Herbal Primer

Most cultures have a history of using herbs medicinally. Herbs have been mentioned in the Bible and were used by primitive peoples for preserving, flavoring, and remedies. Later, herbs were grown in monasteries in the Middle Ages and during Victorian times, it was fashionable to have an elegant herb garden. With the emergence of modern drugs, herbs fell into a decline medicinally, but there has been a new interest in organic remedies.

TEAS

We have all heard of herbal teas for comfort and relaxing. Chamomile is a well known herb for sleeplessness and anxiety, but lemon verbena can also be a useful aid for sleeplessness; hyssop tea for sore throats as a gargle;yarrow tea applied to cuts and bruises; borage for coughs and dill or basil for flatulence.

TOPICAL REMEDIES

Aloe is a wonderful herb that you can simply cut a leaf and use it straight from the plant onto a wound or sunburn or scrape. Many other herbs can be applied topically in other forms, such as poultices, baths or compresses.

BATHS

Healing Baths can be aided by the addition of herbs wrapped in cheesecloth that are hung from the bath spout under the running water. Sage and strawberry leaves for aching muscles and joints;blackberry leaves to rejuvenate and refresh the skin tone- also jasmine and orange blossoms can make a bath heavenly. Don't forget using herbs in your footbaths as well for soothing relief with a lovely fragrance.

POULTICES

Many of these applied topically are crab apple, comfrey or flax seed. Poultices are made from dried, powdered or crushed herbs mixed with hot water to make a paste. This is applied to the skin and covered with a warm towel, cloth or bandage to keep it warm.