Herbal Remedies - Cures the way nature intended
Natural herbal remedies can easily be made at home as a tea or externally applied using essential oils. The different ailments discussed here mentions specific herbs that can be used. These herbs can be used as infused teas or externally as essential oils. The different methods for using the specific herbs are discussed below and is applicable to all the discussions, unless otherwise indicated.
Herbal tea
Herbal tea, also called herb infusions or tisane, is a simple, effective way to prepare herbal remedies, and benefit from their natural medicinal properties. It is also an easily absorbed form of herbal medicine, particularly when drunk warm or hot. Preparation
- Measure 1 to 2 heaped teaspoons of dried herb into a ceramic mug. If you use seeds, gently bruise them first. If you use fresh herbs, then simply double the above amounts to brew your tea.
- Bring 1 cup of water to a near boil. Pour it over the dried herb. Immediately cover to prevent the herbs' volatile essential oils from evaporating in the steam.
- Let steep for 10 to 20 minutes, depending on your desired strength.
- Strain your herbal infusion into a cup and drink
Essential oils
The therapeutic properties of essential oils are endless – they can be healing, sedative, relaxing, energising, aphrodisiac and soothing.
Essential oils are either absorbed into the skin or inhaled, but they are never to be taken internally.
If used in a lotion or cream, don't use anything with petroleum jelly as base, this type of lotion or cream does not get absorbed by the skin but rather seals the skin.
Use a few drops as follows
- In the bath: Follow the instructions on the bottle, but generally blend no more than 10 drops of essential oil to about 20ml of vegetable oil and add to running bath water.
- As a body lotion: Add five drops of essential oil to 10ml of a neutral, unscented body lotion.
- As a facial moisturiser: Add two drops of essential oil into 4ml of neutral, unscented lotion.
- As a massage oil: Blend 10-12 drops of essential oil to 30ml of carrier massage oil.
- In an oil burner: To scent a room, mix three or four drops of essential oils with a little water in the dish. Then light the tea candle underneath. An oil burner is also known as a "vaporiser".
- For an air-freshener: Add two drops of essential oil to 150ml warm water in a clean spray bottle.
- Inhalation:Steam inhalation is an excellent method for treating respiratory problems and colds, but should not be used for asthmatics. Add 6 to 12 drops to a bowl of steaming water, place a towel over your head and breathe deeply. This is also a great way to deep clean you face.
Warning - Only use the herb if the herb is definitely identified as the correct one.
- As always, consult your doctor before you start any self-help treatment.
- Do not use the same herb for more than 10 consecutive days.
- Only have one cup of herbal infusion per day, except during acute periods - such as when you have a cold or flu, you can then have it three times a day, but for a maximum of 4 days.
- Herbal remedies can be extremely powerful, and should you have any side effects when taking these infusions, immediately stop using the herb and consult your health practitioner right away.
Browse through the list of ailments to find the herbal remedies to cure your ailments or just uplift your body and soul.
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