Traditional Herbal Cures

Before modern medicine, herbs were one of the primary means of treating various ailments around the world. Today, herbs are regaining popularity as an alternative or adjunct to Western medicine. There are traditional herbal cures for virtually all ailments and conditions, with the most popular being the immunity-boosting, cleansing, stimulating and sedating herbs.

Herbs and Their Uses

• The immunity-boosting herbs are some of the most highly regarded tonics in alternative medicine. Garlic is among the most powerful in this category. According to MedHerb.com, allicin---the active compound in garlic---is a broad-spectrum anti-microbial with anti-fungal, antibiotic, anti-parasitic, anti-viral and anti-protozoan effects. Astragalus has been prized in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries and is useful in treating chronic fatigue and other immune dysfunction disorders. Echinacea is a popular Native American remedy for the common cold. Other popular immunity-enhancing herbs include reishi mushroom, Pau d'Arco, and Siberian ginseng.

  Digestive herbs such as ginger and peppermint are great for treating nausea and upset stomach, and black walnut hull is useful for killing intestinal yeasts and parasites. Psyllium seed and cascara sagrada are two more popular herbs with digestive effects.

  Stimulating and energizing herbs are helpful for fighting fatigue and include yerba maté, Korean ginseng and the Chinese herb ephedra sinica. For anxiety and insomnia, sedating herbs such as valerian root, catnip, passionflower and the traditional Pacific Island remedy kava kava are popular choices.

Preparations

• Herbal remedies come in a variety of preparations. Choosing the most appropriate preparation increases efficacy while decreasing risks associated with the medicinal use of herbs. The most direct means of using an herb is oral administration. Thus, it should be used only with substances that aren't toxic when taken internally. Teas, infusions, decoctions, tinctures, pills and powders fall into this category.

  Poultices and compresses allow herbs to be applied topically to burns, sprains and other injuries. A poultice can be made by crushing herbs with a mortar and pestle, soaking in hot water, placing in a porous cloth and applying to the skin. Herbal baths are another popular means of absorbing the active substances in various herbs. Baths and soaks use freshly chopped herbs, which allow for direct absorption of the active alkaloids into the skin.

Safety Considerations

• Herbs may change the way certain medications affect the body. Consult a medical professional before starting an herbal regimen, especially if you suffer from a chronic or serious medical condition.