Nature's Herbal Help

by Karen Ward, Holistic Therapist

We live in a time where we are becoming ever more conscious
of our planet, its health and more importantly how that affects
our health. Whether it’s the ozone layer, pollution or the
decrease in fossil fuels we already are making changes in our
homes with stronger sun creams, cloth shopping bags, water
filters and the recycling of our waste. Many of us are shopping
in the farmers markets that are setting up all over our cities and
towns. We are hearing more and more about ‘what we eat and
drink today, walks & talks tomorrow’. So is there anything else
we can do to increase our health and longevity while looking
after the well being of our loved ones? Once again Mother Nature
herself provides (inexpensively) the answer….

I’m sure we’ve all heard the old wives tales of love potions & brews to ease childbirth or uplift spirits. You may even remember your grandmother using dock leaves from her garden to ease the pain & inflammation of a nettle sting. For many years we were seduced by the allure of the seemingly magical properties of antibiotics & the old remedies went out of fashion to all but the most dedicated. Nowadays, we realise that many of us succumb to taking antibiotics for nearly every minor illness and their efficacy has worn off. These days there is a huge swing back to using herbal remedies to prevent illness and maintain health in conjunction with allopathic medicines.

Eating fresh herbs in your food or drinking herbal tea are wonderful ways to absorb the best of these natural remedies. Another excellent and easy way to receive their goodness is in herbal tincture. Each herb has both water-soluble and fat-soluble parts. A tincture is the essence of these suspended in a small amount of alcohol, which has a natural preservative effect. Bioforce is a terrific range developed by the amazing Alfred Vogel, a Swiss man who brought the very best of natural, organic herbal remedies to a modern world. The remedies are in a small glass bottle and you shake a certain number of drops in a glass of water to drink once or twice each day. Always follow the instructions. Most tinctures are designed to be taken for a few weeks with a break. However tea or fresh herbs can be taken regularly as they are not as concentrated.

Which are the most popular herbs and herbal remedies, and how (and why) are they used?

ECHINECEA - This is a beautiful purple flower whose essence helps to boost the body’s immune system. It is the alkylamides part of this herb which activates T cells and improves the antibody action of the immune system, supporting the body’s natural healing process. Most commonly taken as a tincture.

GARLIC - I bet you never thought of the humble garlic clove as a herb but its benefits have been known and prized for centuries in Mediterranean countries. It has natural antibiotic properties and is unusual in that it has anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-bacterial effects. It also helps to work against cancer cells and has a beneficial role in the prevention of heart disease. Mind you, make sure your partner has some too or you’ll have that wonderful French garlic smell! It can be eaten as a food or in garlic capsule form.

SAW PALMETTO - This green leafy plant has anti-inflammatory properties, which help in the treatment of prostate problems. Hormonal changes are believed to be a major factor in causing enlargement of the prostate gland by increasing dihydrotestosterone, which increases the number of cells in the gland. Saw Palmetto gently reduces inflammation causing the gland to shrink and release it’s stranglehold in the urinary tract. It has no side effects and can be used to strengthen the prostate gland and maintain its good health. It is taken in capsule form.

PEPPERMINT - a traditional blend of peppermint leaves help to soothe the digestive system while perking up your palate. It is long regarded as a natural aid to digestion after meals but can be enjoyed at any time of the day as a pick-me-up. For this reason it is best not to be used as an evening/nightime drink. A popular tea.

BILBERRY - These little blue berries are fantastic for tired and sore eyes. They protects against eye damage as well as improving existing conditions. You do have to take it for a few months and the effects will be gradual. However if you spend a lot of time at your computer screen or driving it would be well worth taking it in tincture form. Bilberry leaves also have a very positive balancing effect on blood sugar levels and if taken as a tea it is effective for diabetics (in conjunction with their regular medication).

MILK THISTLE - Used to restore a tired and sluggish liver, either due to too many toxins in the body, or too much processed food, or constant medication. Remember your liver is the washing machine of your body, and if it is not working properly then your energy levels and immune system will be affected as they valiantly try to help eliminate the extra strain on the body. An effective tincture.

ARNICA - This exquisite little yellow flower of the mountains is an amazing natural anti-inflammatory. It is well known as a terrific way to ease the effects of bruising when its goodness is extracted into gel form. It is also a highly effective way to combat arthritis by reducing pain and stiffness and increasing function in the affected area. In scientific tests up against Ibuprofen, 64% of 204 patients preferred Arnica.

VALERIAN – This comes as a tincture or as a tea and is a great way to ease stress by calming the nerves, easing the digestive system and relieving muscle spasm. It is also a fantastic way to promote sleep and so works well for insomnia. Not to be taken during pregnancy.

PARSLEY - Perhaps you have been using this versatile herb already without realising the benefits you and your family are obtaining. Parsley contains very high amounts of the B vitamins which strengthen the nervous system and a high quantity of Vitamin C, which keeps our immune system working well to combat colds and flu. Parsley is taken as a fresh herb on food.

NETTLE - Not the most popular of garden weeds, this is a powerhouse of natural nutrients. Can you believe Nettle tea is terrific for weight loss as it supports the metabolism & has detoxifying and diuretic properties. It also has a cleansing effect on the circulatory system, lowers blood sugar and is a natural source of iron. Great for gout and arthritis as it helps to remove uric acid from the digestive system. The tea form is the most popular and easy way to take it, though some stalwarts do actually make nettle soup!

Many popular herbs may also appear in homeopathic remedies, working on the principle of treating like-with-like in minute doses. The best source of herbal teas and tinctures is your local health food shop or a good chemist.  Many supermarkets now have a great stock of teas and fresh herbs.

Karen Ward is a Holistic Therapist.

For details of her Classes, Clinics, Yoga Weekends and Holidays log onto www.karenwardholistictherapist.com