Herbs for Homemade Remedies

herbs for homemade remedies

Recently I told you about my penchant for alternative medicine. A big part of that is using homemade remedies, many of which come from backyard herbs. Reading The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies from cover to cover I was itching to try many of the herbs in my kitchen or garden.

Oregano

Oregano imparts a unique and subtle flavour to Mediterranean dishes, so is a staple in many kitchen spice cupboards, including mine. It is a hardy, low-growing, perennial plant, perfect for the front of your garden beds. The tiny leaves can be used fresh or dried and crumbled for storage. The leaves can be sprinkled in dishes or steeped as a tea. Oregano oil can be extracted from the leaves and stems or purchased as an essential oil but must be used cautiously (diluted with carrier oils) as it is quite potent on its own.

Uses for oregano include:

  • eliminating skin blemishes and dark spots
  • contains omega 3, heart-healthy fatty acids
  • improves cholesterol levels
  • treats yeast, fungal and viral infections
  • asthma and bronchial infections
  • weight loss, metabolism stimulation
  • boosts immune systems with its vitamins A and C


Rosemary

Another common herb, rosemary is also found in many kitchens. It lends flavour to roasted meats, especially lamb, or potatoes. Its tiny, needle-like leaves can be sprinkled directly on food or steeped in a tea.

According to research, rosemary is beneficial to:

  • improve concentration and memory
  • treat circulation issues and headaches
  • reduce joint and gut inflammation
  • treat fungus and bacterial infections
  • increase energy
  • treat hair loss
  • treat bad breath

Thyme

Varieties of thyme are endless as hardy garden perennials. Their leaves can also be sprinkled on food in the kitchen. Thyme oil or thymol is a respected disinfectant known to kill bacteria and viruses. To wipe down household surfaces, I swear by Soluguard, a product from Melaleuca that combines thyme and lemon.

herbs for homemade remedies
thyme and lemon disinfectant

Thyme can be used for the following ailments:

  • a disinfectant as above due to antiseptic, anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-parasitic properties
  • sore throats, bronchitis, and coughs
  • gum disease, cavities
  • acne
  • boosting the immune system
  • stomach flu symptoms
  • epileptic seizures
  • lice, crabs, worms, and scabies
  • skin lesions, sores, and warts

Dandelion

Everyone knows what a dandelion looks like. All parts of this common weed are edible. The flowers and leaves can be added fresh to salads and the roots dried for tea. The flowers can also be fermented to make dandelion wine.

The many advantages of dandelion include:

  • using the roots for liver, kidney, gallbladder, and GI issues as they remove toxins, help digest fats, and restore electrolyte balance
  • the leaves can be used as a diuretic and antibiotic to treat urinary tract infections
  • high levels of iron, other minerals, and vitamins prevent anemias caused by deficiencies
  • enhances milk production and treats mastitis for breastfeeding women
  • reduces inflammation in arthritic sufferers
  • protects bones from osteoporosis
  • controls blood sugar by stimulating the production of insulin and eliminating excess sugar from bloodstream

Chives

The pretty purply-pink flower heads on chives are very recognizable in our gardens. The leaves can be clipped at the base of the plant and used to:

  • lower cholesterol
  • prevent strokes
  • detoxify
  • flush our systems as a diuretic
  • boost the immune system

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is not as common (at least in my neck of the woods) but can be ordered from health food stores. Its berries, leaves, and roots are all useful.

The many benefits of ashwagandha include:

  • anti-inflammatory, for managing arthritic pain
  • improves immune function by reducing stress hormones and increasing white blood cell production
  • protects the brain from degenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s
  • anti-oxidant properties that help treat colon, stomach, breast, ovarian, and lung cancers.
  • improves memory

These are just a few herbs for possible homemade remedies that caught my eye. There are many more out there; do your own research! Let me know if you are into naturopathic healthcare as much as I am!

photo credit

Alternative Medicine

alternative medicine

Recently a friend asked my advice to help with a painful bout of constipation she was suffering from. On several new medications for multiple health issues, I believed these medications to be the culprit of her discomfort. She knows that I am a strong proponent of alternative medicine, so hoped I could suggest a home remedy that did not involve more medication.

She was right; home remedies are my thing. Here are just a few of my favourites.

Fresh Lemon Juice and Water

A glass of water with fresh lemon juice squeezed into it works wonders for constipation. I drink a glassful most mornings to keep bowel movements regular in frequency and consistency. In my friend’s case, a few glasses of lemon and water fixed her problem within a few hours. I suggested she drinks one glass of this concoction every day too.

Another benefit of lemon is the fact that the alkalinity it promotes within your body is useful to prevent and alleviate many other health issues. In fact, some people swear by this lemon and water trick for losing weight too.

alternative medicine
Photo by shutter_speed on Pexels.com

Exercise and Fresh Air

Exercise is believed to be beneficial and therapeutic for many health issues including depression, weight management, and more. Exercising outdoors in fresh air is even better, especially if the sun is shining. The vitamin D your skin absorbs from the sunshine is beneficial for boosting immune systems too. The health of our immune systems has proven to be so important in our battle with Covid-19 throughout the pandemic.

Essential Oils

I love essential oils for so many reasons. In short, the multitude of scents available in these oils can be implemented for skincare, air fresheners, mood enhancers, perfume, hair conditioners, and more. The best part is that these scents are created from nature instead of from artificial chemicals. That’s why I include essential oils in my list of alternative medicine. I am such a fan of essential oils from Vitality Extracts that I have become an “influencer” with them. If you order from there, be sure to use my link.

Purchase the oils individually or in blends, in roller applicators, or bottles with droppers.

Herbal Remedies

Herbal remedies are common in alternative medicine. I just purchased the book entitled The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies by herbalist, biologist, and MS defier Nicole Apelian, PhD. I am gradually working my way through the three hundred and some pages. In addition, this book is rated 5-star, so I am sure to learn lots of new remedies. Most importantly, many of these herbs are so common that you probably have them around your house. I know I do.

Modern Medicine vs Alternative Medicine

Not that I am against modern medicine. Science has come a long way in medical research, antibiotics, and vaccines, all of which are important and necessary advancements. I just feel that too often medication is over-prescribed. Consequently, popping pills is a band-aid fix, masking the problem instead of addressing or fixing it. For example, pain killers should be only be used as a temporary fix until the cause of the pain can be alleviated.

Many times the side effects of medication are as painful or dangerous as the condition they are treating. The problem intensifies when multiple medications are taken, making matters worse. Have you ever read the possible side effects of prescribed medications? The lists are extensive, the possible reactions scary.

Conclusions

Whenever possible I rely on alternative medicine to improve my health and treat symptoms. Part of that decision is because many chemical medications affect me adversely. In summary, I like the fact that alternative medicine relies on natural remedies as opposed to chemical cocktails.