Many conventional medicines are derived from plant sources – why not go straight to the source and use the herbs themselves to ease your afflictions?

Everyone suffers from aches and pains; muscle strain, flu and infections all take their toll on your body and make you feel tired and uncomfortable. Pain is a signal that must be paid attention to: it can be a warning sign to slow down if you are over extending yourself or the first symptom of disease.

Providing yourself with pain relief

If you’re feeling seriously unwell it is advisable that you consult your doctor, but for the more common causes of discomfort- such as headaches, flu and strain due to over-exercising — herbs are a straightforward treatment. Many common medicines are derived from herbs, such as acetylsalicylic acid, or aspirin, which his widely used for pain relief and is derived from the bark of the willow tree. A blend of healing herbs helps relieve uncomfortable aches and pains.

The causes of aches and pains

With most twinges and soreness, the symptoms often point directly to the cause. A stuffed up or runny nose, a throbbing headache, a sore throat and general discomfort are symptomatic of a cold, which can be made less miserable through the use of herbal remedies. If you have a high fever but all your other symptoms are the same, and your aches and pains are more severe and generalized, you are more likely to be suffering from influenza. You will require different herbal treatments in this case.

Preventative action

Rather than waiting for illness to affect you, it is always a good idea to stimulate your immune system during times when you are running down or in prolonged contact with vectors of disease. You can do this by taking Echinacea root, either as a prepared tea, which is available to buy in most whole foods stores and some supermarkets, or as a tincture diluted in a glass of water three times daily. Doing this will also help you recover more speedily if on unwelcome afflictions set in. Take Echinacea either as a prevention or cure.

Ginger

Ginger stimulates warms and aids the circulation. When you feel cold and shivering, a slice of ginger in hot water, with honey, is an instant warmer. Gingers expectorant properties make it useful for coughs and chest problems, because it can help to clear the lungs. The root of ginger is usually used.

Garlic

This trusted antiseptic and antibacterial herb fights many common causes of aches and pains. The ball can be crushed or chopped up and eaten raw or added to food. It is useful for all infections and helps to clear the nose, chest and head. Garlic is also used for candidacies and gastric problems. It helps keep the arteries clear, aids in preventing strokes and heart attacks, and lowers your blood pressure.

Peppermint

The leaves and flowers of peppermint are cooling and effective in reducing fever. The herb also helps ease colds and congestion, headaches, painful periods and digestive problems. Its effects on the digestive tract also ease tummy bugs and vomiting. Peppermint is useful for tackling the effects of illness.

Echinacea

The roots and rhizomes of Echinacea are used for healing; you can take it as a tincture or tea. Echinacea has strong antiseptic and antimicrobial properties and help stimulate the immune system. It works on aches, viruses, bacterial infections and skin conditions.

Comfrey

Commonly known as”knit-bone,”because of its ability to help broken bones heal quickly, Comfrey helps to speed up cell renewal. It can be used for bruises and burns, as an ovarian tonic, and for all ulcers and ulcerative colitis. Its expectorant properties help to relieve coughs and bronchitis. Comfrey speeds cell renewal and also aids recovery.

Meadowsweet

Meadowsweet has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, which make it very useful for aches and pains, especially from arthritis and joint problems. Meadowsweet’s soothing qualities are particularly beneficial for pains caused by digestive upsets including nausea, indigestion and gastric flu. Drinking a tea made with meadowsweet helps to combat this cystitis and urinary infections. It contains salicylic acid which has an aspirin like effect on arteries and veins.

Combine herbs that help you fight the cause of your aches and pains with other herbs that will soothe and relieve them while you are still suffering.

Many of the ingredients that can found in your kitchen can alleviate health issues, ease indigestion, period pains, treat a cold or cure a case of jet lag. The only items needed to get started are a pestle and mortar, a tea cup and some natural ingredients.

Storage of Herbs

If you store your natural ingredients correctly they will last up to several months. Dried herbs can be purchased but if they are not stored properly the shelf life will be limited. All of your herbs should be stored in a cool, dry, dark place. The containers should be sterilized before using to ensure that there is no contamination. Use an airtight dark glass or ceramic container to store your herbs and parts of plants.

Guide to Herbal Remedies

Techniques of Herbal Remedies

There are many different ways to create herbal healing remedies as well as different ways to apply them. These are the techniques that are commonly used:

Compress
a cloth soaked in an herbal infusion and pressed over a wound.

Decoction
A hot or cold liquid made by boiling twigs and roots.

Infusion
A hot or cold drink made from leaves and flowers of herbs.

Ointment
A cream infused with the juice or essential oil of herbs.

Poultice
A bag of healing herbs that is pressed over the affected area.

Syrup
A decoction or infusion sweetened with honey or sugar.

Tincture
A medicine of soaked herbs in alchohol. This should be avoided during pregnancy.

Tonic
A drink that stimulates the lymphatic system and blood circulation.

Many of the terms that are used in alternative healing types are the same as in traditional medicine. It is important to understand the meanings of the medical actions that you will be using when making and applying your herbal remedies.