There are many different uses for herbs especially when it comes to medicinal uses, especially homeopathic uses. Millions of people are now looking for more natural ways to provide relief for their ailments. Let’s take a look at some ways you can use herbs for homeopathic use.
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What Is Homeopathy?
You may or may not have heard of homeopathic medicine? If not, here is a basic overview of what it is. It is based on the body learning to heal itself – “like treating like.” When an invading germ or bacteria enters the body, its defenses create antibodies to fight it. Now that invader is recognized if it ever appears again.
Homeopathy uses a highly diluted form of the substance that is causing the symptoms in the body to trigger the natural defenses within to begin healing. An example would be to expose allergy sufferers to a small dose of pollen, ragweed or dust mites to help their bodies become desensitized to it. The repeated dilutions are to render the substance non-toxic. This works in a very similar way to allergy shots with the main difference being the substance that is used.
Homeopathic Herbs and Their Uses
There is more to homeopathy than what we described above. You can learn more about this type of medicine to get a better understanding of the mechanisms at work here. Next, let’s discuss some of the herbs used as a part of that type of treatment.
Homeopathic medicines can be given in pill or liquid form depending on what is prescribed by the natural pharmacy. They can also instruct you on dosage and frequency of use. They are recommended for treatment of minor ailments.
Arnica – This is also called “mountain daisy.” It is used to relieve pain after injury like in sports and exercise.
Allium – Onion is a part of this family of plants. A common use for it is to help with common cold symptoms. As anyone who has cut an onion knows, it causes eye tearing and a runny nose.
Chamomile – It is soothing when steeped as a tea but also for relieving teething pain in children. It’s used with colicky babies as well.
St. John’s wort – Known to help improve mood, it can also be used for injuries and cuts that are accompanied by lots of sharp pains.
Nux vomica – It’s also known as “poison nut.” Works to relieve nausea and stomach complaints brought on by too much food and alcohol or a stomach bug.
Sepia – Assists with female menstrual issues.
Aconite – Used for treating shock, fever and maybe insomnia.
Apis – Used to treat insect stings on the body and resulting rashes and/or hives.
Herbs have been a part of medical treatment even before recorded history began.
Using Herbs for Medicinal Purposes
As we mentioned earlier more and more people are looking at herbal remedies, ones that can be used to improve their health and their homes.
Herbs for medicinal purposes are sometimes looked down on by members of the medical community. However, there is more of a relationship between herbs and modern medicine than people know. People all over the world have used herbs as well as berries, seeds, roots, leaves, bark and flowers to treat everything from a cold to indigestion to abdominal pain.
Scientists aren’t sure exactly how herbs work. There are a variety of compounds found in plants and it can be hard to separate the active ingredients. However, research is showing that there is value to using them for preventative maintenance as well as treating some conditions.
Once scientists learned to extract certain compounds from plants and create similar ones, plant use dropped off. The herb remedies fell into hearsay but have been making resurgence within the medical community. People want to return to their roots – literally.
Popular Medicinal Herbs and Their Uses
Peppermint – It is great for candy but has several medicinal purposes as well. Leaves can be steeped in tea as a muscle relaxant, antispasmodic and antacid. Use leaves on the chest as an expectorant.
Calendula – This flower is used as a healing cream to fight inflammation. Use it to find relief from poison ivy.
Garlic – Tastes great on meats and in stews. Eat fresh cloves to help boost the immune system naturally as well as lowering blood cholesterol. Garlic is also an antibiotic.
Yarrow – This root can be used to stop bleeding externally. Also used as an antibiotic when ingested. Combine with lavender to repel insects.
Lavender – The purple flowers smell great. Used in essential oils to relieve headaches and stress. Lavender is one of the few essential oils that can be used topically without burning or damaging the skin. Use as an antibiotic and antifungal.
Chamomile – Steep the leaves in a tea as a sedative to help you sleep better. Also used as an anti-inflammatory.
Ginkgo biloba – We’ve all heard of this one for improving memory. Used as a supplement to help fight the effects of free radicals in the body.
Echinacea – Known as the “immune booster,” it is used to help fight off the effects of a cold or sore throat. When taking Echinacea, the duration of the cold is less.
Ginseng – Used to boost the immune system.
Ginger – Eating fresh ginger root can help fight upset stomach and digestive problems. Use also in tea with a bit of honey.
Tea tree oil – Used as an expectorant and an anti-inflammatory.
Nettle – Used to fight muscle spasms like menstrual cramps.
When using herbs for medicinal purposes make sure to check proper dosages used by herbalists for best results. Also, check with your doctor for any interactions with prescription meds.
