Herbs That Heal

Herbs have a long history in alternative medicine also referred to as natural medicine. Although western medicine might have us believe there is little value in herbs. However eastern medicine proves nothing is further from the truth. There are many herbs that heal.

Herbs have been used for centuries in natural medicine to fight common ailments, illness, and disease. In fact slowly western medicine has acknowledged that some herbs are infact beneficial.

There is some irony in the western attitude relating to natural herbs for many pharmaceuticals are infact cloned off the active constituents of herbs. Aspirin is a great example. Willow bark is nature’s aspirin but years ago pharmaceutical companies were able to discern the active ingredients and make a chemical composition that matched willow bark. Opium is another perfect example where a natural substance is used to kill severe pain but it is incorporated into a chemical compound.

So why are natural herbs so shunned by western medicine? Could it be that pharmaceutical companies stand to loose an awful lot if there is an herbal remedy that could infact do the same thing as that expensive prescription they sell? After all you cannot patent what mother nature produces.

So what are some of the more common herbs that have healing properties for common ailments?

Aloe Vera is a powerful healing herb. It is an excellent choice for open wounds, skin problems, and sunburn. Aloe can be grown in your yard or in a pot. You simply break off a tiny piece and apply the gel to the affected area. You can also purchase aloe creams but there is nothing that works as well as fresh aloe.

Chamomile as a medicinal can be dated back to Egyptian times. It has many uses and is often taken in tea form, but can also be purchased as an extract, ointment, or used in a poultice. It sooths the digestive tract, relaxes and brings on sleep, and is very good as a topical cream on the skin because of its soothing properties. It is also a powerful antioxidant that can rid the body of toxins.

Echinacea is an herb that most of us are familiar with for its ability to fight the common cold. Although western medicine refuses to acknowledge its power those that have used it know it is an excellent immune booster. When you take it for a cold, it is not that Echinacea cures the cold but rather it gives your immune system a boost so that it can help fight the cold and you get rid of it sooner.

It will also relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and it has antiviral and antioxidant characteristics. It can be taken in tea, pill or tincture form. In fact it can be eaten fresh. Besides the common cold Echinacea is an excellent treatment for urinary infections, vaginal yeast infections, ear infections, sinusitis, hay fever, athletes foots, and wounds that are slow to heal.

Garlic is a powerful antiviral that has been used since ancient Egyptian times. It boosts the immune system and it is a powerful antiviral and antioxidant. It regularly reduces blood pressure, is good for gas and constipation, it is a gastric stimulant & helps with digestion, gives strength & vitality, a powerful germicidal, a great antiseptic, and it is beneficial for eyes & brain. Garlic can be used in its natural state raw or cooked, in pill form, tincture, or compress.

St John’s Wort has been used to successfully treat mild depression and elevate ones mood. It is also used to treat PMS, fibromyalgia, ease stress, and ward off infection. It appears to effect levels of the brain chemical serotonin, which affects the emotions.

There are many herbs that have many health benefits. A search online will reveal plenty of information that can be used to cure ailments. So before you jump on the pharmaceutical treatment bandwagon, why not see what natural healing alternatives are available. Herbs do heal!

Aura Mirchandani is the Editor and Publisher of Article Click. For more FREE articles for your ezine and websites visit ArticleClick.com. Article Click is a free content article directory.