Constituents of Herbs

The healing elements or properties of herbs are classified according to functional use. Herbs are prepared as tinctures, compresses, poultice, teas and infusions. They can also be added to salves and some can be eaten fresh or lightly steamed. It is always important to consult with a local herbalist about the safety of locally grown herbs.

Analgesic Herbs

• Make an herbal tea with analgesic herbs to help relieve pain.

  Herbs that help relieve pain are feverfew, willowbark, mullein, pau'd arco and lobelia. These can be made into a tea, tincture, compress or poultice. It is a simple thing to brew some willowbark and let it steep for a while. Once it is a safe temperature, soak a piece of cotton cloth in the tea, wring dry, then apply externally to a sore joint or muscle.

Antifungal Herbs

• Garlic has antifungal properties that are useful to fight fungus.

  Herbs that resist and obliterate certain fungi are useful in treating conditions such as athletes foot, thrush and other fungus related illnesses. Antifungal herbs include cinnamon, parsley, st. johns wort, onion and garlic. Crush onion and garlic to add to savory dishes such as rice and vegetable recipes.

Demulcent Herbs

• A tea made with demulcent herbs like echinacea or fenugreek can help soothe a sore throat.

  Some herbs help protect the mucosa, or mucous membranes in the body. The mouth, throat, urethra, vagina and rectum are lined with mucous membranes. When the mucuous membranes in these areas are healthy, they are more resistant to infections. Demulcent herbs include echinacea, marshmallow, mullein, fenugreek, flax seed, phsyllium and kelp.

Nervine Herbs

• Nervine teas nourish the mind and body.

  Herbs that have a calming effect on the mind also nourish the brain and nervous system. Nervine herbs include blue vervain, damiana, lemon balm, lobelia, passionflower and valerian. Sip a tea made of one of the above herbs to calm your nerves. Tinctures of these herbs are concentrated doses that are preserved in alcohol or glycerin. These can be added to warm water to drink, applied topically or taken directly in drops under the tongue.

Parasitic Herbs

• Eat papaya to create an internal environment that is not friendly to parasites.

  Parasites feed off of other living things. Once they find a host, they are hard to get rid of. Parasitic herbs destroy parasites that can make you sick. Parasitic herbs include chapparall, horseradish, papaya, parsley, vervain and wild cherry. Eat these fresh or make infusions or teas.