanyacoughandcoldremedy.Itactsasadecongestant,opensairways,soothescoughs,andexpelsmucus.

Donotapplyessentialoilstoinfantsorsmallchildren.AvoidusingPeppermintifyouhaveheartburn,GERDorahernia.

Motherwort(Leonuruscardiac)

Aheart-warmingallyforcardiovascularhealthSomemayplagueMotherwortasanoxiousweed,withspiny,irritatingburrsthatattachtoyourclothes.Littledotheyknow:apreparationofleavesandflowerscouldbeoneofthemostastoundingnaturalhearttonicsoutthere!Makeanduseyourownhomemadeteaortincture,ifyoudesire.Motherwortsupplementsarenotuncommoneither,andareanoptionatnaturalfoodgrocers.

AChinesestudyobservedMotherwortrelaxingcellsintheheartmuscle.Thisthenmodulatedbloodpressure,strengthenedheartbeat,andevenshowedtheabilitytoregulatecertainheartarrhythmiasorpalpitations.

Thesamehearteffectshaveanabilitytoreduceanxiety,tension,andnervousness.

Peopletakingclottingmedicationsorwithclottingdisordersshouldavoid

Motherwort.Avoidusetooifyouarepregnant.

Nettles(Urticadioica)

Astingingplant,overlookedsuperfood,andinflammationhealerDidyouknowStingingNettlesaremorenutritiousthananyplantsthatmightgrowinyourgarden?ThatincludesKale,Spinach,andLettuce.Thinktwicenexttimeyoupullonglovestoremovethemlikeaweed.Keepingthosenon-flowering,seedlessNettletopsmightmakeforanincrediblynutritioussupplementorreliefforallergies.Pickwithgloves,hang,anddryfor1hourtoremovethesting.Useatinctureorsupplementforallergyandurinaryissues,orcookupgreensfromNettletopsbeforetheyflower.OptforathickinfusionoftheleavesforNettle’snutritionalcontent,excellentfortheanemicorundernourished.

NettlesareasignificantsourceofVitaminsA,B6,andC,Antioxidants,Protein,Potassium,Magnesium,Manganese,IronandPhosphorus.

Nettlessuppresshistamineresponse—greatforallergyrelief.Anoteddiuretic,thiscanbecleansingforurinaryhealth.Studiesevendemonstrateanabilitytoreduceprostategrowthinmen.

Avoiduseifyouarepregnant.Avoidlong-termuseaswellwithdiureticherbs—theydepletepotassiumstoresandleadtoelectrolyteimbalance.

Plantain(Plantagospp.)

Notabanana—butabeneficial,understatedstomachhealerPlantainisaubiquitousherb,foundpracticallyeverywhereintheworld.Onceuponatimeitwasreveredasacleansing,cancer-fightingfolkremedy—there’snoevidenceofthat,buttodayitinsteadholdsthetrophyasadigestivetonic,laxative,andtopicalwoundhealer.IncorporatePlantainintooilsandsalvesfortopicaluse,orconsiderapipinghotteaforbowelirregularity.

OnePlantainspecies,“Psyllium,”hasseedsthatarepopular,over-the-counterremediesforconstipation.Theycertainlywork—allPlantainshavelaxativeaction,sogiveitatry.

TheleavesarehighinfiberandOmega-3’s.RawPlantainleavesaddedtosaladscancleansethedigestivetract,andimproveinflammationalloverthebody.

ChewupandpoulticePlantainleavesonitchyskin,rashes,bugbitesandstings.Itprovidesimmediaterelief!

AvoideatingtoomuchPlantain,asitmaycreateexcessivelaxativeeffect.

Rosemary(Rosmarinusofficinalis)

Amind-enhancing,antioxidantrich,deliciousspiceRosemaryisprobablymorewell-knownforperkinguproastedvegetablesandMediterraneandishes.Butitshistoryofadditiontofoodsisnotonlyfortaste—itsantioxidantcapabilitiesweresopowerfultheypreventedfoodsfromoxidizingandgoingrancid.Thosesameantioxidantcapabilitiescanbeamazingforage-fighting,whileothercompoundscankillbacteria,improvecirculation,andreduceinflammation.Essentialoilsandsupplementsarecommon,thoughyoucanaddasprigtoboilingwaterfortea,orcraftaD.I.Y.tincture.

Rosemary’spowerstoimprovecirculationarenotedforhelpingstimulateandclarifymentalfunctionovertime.Coupledwithitsantioxidants,thismakesRosemaryandexcellentsupplementfortheelderly.

Thesamecirculation-enhancinghelpopenupairpassageways,assistingwithbreathingandworkingasadecongestantforcoughsorcolds.Rosemary’santimicrobialcouldalsobeafurtherboonforcombatinginfectionofillnessesthemselves.

MedicinaldosesofRosemaryarenotrecommendedduringpregnancy.Donot

ingestessentialoil,anddiscontinueuseifitcausesburnsonskin.

Reishi(Ganodermatsugae)

Animmune-boostingmushroomforallergiesandinflammationMostwouldn’tthinkofmushroomsasbeingmedicinal,yetmodernresearchisquicklyprovingthattheyare.AtthefrontofthisresearchisReishi,anenormouslygorgeousfunguswithspeciesnativetobothAsiaandNorthAmerica.Adaptogenic,anti-inflammatory,andevenanti-tumoreffectshavebeennoted.Youcanuseitinatea,tincture,orextractathome,thoughmostfinditstasteterriblybitter.Supplementsarewidelyavailableatnaturalfoodstores.

Reishicontainspolysaccharidesandtriterpenes,whichmodulatetheimmunesystem’screationofinflammation.Itcanthushelpwiththepainandmanagementofauto-immunedisorders—likeRheumatoidArthritisorLupus.

Thesesameimmunebenefitscanhelpwithchronicallergiesovertime,whethersinus,respiratory,orevenfood-relatedallergiesorsensitivities.

AvoidusingReishiifyoutakebloodpressuremedicationoranti-coagulantdrugs.Stopusealtogetherifyoudevelopallergysymptoms.

St.John’sWort

(Hypericumperforatum)Combatdepressionandmelancholy–naturallyandeffectivelyThisbrightyellow,populousflowerispracticallysynonymouswithdepressionintheherbalworld.Ancientlyandmodernly,St.John’sWortisusedsuccessfullyforminordepressionissues,andmightbeoneofthebestsellingherbsoftoday.Tryitintinctureorsupplementformifyou’vegottheblues.Itmakesalovelyteaandhomemadeextract,aswellasagorgeous,deep-redsalveoroil.

TrialswithSt.John’sWortprovedthatitwasmoreeffectivethanaplacebo,andjustaseffectiveasmainstreammediationsformildtomoderatedepressionsandanxiety.It’sactiveingredient,hypericin,actsquiteabitlikeanMAOIinhibiter.

Notmanymayknowthatbeyonddepression,St.John’sWortisaveryfunctionaltopicalnervepain-reliever.Salvesoroilsarerubbedintotheskinforpainrelief.

DonottakeSt.John’sWortifyouuseotherprescriptionmedications—theplantenhancesliverclearanceandcannullifytheireffects.Theplantalso

mayincreasephotosensitivityiftakeninhighamountsovertime.

TeaTree

(Melaleucaalternifolia)Theherbalworld’sskinhealer,cleanser,andprotectorAmongherbs,TeaTree’spowerasanantimicrobialisalmostunrivaled.OriginatingfromAustralia(likeEucalyptus),itisnowastandardherbalproductavailableeverywhere,especiallyforskinissuesandwounds.Itisalmostexclusivelyfoundonlyinessentialoilform,asitsuseisexclusivelytopical,notinternal.

Whenappliedtotheskin,TeaTreecanridyouofanyinfectionimaginable.OilsintheplanthavebeenobserveddestroyingandinhibitingStaphylococcusbacteria,evenantibiotic-resistantstrains.Useitasawoundcleanserinapinch.

TeaTreemakesawonderfulastringentforacne,asitkillsacne-causingbacteria.Useawashafterpoisonivy,sumac,oroakexposuretopreventoutbreak.

TeaTreenotonlydestroysbacteria,butfungusaswell.Useitalso

forAthlete’sFoot,Candida,toenail,andvaginalyeastinfections,onlytopically.

Agargleandrinse(notswallowed)cankillmouthbacteriaandpreventgingivitis.

NevertakeTeaTreeinternally,itcanbefatal.Discontinueuseifyoudeveloprash,redness,contactdermatitisorallergy.

Thyme

(Thymusvulgaris)Asprigofflavorforthecough,cold,andrespiratoryspellsMuchlikeEucalyptusandMint,Thymetoohassnuckitswayintomanyanover-the-countercoldandfluremedy.Thisisprobablybecausethisculinaryherbalsohasbronchio-dilating,decongestant,expectorant,andanti-microbialpowers.Makeateaofthesprigs,orkeepyourowntinctureforuseathome.It’salsofoundasapopularessentialoilfortopicaluse,andhealingsupplementforinternaluse.

Thyme’spropertiesactthroughthymol,avolatileoilthathelpsopenuptheairwaysandclearmucus.Atthesametimeithelpsinhibitthegrowthofvirusesthatcausescoldsandflus—probablythereasonwhythymolisalsofoundincommercialcoughsyrupsandlozenges.

Thymolisalsotheanti-microbialingredientinsomemouthwashes.ConsiderusingThymeasamouthrinseforpreventinggingivitisandmouthinfections.

DonotuseThymeessentialoilinternally.ConsultyourdoctorifyouaretakingmedicinaldosesofThymeandyouhavethyroidissues.

Turmeric

(Curcumalonga)AcurrycornerstonethathealsdigestiveinflammationYes,Turmericismostfamousforaddingcolor,body,anddeepflavortocurryblendsfromIndia.Butinthecountry’sculinaryandAyurvedictraditions,thebrightyellowpowderedrootmiraculouslysoothedinflammationlikenoother.Today,itspropertiesarehighlycelebrated,respected,andtoutedallovertheworldbyscienceandtraditionalike.Oilsandsalvesmakeexcellenttopicalanti-inflammatories,thoughtemporarilydyeyourhandsyellow.Feelfreetomakeyourownhomemadeteasortinctures—ortakeaneasy-to-findsupplementfromyourstore.

Turmeric’sactiveingredient,curcumin,isananti-inflammatoryespeciallyinfluentialonthedigestivetract.ResearchshowsthatiteasesthesymptomsofthosewithCrohn’sDisease,IBS(IrritableBowelSyndrome),andColitis.

TopicalapplicationshavealsobeenseeinghelpingtheinflammatorypainofRheumatoidandOsteo-arthritisalike.

Avoidtakingexcessivelylargeamounts.AvoidusingTurmericifyouhaveabloodclottingdisorderortakebloodclottingmedication.

Valerian

(Valerianaofficinalis)Anherballullabytodispelinsomnia,orsootheanxietyValerianhasquitethereputation.Notonlyisitsynonymouswith“sleepaid”intheherbalworld,mostshouldbeawarethatthecompoundsfoundinValerianarealsoresponsibleforthequalitiesfoundinValium—aprescriptiondrugthatslightlyechoestheplant’sname.Assuch,becautioususingitasahomemadeteaortincture.Drinkonly1cupofteabeforebedperday,andcuttincturedosageinhalf.OnecaneasilyobtainValeriansupplementsandtincturesatnaturalgrocers.

ManystudiesdemonstrateValerian’sabilitytoimprovesleepwithoutcreatinganymorningfog.Itsactiveconstituents,valerenicacidandvalerenol,bindtoreceptorsinthebrainthatpromoterelaxationandsleepiness—thesamereceptorsthatmainstreamdrugsmighttarget.

Valeriancanhelpuntanglerestlessnessforasinglenightofsleepinsomeoneexpectinggiddinessthenextday.Forthosewithlong-terminsomniaproblems,ValeriantendstoworkbetterwithothercalmingherbslikeLemonBalmorevenHops(Humuluslupus)andusedfor1-2twoweekseveryday.

Avoidtakingherbinunusuallyhighamounts,whichcancauseuncomfortablesymptomslikedizziness,giddiness,andnausea.Stopuseifyouexperienceimmediategiddiness—Valerianhasastimulating,anxiety-increasinginfluenceonabout10%ofthepopulation.

CHAPTER4MostCommonMaladiesandtheirHerbalPreventives

Inourpreviouschapters,Iarmedyouwithmy30TopFavoriteherbsforcombatingminorillnessesandailmentsathome.FiveofthemIconsidermyfront-linealliesandherbalprotectors,whichyoucanreviewinChapter2.

Chapter3,ontheotherhand,providedyouwithinformationandhealingcapabilitiesofyetmore:25additionalbotanicalremediesforfurtherillnessandinjury-fighting,inapinch!Usingalltheseplantstogether,supportedbyresearchandtraditionalherbalismhand-in-hand,thereisnosinglemaladyorsicknessthatyouwon’tbeequippedtofaceathome;whetheralone,orwithfamilyorlovedones.

Itmightbeconfusingatfirstfiguringouthowtonavigatewhichonestouse,when,andforwhat.That’swhatthisfollowingsectionisfor.

Usethischapterasareferenceguide,compass,andorganizedmanualtohelpyoudecidewhichherbstouseforyourspecificcondition—whichonesworkbestcomparedtoothers,aswellastheirmoreminornuances.Makesurethatyoualsocross-referenceeachindividualherb’sentryasitislistedinpreviouschaptersforthemostwell-rounded,completeapproachonhowtouseit,andwhenit’sbesttouseit!

Remembertoo:ifyoufeelyouaredevelopingachronicillness,dangerousinfection,orotherseriousmedicalcondition,pleasedonotrelyontheuseofherbs.Visityourdoctorortheemergencyroom,whenindoubt—butfortheminorscraps,coldsandskinproblemsathome,youcansafelyturntoherbsforthefollowingCommonMaladies.

NervousConditionsWhetherwewanttoadmititornot,ournervesandbrainsareoftenoneofthe

primarydeterminingaspectsofourhealththatrelayasenseofwell-being.Ourbodiesmightbeintip-topshape—butifournervesarefrayed,orourmood

depressed,wemuststartwithhealingourmindsfirstandthenworkingourwayoutward.

Inthearenaofnervousconditions,herbalremediestrulyshine.Thereareamyriadofherbsthatdowelltocalmourspirits,aswellasnervousconditionstheyhelpsmoothover.Referencethefollowingherbsforyournerves:

Headaches–Headachesareannoyingandlife-hampering.Theycanhaveawidevarietyofcauses,too.Considersomeherbalmethodsbelowformorecommonplace,minorsinusheadaches.

Ginger–Thisespeciallycomesinhandyforallergy,sinus-headacheswithlotsofinflammation.EatamealwithlotsofGinger,sipaGingerale,orenjoysomehotChaitea(whichcontainsGinger).Or,makeyourselfsomehotGingerroottea.

Eucalyptus–Dabjustabitofessentialoil,onlyonedropeach,onthesidesofyourtemples.

LemonBalm–Fornervous,anxiety,ordigestive-relatedheadaches,trysomehotLemonBalmteafromthefreshbruisedleaves.

StressandAnxiety–Noonelikestofeelstressedoutoruptight.Someamongusdealwithstressandanxietyasapartofourdailyroutine,orevenassymptomsoflargerdiagnosednervousdisordersthatcandisruptwell-being.Maybetrysomeofthefollowingremedies:

Alfalfa–Providesnutritionforthosesonervousandstressedout,thatitinterfereswitheatinghabits.Eatleavesorsproutsraw,orinahotinfusionoverlongterm.

Ashwagandha–LikeAlfalfa,isanutritivetonicfordigestionwreckedbyanxietyandnerves.Rootsandberriesinahotinfusiondaily,orafixedsyrup,overthelongterm.

LemonBalm–Helpscalmacuteinstancesofnervousnessoranxiety.Helpswhetherinteaortinctureform,aslongastheherbis

fresh.

Nettles–Nutritivequalitiesstrengthenthoseweakfromstressoradrenalfatigue.Freshordriedleavesfromnon-floweringplanttopsinathickinfusioneveryday,orcookedasgreensoverthelongterm.

Depression–Minortomoderatedepressioncanbesupportedbytheuseofherbs.However,ifyousufferfromsevereclinicaldepression,pleaseturntotheguidanceofyourdoctorandcounselor.Otherwise,thinkaboutusingtheseforyourtroubles:

LemonBalm–Canhelpwithmilddepressions,tastesgreatandverycalming.Useastea,tincture,orsometimessupplementdailyforthelongterm.

St.John’sWort–Proventohelpwithmildtomoderatedepressions.ConsidercombiningwithLemonBalm.Mostcommonlycomesastinctureorsupplementuseddailyforthelongterm.

Sleep–Sleepdisturbancecanbetheresultofothernervousconditions.Youmightbewounduptightwithanxiety,orheavywiththoughtsfromdepression,withsleepalwaysjustoutofreach.Trytheseherbsthatclassicallybringyoucalm,peacefuldreams.

LemonBalm–Taketinctureorahotteaofthisfreshherb½to1hourbeforebed.Itmightsoothenotonlydepressionoranxiety,butgetyousomerest.

Valerian–Forreallywound-up,mind-racingnights,Valeriandoesthetrick—oftenwithmorepowerthanLemonBalm.However,trythetwotogethertoincreaseyourchances:theyareacommonblend.Tea,tincture,orsupplementworkgreat.

Infections

Beforemodernantibiotics,herbswereusedtraditionallyallovertheworldtohealinfectedwoundsofallkinds.Whetherbacterial,fungal,orviral,therewouldbesomeherbthatcoulddothetrick;sometimestherewerepowerfulherbsthatcouldtakecareofallthreekindsofinfection!

Eventoday,antibioticssometimesfallshortoffightinganinfection.Numerousantibiotic-resistantbacterialstrainsareoutthere,whichdon’trespondtomoderndrugs.Virusesandfungioftenleaveushelplesstoo,sinceantibioticssimplydon’thaveaneffect.

Someday,wemightfindourselvesturningtoherbsforthefollowingmaladies,astheygiveusaninfinitelyvariablechemicalretaliationagainstbacteria,viruses,andfungialike!

WoundsandCuts–Someherbsarewaymoreantisepticthanwegivethemcreditfor.Evenbetter,wemighthavetheminthekitchenorgardenwhenwedidn’tevenrealizeit!Someofthefollowingaregoodexamplestouseforminorcutsandscrapes:

Comfrey–Onveryminor,superficialcuts,Comfreykillsgermsandspeedshealingandclosure.Donotuseinsalveoroilform—rather,makeateaorinfusion,orusestore-boughtorhomemadetinctureasawoundwash.Youmaypoulticetheleavesorrootstraightonthewoundtoo,andwashawaylater.

Plantain–SimilartoComfrey,Plantainhelpsdisinfectverysmall,minorcutsorscrapes.Healingacceleratesaswell.Teaorinfusionasawoundwashworkswell,butapoulticeofthechewedupleavesandseedsworkswonders.

TeaTree–Fordeeper,moreworrisomewounds,useaTeaTreetincture,liniment,orteaasawoundwash.Trydiluting5dropsessentialoilinacupofwaterasawashalso.Neverapplyundilutedessentialoilsstraightonawound.Pleasegoimmediatelytotheemergencyroomformajorwounds.

PinkEye–It’srarelyahugeworry.Butnonetheless,pinkeye(alsocalled“conjunctivitis”)isanirritating,annoyinginfectionthatcankeepyouhomefromworkfordays—orkeepyourkidsfromschoolwhentheyareotherwiseabsolutelyfine.Trythesehomeremediesthough,andseeiftheycancutdownoninfectiontime.

Rosemary–Makeastrongteaorinfusion,wellstrainedandcooled,anduseitasaneyewash3timesperday.

Spearmint–SimilartoRosemary,makeastrongteaorinfusionofthisfragrantplantandrinsetheeyes3timesperday.Makesureitisstrainedandcooled.

EarAcheandInfection–Thesekindofinfectionsmightbethesideeffectofacold,flu,orsinusinfection.Theyareannoyingallthesame—especiallyinlittleones!Thefollowingisanherbalremedycommonlyusedforearachesandinfections:

Garlic–Chopup1to5clovesofGarlic,andheatonthestoveverylowinabitofoliveoilinasaucepan.After10minutes,strainGarlicfromtheoil.Addabout5dropstoinfected,painedear.Tiltheadorcoverwithacottonballforanother10minutes.

Coughs,ColdsandFlu–Thesemostcommonofmaladiescanbehealedandassistedbythemostcommonofherbs.Nexttimeyouoralovedonecatchcold,trytheseouttoseeiftheycutdownonthedurationofyourillness.Sciencesaystheycouldwork!

Boneset–Makeahotinfusionofthedriedleaves,ortakeadriedleaftincture3timeseverydayforthedurationofyourcoldorflu—especiallyifyouareexperiencingsymptomsoffever.

Echinacea–Makeseveralcupsofhotinfusionfromtheleaves,flowers,androotstobetakenevery2hourswhilesick.Or,optforadoseofEchinaceatinctureorcapsuleevery2hours.

Elder–BoilorsimmeraTbsp.ofdried,ripeberriesinwaterfor

coldsorfluswithfever.Acold-steepedjuiceisverymedicinalaswell,packedwithVitaminC.Taketea,tincture,orsupplementfreelythroughoutthedurationofyourillness.

Garlic–Crush,chop,chew(yes,chew),thenimmediatelyswallowupto10clovesofGarlicperdaywhileyouhaveacoldorflu.Tryfollowingeachclovewithaglassofplant-basedmilklikealmond,rice,orsoy.Duringthelengthofyourcold,youmightfindthatlovedonesdonotwanttocomenearyou.Garlicteasortinctureswon’tdoyoumuchgood!

FungalInfections–Thesehappenmoreoftenthanyoumightthink.Themostcommonbrush-inswithfungalinfectionsincludeAthlete’sFootandsomeskinafflictions,andthenthereisthedreadedyeastinfectionamongwomen.Lookingforamorenaturalsolution?Thefollowingherbsarewell-knownfungus-fighters.

Garlic–PoulticeGarlicstraightonyourskinfordermalfungalinfections(itwillsting).Traditionally,Garliccloveswerecrushedandinsertedstraightintothevaginalcanalforyeastinfections.Itmightbeabitstrangeandfeelunusual—butscientifically,itshouldwork,ifyou’rebold.

Goldenseal–Infusetherootinateaortincture,andapplytopicallyfordermalfungalinfections,likeAthlete’sFoot.Berberine’squalitiestendtodothetrick.YoucanalsofindGoldensealcreamsorointmentsatsomestores.

TeaTree–ThisherbispriorityforAthlete’sFootandyeastinfectionsalike.Addafewdropsofessentialoiltowaterasawashordoucheforeither.

Immunity

Whenitcomestohealth,focusingonourImmuneSystemsissomethingthatoftengetspassedup.Itis,however,attherootofmanyissues,interestingly

enough.

Inmodernmedicinebeliefs,alotoftimesinsteadofstrengtheningourImmuneSystems,welosesightofwhat’strulywrong.Wemighttrytotreatseparatesymptomsrelatedexclusivelytoasickness,insteadoflookingdeeperattheunderlyingproblem,forexample.

Aswestrivetofindreliefforyetmoreminuteanddetailedsymptoms,wegetfartherandfartherawayfromthebiggerpicture:immunity!Thefollowingillnessesorsymptomsaregreatexamplesthatareinfactwarningsignsthatwearestrayingfromastrongimmunesystem.

Allergies–Thisrelatestosinusallergies,suchastoseasonalpollenorpetdander;ortominorfoodintolerancesorhypersensitivities,likewithglutenordairy.Ifyouexperiencethosesymptomsortroubles,itmightbethatyourimmunesystemneedsalittlekick.Fullblownfoodallergies,suchastopeanutsandshellfish,areadifferentmatter—pleaserelyonmainstreammedicinetotreatorallaylife-threateningallergies.

Ginger–Takingthispungent,hotrootwillnotonlyrevupyourimmunesystem.Itcanalsohelpsootheinflammationofthesinusesordigestivetractthatareworkedupbyallergens.Takeiteverydayforafewmonthsinateaortinctureform,2-3timesperday,tofeelitseffects.

Nettles–Nettlesmightbeamoreshort-termremedyforallergies,andonlyofthenasalkind.Tea,tincture,orfreeze-driedherbcapsulesactsomewhatlikeanantihistamine.Onlong-termbasisitcanboosttheimmunesystem,especiallyinthewakeofadrenalfatigueduetonourishingvitaminsandminerals.

Reishi–Apremier“adaptogen,”Reishiispowerfulfortheimmunesystemandhelpsitadaptbetterresponsestoallsortsofallergens—airborneorfood-related.Takeitlongterm:incapsuleformworksbest.Ifyouaredaring,trymakingabitterbutmedicinalteaortinctureandtakingthatdailyforseveralweeks.

Fevers–Manytreatfeversasadangerous,worrisomepartofthecoldorfluexperience.Butreally,feversareahealthysign—itmeansthatyourimmunesystemisworking.Feversareproducedbytheimmunesystemtokillviruses,bacteria,andexpelwasteorforeigninvadersthroughthelungsandskin(throughsweat).Ratherthanstiflingafever:supportyourfever!Theseherbscanhelp.

Boneset–Beforemodernmedicine,BonesetwasreliedontocombatDenguefeverandMalaria,twodangerousfebrileconditions.Usethedriedleavesofthisplantinahotinfusion,2-3timesaday,whilesickwithcoldorfluwithfever.

Elder–Elderhasbeenobservedsupportingthebody’sownfeverconditions,whichproduceinflammationtokillbacteriaorviruses.MakehotinfusionsofripeElderberrytea,anddrinkfreelywhileexperiencingfeverishsymptoms.

EnergyandLongevity–Thegreatestherbsfortheimmunesystemareoftencalled“adaptogens”or“tonics.”Someofthesecanbeconsideredadaptogens,whileothersmightnotquiteholdthatdefinition.Eitherway,theseareallknowntoamplifyimmunity,andnotonlyhelpbetterdealwithallergiesorsickness—buttoincreaseenergy,livelihood,well-being,andevenlongevity!

Alfalfa–Chockfullofvitaminsandminerals(includingVitaminK,Iron,andZinc),Alfalfanotonlynourishes:itbringsenergy,strongimmunity,andevencancerpreventiontothetable.Additrawassprouts/leavestosaladsandmeals,ortakeahot,thickinfusioneveryday.

Ashwagandha–Therootsandberriesinanourishinginfusioneverydaycontainironandmagnesium,aswellasantioxidantsthathelpthebodycopeandrevitalizeinthefaceofstress.Ithashelpedmanyregainenergy,especiallyinrecoveringsexualhealthandlibido.

Reishi–TakingReishidailyenrichesthebodywithpolysaccharidesandtriterpenes,compoundsthathelptheimmunesystemmodulateitselfinthehealthiestwaypossible.Hence,itprotectsagainstcancersandauto-immuneissues.Takeitincapsuleform,orabitter,homemadeteaortincture.

DigestiveIssuesIssueswithguthealthareeasilythemostcommonproblemswedealwith.

Traditionalherbalistshavefoundmorethanenoughplant-basedresponsestothediscomforts,pains,andunpleasantbowelhabitsthatcanformfromdiminished

digestivehealth.Luckilyenoughtoo,modernresearchandevidencejoinshandswithtraditionalknowledgetoprovidemorethanenoughherbalsolutionstotummyachesandbellyupsets.Explorethefollowing,ifyou’rewantingabreakfrommodernmeds.

StomachAchesandCramps–Thesethingshappen.Whetherornotit’sduetosomethingyouate—oraccompaniedwithunpleasant,stinkyaftermath—someherbscansmoothoutthekinksinyourtummy.Herearemytopchoices.

LemonBalm–Thisnerve-calmingherbalsocurbsjittersinyourstomach.Whetheritscramps,aches,gas,or“butterflies,”tryacupofhotLemonBalmteaorabitoftincture.Takeabitmoreeachhalfhouruntilsymptomsgoaway.

Mint–SimilarlytoLemonBalm,Mint’seffectsaresurprisinglyquickandnoticeableforbellytroubles.“After-dinnermints”didoriginatefromtheoccasionalneedtoallayflatulenceorachesaftermeals.Chewonafreshleaf,makeawarmtea,ortrytincture.

Nausea–Arguablythemostupsettingdigestivesymptomoutthere,afewherbscanbespectacularatcurbingnausea.Comparedtomodernpillsandotherremediesfornausea,thesimpleuseofsomefairlyeasytofindplantscanbemuchmoreappealing.

Ginger–Thisrootisfamousforitsanti-nauseamiracles.Chewontheroot,maketea,orevensipGingeralewithrealGingerinit.You’llfeeltheeffects!

Thyme–LikeGinger,Thymeworkssurprisinglywillfornauseaissues.Intraditionalmedicine,itwasusedtoeasemorningnauseainpregnantwomen.Ifyoucan’tgetahandonsomeGinger,tryoutThymeinstead—nibbleonafewleaves,ormakeateafromthesprigs.

Constipation–Whenyouhaven’t“gone”foradayortwo,andit’sgettinguncomfortable,afewherbsmightbeabletohelpyougetgoing.Trythefollowingselectionsout.Ifyouexperienceconstipationforlongerthanaweek,however,checkinwithyourdoctoranddon’tdependexclusivelyonherbs.

Plantain–Takeseveralleavesandseedsfromthiseasy-to-findplant,chopthemup,andsteepthemincoldwaterforaday.Ifyoulike—setthesun-teaonthewindowsillforadaytohelpgentlyextracttheplant’smucilage.Drink2timesadayuntilyouseeimprovement.Also:tryaddingleavestoasmoothieorjuiceblend.

AloeVera–Aloejuice,whichiseasytofindatgrocerystores,ispurportedtohaveamildlaxativeeffectanddetoxifyinginfluenceonthegut.TrysomeAloejuice—butavoidtakingAloeleaf,gel,orotherpartsinternallyforconstipation.Thepainfulsideeffectsareunpleasant,andoftennotworththetrouble.

Diarrhea–Oppositeofconstipation,diarrheamakesforanotherunpleasantdigestivereality.Luckily,mostcasesofdiarrheaareincrediblyeasytosupportandtreatwithherbs.Ifyouexperiencechronicdiarrheaforlongerthanaweek,however,checkinwithyourdoctor—especiallyifherbsaren’thelping.Itcouldbedangerousnotto.

Goldenseal–Ifyouareworriedthatyourdiarrheaiscausedbyamoebicdysentery,parasites,foodpoisoning,ordigestiveinfection,Goldensealwillsavetheday.Keepinmind:thisplantwillhelpdestroythediarrhea-causinginfection,butnotalleviatethediarrheaitself.Takeitasatea,tincture,orsupplement.

Plantain–Thisplanthappenstobegoodforbothconstipationand

diarrhea.Takeseveralleavesandseeds,chopthemup,andsteepthemincoldwaterforaday—oraddthemtoasmoothieorjuice.Ifyoulike—setthesun-teaonthewindowsillforadaytohelpgentlyextracttheplant’smucilage.Drink2timesadayuntilyouseeimprovement.

AchesandPains

Didyouknowthatourmoderndaysourcesofcertainpain-relievingdrugs—likeAspirin,forexample—originatedfromplants?Thatissomethingtoconsider,especiallywhenreachingoutformorenaturaloptionsforpainrelief.

Arthritis–Somanyherbsouttheretoutanti-inflammatorycapabilities.Ifyouhavepainsfromarthritis,whetherRheumatoidorOsteo-arthritis,thereisanimmenseselectionfromtheworldofherbstochoosefrom.Infact—almostallherbshavesomesortofanti-inflammatorycapability!However,tryoutandsticktothefollowing:theyhavethemostsupporteduse,bothinmodernstudiesandtraditionalknowledge.

EveningPrimrose–TheseedpodsarehighinOmega-3’s,ALA,andGLA.Anoilboughtcommercially,orinfusedfromtheplant’sseedpods,hasbeenshowntoalleviateinflamedjoints—especiallyforRheumatoidArthritissufferers.

Arnica–Creams,ointments,andsalvesarewidelyavailableforarthritisreliefatmostnaturalfoodstores.YoucanalsoopttomakeyourownsalveortopicaloilbyextractingArnica’ssoothingcompoundsfromtheflowers.MakesuretonotuseArnicainternally,onlyexternallyonpainedjoints.

Comfrey–Comfreycantaketheedgeoffarthriticpain.Creamsandointmentsareavailableatsomestores—ormakeanoilorsalvefromtheleavesorroottorubintopainfuljoints.Donottakeinternally.

Ginger–Takeninternally,GingercanhelpwithinflammatorypainmuchlikeamodernNSAID(likeAcetaminophen).Youmightneed

totakeitperiodicallyoverafewhours—makeafreshGingerroottea,aChaitea,oraddfreshGingertoyourmeal.Or—sipaGingerale.

Turmeric–Thisbrightyellowpowdercanprovidereliefforarthritismoreeffectivelythananyother.Takeitinternallyinatea,tincture,supplement,oraddedtofood.Or,makeyourselfaTurmericoilorsalve—itworks,butmightmakeyourhandsyellowforawhile!

PainRelief–Whataboutgeneralpain?Beyondachyjointsfromarthritis,therearenumerouswaysweexperiencepain.Forexample:wemightsufferfrommusclepainsduetoexerciseorinjury.Or,wemightfacenervepainfromissueslikesciatica,oreventype2diabetes.

Nomattertheissue,theherbalworldwillprobablyhaveyoucovered.Ifyou’retiringfrompainmedicationsorointmentswithuncomfortablesideeffects—ormaybeyoujustwanttomakeyourownremedy,orturntosomethingnatural—checkouttheseherbswhichhavebeenusedforagestosoothepainsofallkinds.

Aloe–Thepainofburns,itching,dryskin,psoriasis,andeczemaisnofun.ApplyAloegelorcreamtoskininfections,afflictions,orevenwounds.Itcandulltheburnofinflamedpain,andspeedupthetimeittakestoheal.

Arnica–Arnicaassuagesnotonlyjointpain,butmuscleorbruisepainstoo.Creams,ointments,andsalvesarecommerciallyavailable.Youcanmakeyourownsalveoroilfromtheflowers.Donotuseinternallyoronopenskin.

BlackHaw–Containingacompoundcalledscopoletin(aswellasAspirin-likecompounds,includingsalicin),takingthetwigsorrootofthisplantinahotteacouldachievesimilareffectastakingAspirinfortummyaches,menstrualcramps,oreventhepainfromharsh,drycoughs.

Cayenne–Tryanover-the-countercreamcontainingcapsaicin,theactiveingredientinCayennethatmakesit“spicy.”Itworksexcellentonunbroken,smoothskinfornerveandmusclepainsespecially.Justmakesureyouwashyourhandsafterusing—gettinganyresidueinyoureyesormouthwillburn!

Comfrey–Comfreyeasesmuscleandjointpainboth,butalsohelpsspeedhealingofmuscles,breaks,andinternalinjuries.Makeanoilorsalvefromtheleavesorrootandrubintoskin.Donottakeinternallyoronopenskin.

St.John’sWort–Gotthebluesandsomeuncomfortablenervepain?St.John’sWortnotonlyallaysdepression.Whenusedasatopicaloilorsalverubbedintoskin,itcansoothenervepain.Tryitwithissueslikefibromyalgia.

Toothache–Maybeyoudon’thavetogotothedentistforsimpletoothpain.Instead,turntotheculinaryspicesandherbsinyourkitchencupboard.Ifyoudon’tthinkit’sacavity,abscess,orinfection—considertheseherbsforriddingyourselfoftheagony.

Echinacea–Beyondfightingcolds,Echinaceawastraditionallyusedfortoothaches.Makeanoilorsalvefromleaves,flowers,orroots—applyjustabittothegumsaroundyourachingtooth.Applymoreeveryhouruntilpainrecedes.

St.John’sWort–Thisplant,typicallyusedfordepression,yieldsagorgeouslydeep-redinfusedoilifyouleaveitinoilinthesun.Itcanbesafelydabbedaroundthegumsofathrobbingtooth.Applymoreeveryhouruntilpainrecedes.

SoreThroat–Ah—thescratchy,raspypainthataccompaniescolds,flu,orsometimesevenstrepthroatorallergies.Luckily,herbalremedieshavebeeninplaceforsorethroatsforhundredsofyears…ifnotthousands.Allittakesismakingahot,soothingteawithanyofthefollowingherbs—andaddalittlelemonorhoney(amixtureofmaplesyrupandmaltsyrupworksthesamewayasaveganalternative)foradditionalthroat-relievingeffects.

Eucalyptus–ThisAustraliantree’sactiveconstituent,eucalyptol,helpssoothethepainandsorenessofcoughsorsorethroat.Itmayalsohelpopenupairways,assistbreathing,andevenkillofviralorbacterialinfectionscausingthesorethroat.Makeitasagargle,using

afewdropsofessentialoilsordriedleaves.Spititoutwhenfinished.

Garlic–Garlic,likeEucalyptus,isstrongatfightingoffviral/bacterialinfectioncausingsorethroat.Italsoboostsimmunitytogiveanaddededge.Mostofall—awarmGarlicteacanbethroat-soothing.Addafewcloves(asmanyasyoucanstand)towarmorhotwater,thencrushtheminthewaterwithaforkandstir.Addhoney(ormapleandmaltsyrupmixture)andlemon,andyouhaveinyourhandsahomemade,herbalsorethroatdream.

Ginger–Gingercanbeaboontoasorethroat,especiallywhenitoccurswithcoldsorflu.Makeahotteaoffreshrootandaddlemon—ifyou’rebrave,addGarlic.Ginger’spungentheatsoothestheinflamedskin,whilekillingoffanyviralpresence.

Mint–MentholinMintleavessuppressescough,andsoothesanyachythroat.Makeahotteaofit,andperhapsaddsomelemonorlime.Mintisalsomildlyantiviral.

Thyme–Likealltheseotheraboveherbs,Thymecontainscompoundsthatassuageasorethroat—butalsocankillinfection-causingmicrobesthatleaduptoit.MakeateaofThymesprigswithhoney(ormapleandmaltsyrupmixture)andlemon.AddcrushedGarlicorGingerifyoudare!

SkinConditions

Thehealthofourskinisimportant.Notonlydoesitreflectandrelaysignsaboutourinnerhealth,itcanhaveahugeimpactonourconfidence,self-esteem,andappreciationofourlooksandbeauty.

Ofcourse,whileskinconditionsaren’talwaysthemostpainfulorlife-threatening,theycannonethelesshaveanenormousimpactonhowwethinkandfeel.Howweportrayourselvestotheoutsideworldaffectsuspsychologically.Don’tthinkyoulookgood?Thiscanstressyouout—andstresscanthussuppresstheimmunesystem,leadingyouclosertoillnessesthatcananddomatter.

Fortunately,herbs—useanciently,andfoundstillineffectiveproductstoday—

haveamazingpowersofpamperingourskinandmakinguslookandfeelgreat.Throughmyownpersonalresearchandpractice,thefollowingbotanicalhealersaremychoicealliesforkeepingmyskinyoungandhealthy.

Acne–Whatcanbemoreconfidence-crushingthanablemishorblackheads?Nomatter—theseherbalremediesmightcomeinhandy,ifyou’rehavingabadhair(orskin!)day.

Eucalytpus–Averyantibacterialherb,awashusinganinfusionortisaneofthedriedleavescancleansetheskinofacne-causingbacteria.Or,addafewessentialoildropstowarmwaterduringyourmorningeaudetoilette.

TeaTree–First-lineamongtopicalskinprotectors,TeaTreewilldecimateacneifuseddaily.Addafewessentialoildropstowarmwaterforafacewash.

Rash–Dermatitis,allergicreactions,hives,poisonivy,heatrash—nomatterthetruecause,herbscanhelptameyourrashwithintheday.Youcantrustthesefollowingplantsespecially.

Aloe–ForherbalistsandevenFirstAidKitowners,Aloeleafgelmightbethefirstgo-toforarash.Applythegelstraightonraisedskin,oruseAloeproductforanykindofrash—itsoothesinflammationandhelpswiththeitching.

Plantain–Asalve,oil,orevenpoulticedleavescantakepainanditchingawayfromrashesofallkinds.ApplyPlantainevenincasesofpoisonivy,oakorsumac,andthenrinseitoffquickly.Youcouldevenpreventabiggerbreakout,asPlantainclingstoandrinsesawayrash-causingoilsrightaftertouchingtheplant.

TeaTree–Useseveraldropsofessentialoil,dilutedinwater,asawashforpoisonivy/sumac/oakonly.TeaTreeclingstotheoils,preventingtherashfromspreading.Neverapplyplainessentialoilstobareskinorrashesofotherkinds.

Eczema,DrySkin,andItchRelief–Eczemasufferersdealwithdry,patchyskin,itchiness,andrashesasachronicauto-immuneissue.Sincemainstreammedicationsforwhatisclinicallycalled“atopic”eczemacanbringunpleasantsideeffects,thosewhodealwithitoftenseekoutherbalalternatives.

Othersamongusmaysimplyhavefoilswithdryskin,flakiness,anditchfromtimetotime.Whetherornotyouhaveeczemaorjustsporadicskinissues,thefollowingherbsaresomeofthebestoutthereforeither.

Aloe–Theinnergelandlotionsmadefromtheleafofthisdesertplantcanrelievedryness,itch,andrash—andspeedhealingtopreventthefurtherspreadofaneczemaflareup.Usetheplaingel,asalveoroil.

Comfrey–Moisturizingandpain-relieving,ComfreymightbemoreadeptathelpingtheskinhealfasterafteranEczemaflareupthanAloe.Usesalveoroil.

EveningPrimrose–Beyondsoothingarthritis,EveningPrimroseoils—madeorbought—canhaveamazingimpactoneczemaattacks,aswellasitchinessandinflammation.TheOmega-3contentassuagestheauto-immuneissue.EveningPrimroseout-performedplacebosforeczemaoutbreaksinmanyEuropeantrials.

Warts–Wartshappen.Whatmore,almostallwartsareviralinnature—meaningthatyoucoulduseantiviralherbstoslowtheirgrowth,orremovethemcompletely.It’struethatherbshelp,butformostwartproblemsit’sbestyouusemainstreamcreams,procedures—ortalktoyourdoctor.

Garlic–Itwillmostlikelybepainful,butcrushedgarlichasbeentoutedbydoctorsandherbalistsalikeforhelpingshrinkwarts.Youcanbandageortapethecrushedclovetoyourskinforextendedperiodsoftime,aswellaseatlotsofgarlicinternally.

LemonBalm–Extractsofthisminty,lemonyplanthaveprovenhighlyantiviral.Placingaleafoverthewart,oradding

tincture/essentialoildirectlytowartsovertime,couldspeeditsremovalandshrinkage.

ChappedLips–Someherbsaremoistenoughthattheycan“plumpup”andtonethelips.Trymakingsalvesoutofthefollowing—andyes,youcanapplythesalvetoyourchappedlipsjustlikealipbalm,bothtofurtherprotectionandhealing.

Aloe–Speedshealing,moisturizes,andhelpsprotectfromsundamagetosomeextent.

Comfrey–Speedshealingandmoisturizes.

Plantain–Speedshealingandmoisturizes.

Burns–Whetherit’sfromasunburn,orjustanaccidentinthekitchen,certainplantshavebeenusedthroughouthistorytotakeawayburningpains—andtospeedhealingwhilereducingscarring.Ifyouexperienceaminorburn(1stdegree)athome,thesepopularherbscouldbeexcellentfirstaid.

Aloe–UseofAloeVeraispracticallysynonymouswithburnhealingandrelief.Applythegelorajuicestraighttoafreshburn,thenrinseofwithtepidwaterafteratime.Neverapplycream,ointment,orsalvetoanopenburn.

Comfrey–SimilartoAloe,Comfreyachievesthesameeffects.Itcutsdownonhealingtimeandevenuncomfortableitching.Applyinawashorteaform,butneverapplycream,ointment,orsalvetoanopen,unhealedburn.

Plantain–Itching,healing,pain,anddrynessaresalvedquicklywithPlantain.Poulticetheplantstraightonaburn,oruseateaasawash—thenrinseawayintimetolettheburnbreathe.Donotapplysalve/creamtounhealedburns.

Rosemary–Thisculinaryherbcomesinhandyforskinafflictions.Onceaburnisonthewaytohealing—butyoufearlingeringinfection—awashingteaofRosemarycouldcalmyourfears,andkill

residualbacteria.

St.John’sWort–Oncetheburnisalreadyonitswaytohealing,applySt.John’sWorttoskinthatmightbeitchyorpainful.Salveoroilformisbest.

TeaTree–InfectedburnscouldbenefitgreatlyfromsomeTeaTree.Mixseveraldropsofessentialoilinwater,anduseasawashorcompressifyoufearinfection.Neverapplyessentialoilsstraightonburns.

BugBites–Mosquitoes,bees,andgnats—ohmy!Therearespraysandlotionstokeepthemaway.Butwhataboutwhentheyhavealreadytakenabiteoutofyournowirritated,stingingskin?Callontheseherbstosavetheday.

Plantain–Intreatingbugbites,thisiswherePlantaintrulyshines.ChewupsomePlantainleaforseed,andputitstraightonyourbite.Or,dabalittlesalveoroilon.Feelthepainanditchgoawaywithinminutes.

Aloe–Aloecanhelpsootheinflamedskinaroundbugbitesinapinch.Useitsplantgel,abitofjuice,oranAloeVeraointmentorlotionproduct.

BodyOdor–Lastbutnotleast—skincannotonlymakeusself-consciousaboutourlooks.Ifourhygienegetsoutofwhack,itcanalsomakeusveryawareof—yes,youguessedit—yourpersonalodor!

Herbsarechock-fullofessential,volatileoils,andhealingaromasthatnotonlynourishandpamperourskin—theymaybeabletogiveusamorepleasant,friendlyaroma.Turntothesewonderful-smellingfavoritesofmineandmaybeaddthemtoyourcleaningormorningroutine!

Mint–AlittledashofMintneverhurtanyone.Makeawashusingessentialoils—addseveraldilutedinwateranddabintheareasthatcount(yes,yourpitstoo).

Rosemary–Rosemaryhasanicescentthatisneutralizing,

stimulatingandclarifying.Itcanalsokillpeevishbacteriathatcouldbebuildingupstinkinyourclothesorshoes.AddsomeessentialoilstosomewaterandgiveyourselfaRosemarybirdbath.You’llsmellheavenlyandinvigorating!

TeaTree–ThisAustraliantreewillnotonlyhelpyoumasksomeunwantedsmells,butcanalsodestroythefungiandbacteriathatcanraiseafunk.Awashmadeofafewessentialoildropsinwatercanfreshenyouup—whetherit’syourbodyorclothes.

ReproductiveorUrinaryMaladiesFormenandwomenboth,herbscanbeoursavior—evenwhendealingwithmaladies“downunder.”Beforemodernpills,ointmentsortests,ourancestorsandherbalistsmasteredtheuseofcertainplantsforreproductiveandurinary

issuesofallkinds,beforetheycouldgrowintobiggerproblems.Plantmedicinesthatwereoncedependedonforkidneystones,fertilityandevenchildbirtharenowsettledintosimplerremediesforminorcomplicationswerunintofromtimetotime.Tryafewoftheseoutofyourunintothestrayissuewithyourmenstrualcycleorurinaryhealth.

MenstrualPain–Gotcramps?Stockinguponcertainherbsmightmakeyouneverhavetoturntothemedicinecabinetagain.Thefollowingaretried-and-true,studied,andtrustedherbsevenforthemostintenseofmenstrualpains.

BlackHaw–CompoundsinthebarkandrootofthistreemimictheeffectsofAspirin.Seekthedriedherb,orsupplementform,atgrocerystores—makethedriedbarkandrootsintoahottea,taken2-3timesdailyuntilpainsdisappear.

BlackCohosh–AtinctureorsupplementofpotentBlackCohoshcansmoothoverthepainsthatcomewithirregularperiods.Forthebesteffect,takeadosetwiceperdaytheweekbeforeyourperiod.Youmayenjoyalesspainful,heavyfemininesymptoms.

Ginger–Apowerfulanti-inflammatory,Ginger—asfoodorbeverage—takenconstantlythroughoutthedaycanputanytypeof

crampatbay.Makealargepotofhot,freshrootteaforthebesteffect.ButyoucanalsoeattonsofGingerinyourfood,orturntotincturesandsupplements.

LemonBalm–Calmingandcramp-relievingtogether,LemonBalmcansoothethesmoothmuscleoftheuterusandreallyhelpwithPMS.Takeahottea3timesperdaywhileyouhavesymptoms,andmenstrualpaincouldhittheroadquickly—alongwithanyanxious,unsettledmoodsyouhave.

Motherwort–SimilartoLemonBalm,Motherwortcanuntanglestressortensionrelatedtoyourperiod.Itcanslightlyhelpbalanceyourhormones,andtakesawaysomecrampingandbloatingthatgivesyoudiscomfort.Worksbestinsupplementortinctureform,taken2-3timesperday.

Nettles–Thinkyourcrampsaremoreduetobloating,orwaterretention?TryinfusionsofNettles,oraddingthecookedgreenstoyourmeals.It’sadiuretic—soitwillhelpyouridyourselfofexcesswaterweightthatleadstomenstrualpain.

Turmeric–ApinchofTurmericpowderaddedtohotwaterorfoodcanallayyourcramping,andyourmood.EatTurmeric-plentymealsallday—orsipinfusionsatleast3timesaday.Feelthepaingoawayintime,replacedwithwarmingrelief!

U.T.I.’s–Theseinfectionsalwayscomeattheworsttimes—whenwe’rebusy,stressed,orinthemidstofcombatingotherhealthissues.

ButherbalalliescanhelpwithU.T.I’s,beforeyouhavetoturntoside-effectproducingantibiotics.Electamongsomeofthefollowingurinary-promotingplantsthatcanhelpcleanseyourwaterways,removeinfection,andgetyoubacktotacklingyourbusyscheduleatyourbest!

Garlic–Ifyou’regameforit,doyourselfalittle“GarlicCleanse.”Youcaneatanythingyouwant,butyoumustalsochewuporeatcrushedGarliccloves,between5and10perday!Garlic’santibioticpowersmaydojustthetricktoshortenthedurationofyourU.T.I.

Goldenseal–YoucanuseGoldensealtopically,internally,orbothinthecaseofaU.T.I.Makeaveryhot,potentteafromtherootsasawash“downthere,”orsomedropsoftinctureinwater.Taketinctureorsupplementinternally.Goldenseal’sberberinecanassistyourimmunesystemandhelpdestroytheinfectionitself.

Nettles–DiureticactioncanhelpclearaU.T.I.fromyoursystem—andNettlesisyourherb.TakeNettleinfusions3timesperday,anddrinktonsoffluidsandwater—thiscouldhelpwashouttheinfection,withthesupportinghelpofanantibiotic,infectionfightingmedicineorherb.

CONCLUSION

Oncemore,IwanttothankyoudeeplyforpurchasingHomemadeHerbalMedicine.Ifyouappreciatetheinformation,orhavelearnedanythingfreshandusefulintheprocess,thenIfeelhonoredbyyou—andIconsideronlyoneofmymanygoalsasawriter,health-lover,andherb-nerdcomplete!

Startingoutlearningherbalismandplant-basedhomeremediescanbedifficult,butIhope—andI’msure—thatthisbookhasbeenanexcellentprimerforyoutocontinueyourjourney,getacquaintedwiththeplants,selectwhichonesworkbestforyou—andtoempowerhealingathome.

Thereisalotofinformationonherbsoutthere.Ihavedonemyverybest,withallhonestyinmyresearchandpersonalquestforthemosttried-and-trueherbalremedies.Ifyouareinspired,don’thesitatetofindyetmoretruthandinformationoutthereonthesubject.Theworldofherbalismisvastanddeep—andthedeeperyougo,themoresafehealing,magic,andmiraclesyou’llfind!

Interestedinyetmoreherbalism?Pleasecheckoutmyotherpublications,chock-fullofherbalremediesthatchampionaroundspecificorcommonailmentsoftoday.Visitcarmabooks.comforbooksthatincludemorespecificherbalremediesforinflammationissues,skincare,hormonehealth,guthealth,adrenalfatigue,thyroidsupport,brainfunctionandsomuchmore.

Remember:alwaysuseherbsandsupplementsinacautious,informedway.Knowledgeispower,andifyouareeverindoubtaboutthestateofyourhealth,neverhesitatetocontactaprofessionalhealthpractitionerandMasterHerbalistwhocanhelpyouwiththeseissues.Thereisatimetouseherbs,andthenthereisatimetogoseethedoctor.Knowthedifference!

Iwillleaveyouhere,butstayconnectedandintouchwithmyCarmaBookscommunityformorebooksonholistic,natural,andplant-basedhealth.Reachoutagainsoonformoreforthcoming,much-talked-abouthealthtitlessoon,justlikeHomemadeHerbalMedicine,alongwithplentyofexperiencesandsharingoftipsandknowledgeonhowtoempowerhealinginyourownlife—andtogetthemostmileageoutofyourhealthpotential!

AWORDFROMTHEPUBLISHERHi,I'mCarmen,aholistichealthgeekwithapassionforhealth,herbalism,naturalremedies,aswellaswhole-foodandplant-basedlifestyles.AfterresolvingvarioushealthissuesIhavestruggledwithformanyyears,IaimtoinspireandhelpimproveyourhealthandlongevitybysharingthetirelesshoursofresearchandvaluableinformationIhavediscoveredthroughoutmyjourney.Throughthepowerofnutritionandlifestyle,withanevidence-basedapproach,Ibelieveyoucanachieveyourhealthandwellnessgoals.

Ifyouenjoyedthisbook,IwouldlovetohearhowithasbenefitedyouandinviteyoutoleaveashortreviewonAmazon-yourvaluablefeedbackisalwaysappreciated!

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