Continuing an exploration of ancient European healing, you will learn more about the use of herbal treatments that range from using milk thistle to protect the liver to relying on hawthorn berries for healing effects, which date back to the Middle Ages.
Marsh mallow: Gastritis patients gained soothing relief from their symptoms. The flowers of the plant have also been known to treat irritable bowel syndrome (better known as IBS). Pliny (the ancient Greek physician mentioned before) felt that this plant was a cure-all.
Milk Thistle: Today, some people take milk thistle capsules to protect the liver from sustaining any damage. It is believed that the herb has a history of thousands of years for treating issues of depression as well. Seeds of the milk thistle contain silymarin , known to protect the liver. The majority of preparations using milk thistle are offered through decoctions, tablets, capsules, and tinctures. This is the main part of the plant that is used in treating patients. The flower heads are edible and are also used in remedies.
Elderflower: When hay fever strikes, turn to elderflower for a suitable treatment.
Sage: During medieval times, sage found a place under the category of ‘cure-all.’
Hawthorn: Use hawthorn to create a tonic for the heart. Dried hawthorn flowers and berries were commonly used in natural remedies of the past. Use the flowering tops or berries to create tinctures , the most common method of preparing the herb that has gained a reputation in the Middle Ages as a symbol of hope. The flowering tops are also used in decoctions, which provide suitable treatments for circulatory issues. Infusions are also made using the flowers or leaves of the hawthorn tree, which can cause normal blood pressure in patients.
Cowslip: Reaching four inches (about 10 centimeters), cowslip is what is known as a hairy perennial that produces bright yellow flowers in the shape of a bell. With a calming effect, this plant was used as a sedative. In the past, the plant was closely related to the springtime, especially within the Spanish and Italian cultures. If you are pregnant, you should not take cowslip. Excessive doses of the herb are also known to cause one to vomit and suffer a bad case of diarrhea.
Thyme: When looking for a decent antiseptic and tonic herb, thyme proves satisfactory. The effectiveness is regarded quite high for people battling chest infections.
Common Foxglove: To stimulate the heart, consider using this herbal remedy.
Lavender: It is the essential oil of lavender that serves as an effective treatment for insect bites and sunburn. The flowers contain high levels of volatile oil, which possess great antiseptic and antibacterial properties. This part of the plant is known to calm the nerves, ease cramps and gas, as well as lessen tension in the muscles. Lavender also causes a relaxing effect in asthmatics, helps colicky individuals, and reduces excitability caused by nervousness.
Heartsease: The origin of the name of this herb comes from its use in love potions. However, patients of the past have benefited from heartsease when they’ve been battling stubborn coughs and colds. Some remedies have been made to create an effective expectorant.