Using Herbs for Food and Medicine Do you wander in the woods near your home or up and down the aisles in your local health foods store wondering what uses you can find for all the herbs and herbal extracts you see? There is a great tradition in different cultures around the world to use herbs, for their flavor in cooking and for their healing properties for the mind and body. The monks and nuns in early England were among the first people in the West to record what they learned about herbs. They experimented with herbalism in their gardens and soon became experts in dispensing the appropriate treatment, whether as anxiety herbs, natural cures for depression, natural first aid treatments, or as spices to improve the flavor of foods. It is important when learning about the usage of herbs for medicinal purposes to choose the correct dosage and to make sure of the purity of the herb. Many people unfamiliar with using herbs think that they are completely harmless because they grow naturally. This is not true, as herbs can have side effects just as much as drugs can if not administered correctly. If you are not sure about herbs, seek advice and go to a licensed herbal practitioner. This is particularly important if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or receiving treatment by drugs. Taking both an herbal treatment such as anxiety herbs and a drug can double up on components and flood the body with too much of one or more crucial chemicals. The use of herbs and their effects is well documented. A lot of medical professionals from conventional backgrounds are beginning to give natural herbal remedies more respect as they learn more about herbs. The Chinese have already had herbal medicine as part of their everyday treatment for centuries. Different ailments have their own treatment solutions, with many herbs duplicating each other. There are many different anxiety herbs, for example, and you should consult with an herbal therapy practitioner for advice on what herbal remedies are best for you. Aloe Vera is a multi purpose herb, treating many ailments including arthritis, acne, warts, and allergic reactions. Lavender can also help with arthritis. Nigella Sativa (Black Cumin) is another herb that is used for a variety of patients, treating influenza, stomach ache, and pulmonary infections. St. John's Wort (one of the more dangerous herbs in incorrect doses), has been tested in medical trials for the treatment of mild to moderate levels of depression. Results showed that this herb performed as a natural cure for depression better than a placebo. A lot of people suffer from acute insomnia but don't want to take sleeping pills. In studies about herbs, it has been found that Valerian root is a good alternative and doesn't cause drowsiness in the morning. General fatigue can be helped by periwinkle or dandelion. You can find dandelions growing wild in the woods near your house or in your own yard. Periwinkle can also ease the symptoms of menopause, as can fennel. Whether you seek anxiety herbs, natural cures for depression, topical rememdies for skin irritation, or many other natural medicinal effects, careful use of natural herbal remedies may be of tremendous benefit. Many gardeners get a lot of pleasure from growing an herb garden, providing wonderful scents and flavor for the pot. A stock of mint, basil, oregano, sage, thyme, and parsley will give you the basic supply needed for most dishes. Add some rosemary and chives and you're well set up. You'll have fun learning all about herbs and their uses in the kitchen, whether you follow advice in cookery books or do some experimenting of your own. Return to Want2KnowWhat.com

| Home | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Terms of Use | Contact Us | Article Archive | Valuable Links |