In This Chapter
^ Ten outstanding herbs and their uses in complementary medicine ^ Simple teas, syrups, and other remedies to make and use at home
Certain herbs, easily grown in your garden or kitchen, have been used for centuries by herbalists, naturopaths, homeopaths, aromatherapists, and nutritionists. In this chapter, I pick out ten of my favourites and give you tips on how you can use them safely at home.
If you can’t lay your hands on fresh herbs, have a go with dried herbs (available from any supermarket). Substitute one heaped teaspoonful of dried herb for one handful of fresh herb.
Where I’ve given no warning for any of the herbs in this chapter, these herbs are generally considered safe to use. If in doubt, consult a herbalist, natur-opath, nutritionist, or aromatherapist as appropriate.
Camomile
This plant with daisy-like flower heads grows wild in many places and has been used by herbalists, naturopaths, and homeopaths for centuries for its wonderfully calming and anti-inflammatory effects.
For a calming drink at bedtime, infuse one tablespoon of camomile flower heads with freshly boiled water and steep for ten minutes before drinking. Add a teaspoon to baby’s drinking water to relieve colic or teething. Soak two cotton wool pads in the cold leftovers and place over the eyes for ten minutes as a tonic for tired eyes. Homeopaths use the remedy Chamomilla 30c to ease painful teething, irritability, and colic in babies.
Camomile occasionally causes skin rash or irritation. If so, discontinue use.
Dandelion
This plant with its cheerful, bright yellow flowers grows everywhere. Its deep roots bring up nutrients from the soil and its mineral-rich leaves are prized by herbalists, naturopaths, and nutritionists who use them to treat liver problems, ease constipation, and relieve water retention.
Pick fresh dandelion leaves well away from roadsides and add to salads or simmer in a little water and strain and dilute the juice (one to two teaspoons of dandelion decoction per glass of water drunk twice daily) to ease constipation and improve liver function.
Only use clean dandelion leaves and not the flowers or stalks, the latter of which contain a bitter, milky fluid. Don’t take dandelion without consulting a qualified practitioner if you have gall bladder, or intestinal blockage, or inflammation.
ElderfloWer
Elder is a shrub that grows throughout the countryside and in many gardens. Its attractive, large, white flower heads are great for aromatic cordials and its dark purple berries in autumn are rich in Vitamin C and immune-boosting bioflavonoids. Herbalists, naturopaths, and nutritionists use elderberry syrups to treat and prevent colds, flu, and sore throats, and to boost the immune system.
In summer, pour freshly boiled water over elderflower heads (around five times as much water as flower heads), steep, cool, and strain. Top up with sparkling water and sweeten to taste for a refreshing summer cordial or dab a little of the juice on the temples, said to ease headaches. In the autumn, place elderberries, a few slices of ginger, some cloves, and three teaspoons of demerara sugar in a pan and cover with water. Simmer gently for 30 minutes, then cool, strain, and bottle. Take one teaspoon every hour at first sign of a cold, flu, or sore throat and continue until better.
Consult a practitioner if you’re pregnant or lactating.
Lavender
This fragrant woody shrub with purple flowers grows throughout Europe and is commonly used as a perfume and for food flavouring. Essential oil of lavender is one of the most popular aromatherapy oils and is used both to relax
And to lift the spirits. Herbalists use lavender infusions to relieve headaches, nervousness, and depression.
Strew a large handful of lavender seeds into a bucket, or large bowl, of warm water to make a wonderfully invigorating foot bath for tired feet. Add a few drops of essential oil of lavender to your bath for a relaxing end to the day or place a couple of drops on a handkerchief next to your pillow to aid sleep.
Parsley
This green, leafy herb grows readily in pots and in the garden. Parsley’s often used in cooking and was traditionally used to freshen rooms or chewed as a form of natural toothpaste! Herbalists value its ability to ease water retention and digestive wind; naturopaths use it in poultices to ease swellings; while nutritionists recommend it as a good source of iron and other minerals.
Chop a handful of fresh leaves and infuse in freshly boiled water for a refreshing, mineral-rich drink, or use a pestle and mortar to pulp some leaves and apply them to insect bites, stings, or swollen joints (held in place with clean gauze or a plaster) to bring relief. Chew parsley to banish bad breath.
Peppermint
Peppermint was used by the Greeks and Romans to crown themselves at banquets, to freshen breath, and to make sweets. Nutritionists often prescribe it for digestive problems such as wind or irritable bowel syndrome.
Pick a handful of fresh peppermint leaves, wash, and put through the juicer for added zing when making vegetable or fruit juices. If you don’t have a juicer, simply add a sprig to any bought juice or infuse in a teapot for a stimulating tea that can ease tummy upsets.
Rosemary
This aromatic shrub, traditionally used at weddings as a symbol of love and fidelity, is a favourite amongst herbalists, naturopaths, and aromatherapists for its ability to calm anxiety and tension and relieve digestive upset.
Tie up some sprigs of rosemary and attach these under your bath tap as you fill the bath with water to create a wonderfully aromatic bath that can ease
Stress and tiredness. Infuse a handful of washed leaves with freshly boiled water in a teapot for 20 minutes. Herbalists recommend drinking one cup of this infusion daily to improve circulation and lower blood pressure. Add a few drops of rosemary essential oil to an aromatherapy vaporiser/burner, or onto a handkerchief, to ease colds, catarrh, and nasal congestion. Or add a couple of drops to your shampoo and massage into scalp for a great hair tonic.
Rosemary oil can irritate sensitive skin, so test on a small area of your skin first. The oil is not advised during pregnancy or if on medication for high blood pressure or epilepsy or if suffering from insomnia.
Sage
This Mediterranean herb has soft, pale green leaves with fabulous scent and flavour. Compounds in the leaves, called Phytooestrogens, are believed to help ease menopausal symptoms, such as hot flushes. Herbalists and naturopaths use sage to treat sore throats and fevers.
Pick a handful of fresh sage leaves (red sage is best but any sage will do), soak in warmed cider vinegar (K Pint warmed cider vinegar to 1 ounce of sage leaves) for eight minutes and then strain and dilute with >2 pint of cold water. Gargle with this liquid every hour to ease sore throats. Alternatively, steep the leaves in freshly boiled water for ten minutes, sweeten to taste, and drink a cup daily to help balance hormones or hourly to cool a mild fever.
Sage isn’t advised for long-term use and shouldn’t be taken by anyone on the pill, HRT, Tamoxifen, or medication for epilepsy or diabetes. If you take it in supplement form, follow the dosages carefully. If fever is high, consult your doctor.
Thyme
This wonderfully aromatic Mediterranean herb contains a special oil, Thymol, That is powerfully antiseptic and can help clear the airways. Herbalists use it to relieve respiratory complaints such as colds and flu, chest infections, and bronchitis. Thyme can also be used to clear mucus.
Infuse a handful of fresh thyme leaves in some freshly boiled water for ten minutes, then sweeten to taste. Drink a cup daily to ward off coughs and colds. Make a syrup by steeping leaves in a little water and sugar in a pan and simmering until a syrup is produced. Bottle and take one teaspoon every hour at the first sign of a cold or chest infection. For a chemical-free antiseptic wipe,
Soak a teaspoon of crushed thyme leaves in a little warm water for 15 minutes, then strain and use the liquid to cleanse wounds, wipe down kitchen surfaces, and so on.
Valerian
This summer-flowering plant used to be called Heal All In medieval times. Herbalists use it to treat insomnia, anxiety, nervousness, spasms, and cramps. The famous herbalist Culpeper used the leaves to treat headaches.
Infuse a handful of fresh valerian leaves in boiled water, sweeten to taste, and drink an hour before bedtime to aid peaceful sleep. Rub the leaves between the fingers and apply the juice to the temples to ease headaches.
Valerian can cause drowsiness. Don’t use it if you’re taking medication for insomnia or depression. If valerian is ineffective as a sleep remedy, try passionflower or hops instead.
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