Common herbal remedies include the following:
- Goldenseal
This herb is known for its antibiotic properties. Tea: add ½ to 1 teaspoon of powdered root goldenseal for each cup. Steep ten minutes. Use in up to two cups daily.
- Chamomile
This herb is known for relieving stomach distress, calming nerves, fighting infection, speeding healing processes, and preventing ulcers. Tea: Add 2 to 3 teaspoons per cup. Steep for 10 to 20 minutes. Use in up to three cups daily.
- Garlic
Garlic is a strong natural antibiotic in chopped or chewed form. It helps reduce cholesterol and the risk of heart attacks as it prevents the forming of blood clots. Garlic also contains anti-viral properties. Use in food: season to taste. Tea: for six hours, steep six cloves in a cup of cool water.
- Slippery Elm Bark
Buy this herb in throat lozenges, cough drops, or in bulk. Slippery elm bark provides relief for upset stomachs, coughs, and sore throats. Tea: Boil and simmer 1 to 3 teaspoons of powder in a cup. Take in up to three cups daily.
- Gingseng
Ginseng is used to increase stamina, provide liver protection from harmful substances, and stimulates the immune system. When tested on animals, sexual activity increased. To use: follow packaging directions for capsules, tinctures, tablets, and teas.
- Dandelion
This herb helps alleviate premenstrual bloating and may provide anti-inflammatory results. Tea: Steep ½ ounce dried leaf in each cup for ten minutes. Take up to three cups with dandelion daily.
- Feverfew
Feverfew is used to help prevent migraines. Studies are now confirming feverfew’s effects. To use: Take an 85 milligram capsule or pill of leaf material. Tea: add ½ - 1tsp per cup. Steep for 5-10 minutes. Drink in up to 2 cups daily.
- Raspberry Leaf
This herb is widely used to treat uterine irritability, morning sickness, and to help prevent miscarriage in pregnancy. Tea: add 1 to 2 teaspoons per cup. Steep for 10 minutes. Drink up to three cups daily.
- Spearmint and Peppermint
Provides indigestion relief. Tea: add 2 teaspoons dried or 1 teaspoon of fresh per cup. Steep for 10 minutes. Can be reheated. Drink up to 3 cups daily. Bath: place a few handfuls of fresh or dried leaves in a cloth bag and run it under water for a relaxing bath.
- Comfrey
This herb aids in new cell growth and helps heal wounds because it contains allantoin. To use:
Cover scrapes or clean cuts with a bruised leaf. Hold in place with a bandage. WARNING: Not for internal use.
- Senna
Senna is a strong laxative with a terrible taste. A commercial product or tincture is recommended. Take only as much as the package directs to prevent abdominal distress.
- Uva Ursi
This herb is used along with other medical treatments. Uvi Ursi is bitter and provides urinary antiseptic and diuretic results. Tea: Add one teaspoon per cup and boil for ten minutes. Drink up to three cups daily.
- Ginger
Ginger may reduce the risk of heart attack by preventing internal blood clots. Also used for motion sickness. To treat motion sickness, 30 minutes before departure take 2 or 3 500 milligram capsules. Tea: add 2 teaspoons of grated or powdered ginger per cup. Steep for 10 minutes. Drink up to 3 cups daily.
- Chinese Ephedra
This herb is often used to treat asthma and colds. However, it can cause problems including insomnia and raise blood pressure. WARNING: Do not take Chinese ephedra until consulting with your health care provider, especially if you are nursing or pregnant. Do not give to children under 13 years of age.
- Licorice
This herb is used to relieve ulcers and soothe sore throats. For ulcers: add ½ teaspoon of powder per cup and boil for 10 minutes. Drink up to two cups daily. Sore throat: mix a pinch of the root with tea. WARNING: taking large amounts of licorice can be harmful.
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