The number of natural herb remedies would astonish you…

You have everything from the remedies for acne to the remedies for a zinc deficiency. With so many on the market and having been used for centuries, you would think that all natural herb remedies are safe to use. But they are not.

You need to consult with your doctor or herbalist before setting off on taking a regimen of natural herbs.

There are both advantages and disadvantages to using natural herb remedies. One of the advantages is that they cost less than your prescription drugs. Since the herbs don’t need a manufacturing process, they cost less and are more convenient as well.

You don’t need a prescription to use any particular remedies, as they can be purchased over the counter. Another advantage is that a natural herb remedy may sometimes prove to be more effective than that of prescribed medicine.

Although the use of natural herb remedies appears appealing to lots of people, it’s very important to remember that not all herbal remedies are deemed safe. A lot of herbal medicines are made up of elements that might cause potentially harmful side effects, especially to those that suffer from serious conditions.

One of the disadvantages to using herbal remedies over the prescription kind is the side effects they can cause, especially prolonged use. Some of these natural herb remedies are known to cause high blood pressure, while others can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to illness and disease.

Another disadvantage in taking natural herbs is that you are never entirely sure of all the ingredients you are getting in the pack of herbal medicine you buy.

Again wherever you may stand in the use of natural herb remedies, it is critical that you consult with your doctor or herbalist before you take anything, especially if you are already on prescribed medication.

The following is a list of herbs that can also be used as remedies…

1. Aloe Vera

This herb has been used to heal wounds and burns. It can also stimulate cell regeneration in the body. The Aloe Vera contains many emollient, anti-bacterial, astringent and anti-viral properties.

2. Cedar

This herb helps in blood flow and is a stimulant for the immune system. It is also used as a cleanser for the urinary system and to remove warts.

3. Dandelion

The tops, roots and leaves of this plant have been used to help lessen cholesterol and urinary acid. It is also good to cleanse the blood and the liver.

4. Eucalyptus

The bark, essential oil and leaves of this tree have been used to prevent colds and coughs and as a relaxant for sore joints and muscles.

5. Fennel

This plant has many healing properties. The fennel has been used as an eyewash, appetite suppressant or tea. It is said to be good at easing stomach disorders and pain.

6. Garlic

This bulb is commonly used in home cooking but has many healing properties that most of us do not know anything about. This bulb has been used to cleanse the body and boost the immune system. It has a lot of power to prevent the appearance of future illnesses. Garlic will also aid the digestive and circulatory system to work better.

7. Green Tea

Most of its healing properties are found in its leaves. The green tea is a common household cookery item. It will aid with colon, intestinal and stomach disorders.

With a little planning it is possible to extend the availability of your herbs by having an indoor herb garden. This is not just a practical addition to your home, indoor herb gardens can also look very attractive and are a talking point for your visitors to admire.

If you have never tried growing herbs indoors before, an easy way is to start is with the basic plants which are frequently used, such as basil, sage and thyme.

Even these popular plants are expensive if you buy them in the supermarket out of season, but it is not difficult to grow them indoors, even if you have a tiny kitchen. Another “must have” is mint, but keep it in a separate pot as it is very intrusive.

This is an indoor herb garden in its simplest form, just use an attractive pot, it could be glazed pottery, large enough to accommodate all three types and plant some young herbs in a good quality compost. If you have outdoor herbs you can select some strong cuttings with roots and plant them, or grow new ones from seed.

Place your miniature herb garden on a sunny windowsill and enjoy the look and the taste all winter long. When selecting leaves to use, choose the top ones, not the side leaves. To remove aphids and other bugs, spray your herbs with soapy water, especially the undersides of the leaves.

If you have the space, there is almost no limit to the size of your indoor herb garden, you could utilize a cellar and place a lot of containers on tables with growing lights, which is more sophisticated and takes it to another level.

The easiest way for most of us is using suitable pots for our windowsills, you can have quite a variety this way and if treated like regular houseplants they should thrive.

Good luck…

History repeats itself… 

The caveman relied on natural herbs for a number of reasons. He used the herbs to increase his overall health, life expectancy and vitality.

For some time, however, the modern man almost completely abandoned the use of herbs for conventional medicine. The former form of medication has, unfortunately, been associated with lots of side effects and ineffectiveness.

This fact has led the modern population to re-adapt what was initially thought old fashioned and primitive medicine, natural herbs.  Luckily, natural herbs are only associated with low health risks, and in most cases no side effects. 

The fact that natural herbs act as “a broad spectrum” medication makes them more appealing than conventional medication.  As a matter of fact, there are certain herbs that can be used to treat an A-Z list of diseases and health disorders.

The most common herbs, which are more likely to be found in any part of the world, include goldenseal, garlic, ginger, ginseng, dandelion, feverfew and comfrey among a long list of others.

Of all the listed herbs, garlic is the most common. This herb can be used in curing, and in certain cases preventing, a wide array of health disorders.  These herbs have for a long time been used to reduce the level of body cholesterol which subsequently reduces the risk of heart attacks. Garlic also contains antiviral properties. In addition to these medical properties and uses, garlic can also be used to season food and tea.
 
Dandelion is another common natural herb which is recommended for alleviating premenstrual bloating. The plant also contains components that provide anti-inflammatory results.
 
Skinny individuals aiming at building their stamina are advised to go for ginseng. This herb also protects the liver from attacks of harmful substances. Other medical remedies associated with ginseng include increased sexual activity, and boosting of the immune system.

Adding a ½ tea spoonful and taking two cups daily of feverfew may help prevent migraines.  Taking pills of feverfew leaf material may also serve the same purpose.
 
The list of natural herbs discussed here is by no means exhaustive. Just like the number of diseases and disorders treated by herbs, there is an A-Z list of herbs that can be, and have been used in medication.  A major similarity associated with most herbs is that they can be taken in powdered or grated form.

Moreover, most herbs can be used as preventive medicine, as opposed to conventional medicine which may only be used for curative purposes.