Why Herbal Remedies?
With so many commercial healing products available, why would we go to the trouble of growing or buying herbs? Here are a few important reasons why I think it is good to become knowledgeable in the use of herbs.
The ideal treatment program for our health concerns is one that assists the body in its own healing process. Our bodies are designed to heal themselves, contrary to the belief that only doctors and drugs can effect healing. We can use natural, God-given plant and food remedies to help the body do its job of bringing the body back to a healthy, functional state.
Special Considerations for Children and Pregnant women
Pregnancy
Most often, Raspberry leaf is the only herb recommended during the first trimester.
Safe herbs for the second and third trimester are Elder flowers, Lemon Balm, Echinacea, Fennel seed, Linden flowers, Nettles and Red Raspberry leaf.
A tea is the best preparation, although capsules or tinctures could also be taken.
Sweeten the tea with honey, Elderberry syrup or Stevia if desired.
Caution: do not use Licorice root or Peppermint leaf.
Drink 2-3 cups per day.
photo credit: abbybatchelder
Children
The dose for children is usually one-third of the adult dose.
Continue reading about Addendum to Swine Flu – Considerations for pregnancy and babies
Influenza is causing great concern worldwide. A “pandemic” is determined when a new influenza virus emerges for which there is no vaccine and for which people have little or no immunity. Spread of the disease is worldwide. The ‘seat’ of this infection is in the country of Mexico. Many countries are screening travelers coming in from Mexico and stopping citizens from traveling to Mexico. In the US, state and federal health departments are testing to diagnose this particular viral strain and to produce and stock enough medicine to treat it. Differentiations between this flu virus and other strains have not yet been published, although doctors report that this virus manifests with more symptoms of dizziness and light-headedness. The good news it that there are natural remedies that we can use to both prevent and treat such viral infections like swine flu. Generally, the protocol is to increase the dosage of preventative measures if you end up contracting the disease.
Continue reading about How to avoid and possibly treat influenza
1. ENGLISH DAISY (Bellis perenis) Part used: flowers
These are the small white flowers growing in your lawn (right next to the dandelions – as I look out the window). Pick the flower heads and make a tea (don’t bother about the almost microscopic black bugs). The flavor is almost non-existent – rather like drinking water. This is a very safe herb, with no upper limit to dosage.
Why should I bother bending down and picking these tiny flowers? I do it mostly to help my blood vessels. Bellis is a tonic for both arteries and veins. So drink the tea (or make an alcohol extraction) for varicose veins and inflammations of the arteries or just for the general toning effect on the vessels.