Herbalism
I began to research the usage of herbs for medicinal purposes, after becoming a vegan. In my case at least, vegan is defined as: One who consumes no animal products, or products tested on animals.
Since most prescribed and over-the-counter medicines are either tested on animals, contain animal products, or are packed in gelatin capsules, it was necessary to find alternatives.
The medical profession may scoff at herbalism, but people have become increasingly irritated with the over prescription of drugs. I once had a physician tell me "Well, I don't know what you've got, but I'll give you something for it."
Research now shows that over-prescription of antibiotics has lead to new strains of infecting micro-organisms, and increasing resistance of mutating bacteria. Antibiotics are also added to feed, to increase growth in animals. This practice increases the number of resistant strains, and has been responsible for several Salmonella outbreaks. Many countries (though not the U.S.) have since made the practice illegal.
Specialists estimate that at least 90 percent of antibiotic prescriptions are unnecessary or inappropriate.
Add to this the recent anti-depressant craze, and clearly there is a great need for alternatives. A TV ad for a regional mental health agency shows Picasso's "The Old Guitarist" while the announcer, in a soothing tone, says "Picasso's blue period lasted three years. These days there is help for depression."
I cringe at the thought: If Prozac had always existed, perhaps many of the greatest paintings, (Van Gogh wasn't the picture of mental health) sculptures, (Rodin) symphonies, (Mozart) poetry, (take your pick!) would not exist!
Some Common Herbs and Their Medicinal Uses
Cayenne Pepper (capisicum): In powder, extract or tincture form. In ointment, this is a powerful pain reliever for sprains, muscle aches, arthritis.
An effective preventative of cold and flu-(add a few grains to herbal tea), stops bleeding (though it will sting a little), eases sore throats (add a few drops to water and gargle).
Chamomile: As a tea, aids digestion, eases stomach pains. As a paste,(grind flowers and mix with a little boiling water) reduces soreness and inflammation. Very strong chamomile tea(let it steep 15-30 minutes) when added to bath water will ease aches and pains. It has long been used as a remedy for diarrhea, and nightmares.
When applied to the skin, chamomile act as a repellant to mosquitos, flies, and gnats.
Chamomile is also a wonderfully mild sedative, for reducing tension, or aiding sleep.
Cinnamon: Flu preventative, anti-nausea, relieves cramps and flatulence.
Comfrey: As an ointment, heals sores, bruises and abrasions; eases the pain of arthritis.
Echinacea: Strengthens the immune system, also anti-inflammatory. Good for colds, bronchitis, sore throats, and yeast infections.
Apply tincture to stings or bites. Take internally for boils and abscesses.
Garlic: Fights bacterial infections, it's a strong, natural anti-biotic; good for abscesses; externally, fights infection of wounds and sores.
Ginger: Stimulates digestive organs; take for delayed menstrual period, also eases cramps; add to herb tea to prevent colds; a small amount added to bath water decreases muscle soreness, and stimulates circulation.
Ginkgo Biloba: Improves memory, alertness, concentration, and cognitive ability; boosts circulation; relieves edema.
Ginseng: Mild stimulant; toner and tonic.
Goldenseal: For mouth pain, apply goldenseal powder to sore area.
Peppermint: Digestive aid; relieves headaches; good for cramps.
Rosemary: Freshens breath; stimulates skin; helps prevent dandruff and treat scalp problems.
Tea Tree: Multi-use antibacterial. To treat acne- mix 4 drops of tea tree essential oil with 4 tablespoons water; apply to skin.
For athlete's foot- apply oil to fungus. Cold sores- mix 4 drops oil with 4 tablespoons olive oil. Apply to sore.
Yeast infections- Add a drop or two of oil to 2 cups of water, and use as a douche. Repeat daily for two weeks.
Thyme: As a cold tea, relieves headaches; a paste of the leaves will reduce swelling; Oil of thyme is a powerful antiseptic.
Some Magical Associations of Common Herbs
(for candle dressing, adding to the wax when making candles, incense- some of the following should not be taken internally.)
Good luck: Bay, chamomile, clover, dandelion, frankincense, goldenrod, honeysuckle,rose hips, rosemary, star anise, spearmint.
Health: Allspice, caraway seeds, catnip, ginseng, peppermint, thyme.
Love:(Intended to work on one's self- to become more open to love, or draw love toward you.)Basil, catnip, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, lavender, lemon, rose, rosemary, violet.
Money: Basil, cinnamon, nutmeg, tulip.
Protection: Bergamot, eucalyptus, fennel, garlic, iris, lilac, mint, raspberry.
Psychic Development: Anise seeds, camphor, dandelion, peppermint, thyme.
Purification: Cinnamon, cloves, fennel, garlic, ginseng, sage.