Traditional Healing Herbs

Herbs have a long history of use in healing ailments of the mind and body. These plants are found growing in wild habitats, but are also cultivated agriculturally and in home gardens. Herbs provide the home gardener with a pharmacopeia of curatives and treatments for simple ailments. However, handled or dispensed improperly, herbs may cause physical harm. Consult a knowledgeable physician or healer before using herbs for medicinal purposes.

Lavender

• This aromatic herb provides relief from digestive disorders such as nausea, indigestion and gassiness. Concoct a tea to stimulate appetite in those recovering from illness. The tea also enables the digestive tract to better absorb nutrients, boosting the nutritional value of foods. Lavender oil is useful in topical applications to ease coughs due to cold and flu. Use it topically or breathe in a heated dilution of the oil to relieve symptoms of asthma or other bronchial discomfort.

Chamomile

• Also an aid in correcting digestive disorders, chamomile tea calms the nerves, relieves sore throats and eases aching muscles due to inflammation from cold or flu. Chamomile cream, a topical application, eases itchiness from dry skin and aids in healing scrapes and other topical wounds.

Sage

• Use sage tea to relieve menstrual cramps and digestive discomfort. The tea, once cooled, is also used as an antiseptic for mouth sores and ulcers. Sage oil serves as a useful antiseptic to clean minor wounds and skin irritations. Sage is an antiseptic, making it useful as a mouthwash, particularly for those suffering from bacterial or viral infections.

Rosemary

• A cup of rosemary tea relieves fatigue of the mind, making one feel more alert. A tincture of rosemary oil and alcohol stimulates blood circulation, which is useful in cleansing the body of toxins.

St. John's Wort

• Best known for its use as a sedative or as a mood elevator, St. John's wort eases nervous energy, relieves symptoms associated with mild depression and, as a tea, relieves congestion due to colds and flu. In topical applications, a poultice of St. John's wort relieves muscle and nerve pain due to sciatica, rheumatism and neuralgia.

Thyme

• This ground-covering herb makes a useful remedy for soothing sore throats and easing chest pain due to coughing. Mixed with honey, the tea relaxes bronchial muscles and reduces inflammation of airways. An infusion of thyme in warm water is also said to relieve the symptoms from excess alcohol consumption; thyme is a curative for hangovers.