03 Apr 5 Common Healing Herbs
We tend to think of herbs for culinary purposes to add flavour and interest to our cooking but throughout the centuries these plants have been used to heal and nourish us in so many ways. Here I am suggesting five common herbs, some you may even think of annoying weeds that are likely to be growing in your garden right now that you can make into teas to provide a healthy, healing alternative to drink and provide important vitamins, minerals and nutrients.
SAGE
A native Mediterranean plant has been used by herbalists since ancient times. This beneficial plant is said to grow vigorously in any garden where the wife rules the house. It was common for the husband to prune the plant ruthlessly to destroy the evidence of his subservience. The Italians eat sage to preserve their health
This important herb can also be used for fevers, upset stomach or as a mouthwash. It can also treat sore throats, tonsillitis, headaches and night sweats. It has antimicrobial, antispasmodic and antioxidant properties and contains many minerals including magnesium, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc and vitamin A and C. Sage has been proven to be a valuable heart tonic.
THYME
A valuable herb used since ancient Greece where it was a symbol of bravery. Thyme has antibacterial and carminative properties. Containing chromium, iron, magnesium, manganese, selenium, silicon, thiamine and zinc. Used as a general tonic that can treat all digestive conditions, sore throats, whooping cough, sinus problems, asthma, headaches, nightmares and nervous indigestion. You can eat the leaves in salads. Add a decoction to bathwater or use as an inhalation to offer a soothing effect to those suffering from flu.
NETTLE
As I have mentioned before in another blog this amazing plant is said to be more nourishing than any green vegetable! The only word of warning with this is that it can produce an allergic reaction in some people. Like many bitter herbs it is a blood purifier which is often why many people use this herb as a spring tonic when the new leaves start to grow. It can be used to treat asthma, it increases the efficiency of kidney and liver function, helps with ulcers, bronchitis, jaundice, arthritis, rheumatism, sciatica, infertility and haemorrhoids.
PEPPERMINT
This makes a great nerve stimulating drink that is far more effective than coffee or tea that cleanses and strengthens the whole body. Peppermint also makes a great general tonic that helps the digestive and nervous system. One of the best sources of magnesium, a mineral most of us are deficient in is found in his herb. Magnesium is very important mineral often called the circulatory mineral. Peppermint which has antimicrobial, vasodilator and antispasmodic properties can be used to help stomach aches, pains, indigestion, nausea, depression, colds, flu and general fevers, As well as magnesium, the nutritional profile of this plant is high in thiamine, riboflavin phosphorus calcium, iron niacin and vitamin A.
DANDELION
One of the most esteemed plants of the herbalist that helps with obesity, diabetes, all disorders of the liver and can also improve the enamel of our teeth. Dandelion leaves will help to increase appetite and stimulate secretion of bile. The tea stimulates the liver and kidneys and can reduce pain associated with rheumatism. The bitter flavoured can be added to salads. Bitter flavours which are good for us and used less and less as we tend to favour sweeter flavours these days.
Make a healthy, healing tea with any of these herbs on their own or use in combination by placing a handful of leaves in a teapot and cover with boiling water and leave for about 15 minutes before drinking. Enjoy!
