HERBAL MEDICINES IN YOUR BACKYARD

Many people are exploring herbal remedies and natural healing these days. The most exciting aspect of herbal medicine is utilizing the common plants found in backyards throughout Europe, Canada, and the United States.  Do not take any herbs without talking to you doctor. If you buy your herbs you can file an insurance claim for the expenses at www.gembpatinets.com.

The White Cedar Evergreens that decorate many yards can be used for urinary, bronchial and vaginal infections. The twigs are know to have anti-viral and anti-fungal qualities. Leaves and twigs are also used to treat rheumatism and coughs.

The Lawn Daisy that is often found in meadows and grassy areas. The sap from the stem can be used on skin spots. A flower infusion (An infusion consists of 1 teaspoon of dried herb added to 1 cup of water. Boil the mixture for 5 minutes and strain.) can be used a skin wash for eczema. In some areas tea is made from the flowers to give energy to listless children. It has many positive uses, but the lawn daisy can exacerbate allergies in some people.

The Houseleek, which is also know as hen and chicks has many uses. The leaves can be eaten in salads. These are also used in baths to aid the skin, and made into tea to assist with mouth sores. The liquidy substance contained in the leaves can be soothing to skin abrasions, burns, and insect stings.

The Dandelion. which is quite prolific in lawns everywhere, has many hidden virtues. The leaves can be used as an effective diuretic. They can treat urinary disorders, and deal with fluid retention without depleting the body of needed potassium. The white sap that comes from the stem is used to treat corns and worts. The root is good for reducing inflammation, and can stimulate liver functioning. This all from a weed that many people try to banish from their yards.

The Cornflower is a beautiful annual that is often used in dried arrangements since they do not lose their color. Their flower has some antibiotic and stimulant qualities. A leaf or flower infusion can assist in digestion and lesson symptoms of rheumatism.

The French Marigold’s leaves are considered a hallucinogen; these were given by ancient Aztecs to calm victims of human sacrifice. Today secretions from the roots are used to repel harmful organisms in gardens and organic farms. Sometimes the flowers of the Sweet Marigold are used to make a condiment.

Queen Anne’s Lace can be found on the borders of wooded areas, in meadows, and in cultivated wildflower displays. The roots of this plant are rich in vitamin C and contain carotene. The seeds have been used as a hangover treatment. A herb tea made from the plant can be used as a diuretic and a urinary antiseptic.

The Morning Glory, which is found everywhere from the United States to Argentina, has many applications. The entire plant can be used as a purgative. The dried seeds are used as a hallucinogenic, although they are considered toxic. In some areas these are used to get rid of intestinal parasites, and treat constipation.

The Raspberry Plant, known to produce tasty berries has other uses. The fruit is used to treat anemia. In some areas raspberries are used to treat kidney problems and bedwetting.The leaves, prepared carefully to eliminate toxins, are used in the last trimester of pregnancy to tone the uterine muscles. A tea prepared from these leaves can relieve menstrual discomfort.

St. John’s Wort, which has gained popularity for its treatment of depression , grows wild in meadowlands in a variety of areas including Europe, the United States, and China. This versatile plant can be soothing when applied directly to burns. The leaves flavor salads and liqueurs. Extracts taken from the flower are used for its antiviral, astringent and sedative qualities. This is also used to treat hemorrhoids, cuts, and varicose veins. This simple meadowland herb is being investigated for its possible use in the treatment of AIDS.

It is exciting to learn about the herbs available to the suburban gardener. These herbs can be helpful in many areas of health maintenance. The world of herbs offers many other interesting treatments that are waiting for the inquiring naturopath to utilize. This list can be a beginning to your exploration in the amazing healing qualities of common herbs.