Herbal Healing by Erica Turtura
I’m here to tell you, herbs do work!
A friend of mine sent me a clip of an herb and information on it. The herb has calming and healing properties that are amazing, along with the vitamins and minerals our bodies need. Since then I have purchased 9 books on herbal recipes, foraging, and medicinal uses. We have even created our collection of herbal recipes and uses. Our epic journey of learning how to grow, harvest, and use herbs has been rewarding.
We have created calming tea mixtures for anxiety and depression. Tinctures for pain relief, and health issues such as hormonal balance. Salves for skin conditions such as eczema, rosacea, wound, and scar healing. My friend and I have tried some lotion recipes, but we have yet to find one that we like.
The reasons for my adventure in herbs are many, but it was my chronic pain that started me on this journey. I was in a car accident years ago. I relied heavily on ibuprofen and Advil, for inflammation and my sciatica pain. It has been about 9 months since I have taken any over-the-counter medications. I feel healthier, my pain has lessened considerably, and my skin feels and looks great. My only regret is waiting so long to start.
My family often becomes my testers, though convincing them to try some of the colorful (mostly green) concoctions can be challenging.
Amazingly enough most herbs grow right in my backyard. Of course, my yard is mostly weeds (not my fault, they were here when I moved in!). Did you know Rosemary can be used to improve memory, depression, headaches, circulatory problems, hair loss, and as an antifungal and antibacterial agent? Oregano can be used as an antibiotic and an anti-inflammatory. Why would you use Rosemary, or Oregano just in your spaghetti or on your pork chops?
The Mullein plant is another good herb. Mullein can be used as a tea, tincture, or in your tobacco pipe, to help clear the lungs. It is a big ugly plant that can grow over 6 feet tall, has fuzzy leaves, and yellow flowers. Another good list of herbs to keep on hand is Chamomile, Lavender, Lemon Balm, Passionflower, and California Poppy. These herbs are great for anxiety, depression, and stress, and can have calming effects on the body and mind. Hops is another with a calming, almost sedative-like effect, and is more than just for beer. Peppermint and Ginger are known for calming upset bellies and helping the digestive tract. Red Clover is another herb that is treated poorly. Red Clover is packed with beneficial properties, vitamins, and minerals.
Herbs can be used in a variety of ways. Most herbs can be dried and used in teas, tinctures, or salves. Dried herbs can lose potency after a year. Tinctures can last one to ten years depending on the base used-alcohol, glycerin, or vinegar. Salves…it depends on those, just use your nose.
Now keep in mind when working with herbs, some herbs may have the opposite effect on your body and mind for example: Ashwagandha and Kava Kava can have a calming almost sedative effect for some people, and others may have more anxiety with their use. It all depends on your body’s chemistry.
An important note of caution when working with herbs, some may have negative effects with certain medications. A good example is Saint John’s Wort. Saint John’s Wort should not be taken with antidepressant medications or melatonin. Other examples include Garlic in combination with blood thinners, Green Tea with Iron, and Gingko Biloba with omega-3 oils. Always research potential interactions with over-the-counter or prescription medications.
Any combination of these herbs with these medications can have adverse effects:
Evening Primrose with Aspirin
Garlic with Clopidogrel
Saw Palmetto, Ginseng, Licorice, and Ginkgo Biloba with the medication Warfarin
What I have found through this journey is our bodies crave to be healthy. Why not help it along with the nutrients that nature gives us? With a bit of research, the possibilities are endless.
In upcoming posts, we provide additional information about herbal uses and how they can benefit the body’s healing processes.
