An Herbal Medicine Cabinet

Ever thought of herbal
remedies as a medicine cabinet essential? With more and more
people turning to herbal remedies as a viable alternative to traditional
medicine its worth investigating some of the considered basics of herbal
remedies.


An Herbal Medicine Cabinet
by
Kat Yares

Once you discover how wonderful herbal remedies can be, you may go
overboard stocking your medicine cabinet with herbs you will probably
never need. In your efforts you may overlook the basics of what you
should have. There are ten herbs and essential oils that every medicine
cabinet should have.

1. Tea Tree Oil. This essential oil is an anti-bacterial, anti-viral and an
anti-fungal all rolled into one. Use this for ringworm, lice, athlete's foot
and any other bacterial or fungal ailment.

2. Chamomile. This herb brewed into a tea will calm an upset stomach in
both babies and adults. It will also act as a sedative, allowing you to relax
and let go of the day's stresses. Chamomile essential oil added to a bath
will calm both children and adults.

3. Echinacea. This herb works by strengthening the immune system. If
taken by either tincture or brewed into a tea at the first sign of a cold, the
duration of the illness will be shortened.

4. Valerian Root. If you can get past the smell of this stinky herb, it will act
as a sedative and an anti-depressant. Taken before bedtime, it will help
guarantee a good nights sleep.

5. Garlic. While many may not consider garlic an herb, it has been proven
to help lower blood pressure. Garlic also works to keep the intestinal
track clean and free of parasites.

6. Lemons. This can be either essential oil or fresh lemons. Use this for
insect bites, rashes or combine with honey for a natural cough
suppressant.

7. Aloe Vera. This is the one plant that you keep in the kitchen. Perfect for
reducing the blistering effect of burns, the gel from this plant's leaves can
also lessen the pain of sunburn.

8. Ginseng. This comes in three varieties, American, Siberian and
Oriental. American ginseng is said to be cooling and will help balance out
emotions. Oriental ginseng or panax is said to be warming and will give
extra energy. Siberian ginseng is not really ginseng at all, but a plant with
the same properties of panax.

9. Ginko Biloba. The extract from this tree is said to help improve memory,
benefit the eyes and aid in circulation.

10. St. John's Wort. Taken correctly this herb is known as an
anti-depressant. German researchers have proven it works as well as
many pharmaceuticals on the market. Care must be used that this herb is
not used with any other prescription anti-depressants.

With these herbs in your medicine chest, most common ailments can be
treated simply and naturally. Before taking any herbs, consult with your
doctor, especially if you are on any type of prescription medication.

There are many books available on the subject of herbal remedies. Many
websites have extensive information available also. With a bit of
research, you can have the abundance of Mother Nature to help relieve
almost any illness you may contract.