Healers

“Plants love us. They help us reclaim health and our whole selves. Plants are healers.”
(Robin Rose Bennett)

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that eighty percent of the world’s population still uses traditional remedies, which includes plants as their primary health care tools. Seventy percent of new drugs introduced in the US are derived from natural plant products.

Before there was modern-day medicine, there were plants. Ancient civilizations knew how to use them strategically to treat common ailments and even life-threatening diseases. Later, during the 1800s and early 1900s, the knowledge of herbal medicine was passed down from one generation to the next. Typically, the woman of the house was well versed in the use of herbs for healing, and would act as the family's physician not only to treat illnesses, but also to prepare various herbal wellness tonics and other remedies.  

The reverence for the use of medicinal plants in everyday life has largely been lost in the U.S. If you are interested in using natural remedies to support your health, you should know that there are many readily available today in a variety of forms. Be aware that "natural" does not mean "safe." It's important to tell your healthcare providers about any herb or dietary supplement you are using. Here's a look at some of the more common medicinal herbs.  

1.   Basil: Basil is one of a few medicinal herbs that can help with flatulence, lack of appetite, cuts, and scrapes. Harvest the young leaves of this annual plant as needed.

 

2.   Garlic: Garlic is antibacterial and antiviral, and may help boost your immune function.

 

3.   Ginger: Ginger may help relieve headaches, joint pain, motion sickness, and nausea.

 

4.   Johnny-jump-up: With anti-inflammatory properties, this medicinal herb is good for eczema and skin blemishes as well as to help loosen phlegm.

 

5.   Lavender: Even smelling this medicinal herb has been shown to calm and relax. It also eases pain and when applied to cuts and bruises functions as an antiseptic.

 

6.   Lavender: Lavender is anti-fungal with calming properties.

 

7.   Lemon Balm: A relative of mint, lemon balm is a versatile medicinal herb that helps relieve anxiety, insomnia, wounds, herpes, insect bites, flatulence, and an upset stomach. It also speeds the healing of cold sores.

 

8.   Marigold: Marigold is one herb that is not only good for sunburn, acne, and blemishes, but also soothes ulcers and digestive problems.

 

9.   Milk thistle: Milk thistle is used to treat liver conditions and high cholesterol, and to reduce the growth of cancer cells. Milk thistle is a plant that originated in the Mediterranean region.

 

10.       Parsley: Don’t think of it as decorative on your plate; this medicinal herb is loaded with nutrients as well as healing powers to help with flatulence and bad breath.

 

11.       Peppermint: If you have digestion or gas, sipping tea made of this medicinal herb might provide relief. It’s also been shown to help soothe headaches. Peppermint is a decongestant that may help clear your respiratory tract 

 

12.       Rosemary: Medicinal herbs like rosemary help memory and concentration, improves mood, and sweetens breath.

 

13.       Sage: Sage’s genus name, Salvia, means “to heal,” reflecting its early use as a medicinal, not culinary, herb. It can help provide relief for mouth and throat inflammations.

 

14.       Thyme: The active principle in thyme, thymol, is a strong antiseptic. If you suffer from coughs, congestion, indigestion, or gas, consider using this medicinal herb.

 

 “Using plants is merely facilitating a biochemical conversation which is offset far beyond our comprehension and our understanding.” (Bevin Clare)[i]

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[i] Sources used:

·        “14 Medicinal Herbs You Can Grow” by Lauren Gelman

·        “7 Underrated Medicinal Plants” by Dr. Mercola

·        “A Guide to Common Medicinal Herbs” Medical Reviewers: Freeborn, Donna and Garilli, Bianca