Healing With Holistic Herbs

Healing with holistic herbs is one of the oldest medical treatments in the world. They have been used to treat everything from nausea and stomach conditions to allergies and weight loss. Many herbal remedies come in the form of teas or ointments and they are traditionally used by nearly every culture.

Healing with holistic herbs is the oldest form of health care in the world. The World Health Organization estimates that 80 percent of the world population uses holistic healing as part of their primary care. Also referred to as Botanical Medicine or Herbalism, it refers to using a plant’s medicinal value to treat common aliments and heal the body. Used by nearly every culture, holistic herbs are useful for treating colds, flu, fever, arthritis, inflammation and infections.

Basil is one of the oldest herbs and it has a long history of being used in many natural remedies. Originally from the mint family, this herb is used in India to treat flatulence. In Africa is it used to expel worms and treat aliments of the stomach and related organs. Basil has also been used to treat whooping cough and is used as an antispasmodic. This is India’s most sacred plant and it grows to one to two feet tall with purplish leaves. To reap the benefits from this herb, steep one teaspoon of dried herb in ½ cup of hot water and drink one to two cups a day.

Ginger has been used in traditional Chinese medicine and is a home remedy for colds. It contains approximately one dozen antiviral compounds and tea is the popular form of consumption. Add one teaspoon of graded ginger to one cup of boiling water and let it steep for 10 minutes before drinking. This tea can be enjoyed warm or cold and it is recommended to drink it slowly and hold the liquid in your mouth for a few seconds to get the best effects of this herb.

Mugwort is another natural remedy and it is also known as Artemisa, Calrine Thistle or Wormweed. It has been a perennial herb in Africa and Europe for centuries. The leaves are used in salads or boiled and it helps to aid in digestion. It also works to clean toxins from the blood and has been used as a gargle for a sore throat. Pregnant women should not use this herb because it can cause a miscarriage. Combining one teaspoon of the dried herb with ½ cup of boiling water makes a medicinal tea. Take throughout the day in mouthful doses for the most effective benefits.

Holistic herbs are also used as part of a weight loss program. Green tea, dandelion, cayenne, seaweed and ginseng are among the most popular. These herbs help to restore the body’s proper balance and they can be taken in their raw form or as a supplement. Be wary of the natural weight loss remedy ephedra. It has been reported to have some unwanted side effects, such as increased heart rate, palpitations and high blood pressure.

Healing with holistic herbs is more of a long-term lifestyle change, rather than a quick fix remedy. It’s an alternative medicine that has been used for centuries and comes in the forms of oils, teas, extracts, ointments and tablets.