The common cold plaguing you every winter or the indigestion that seems to creep up on you after a big meal , all of these things and much more can be treated with herbs and plants. Many of the same healing techniques that our ancient ancestors have used to cure medical problems and naturally treat symptoms are still very much relevant for today. In this article, you will learn how to effectively and safely approach the world of ancient herbal medicine.
There are hundreds of plants that you may consider to treat your medical concerns, from bronchitis, asthma, to warts. Whether it’s a familiar herb like mint or something exotic, like ylang ylang, the world is filled with magical medicinal wonders backed by centuries of knowledge regarding their healing properties.
For example, during the 6th century, the ancient Chinese relied on coriander as an effective digestion aid. The ancient Greeks were known to use hemlock as a poison (the same substance used to kill the philosopher Socrates). However, this same plant has a historical record of being prescribed to those battling Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy. Please note that extremely small doses of this potent plant were used during treatments that were not widespread in the world.
When you are interested in tapping into the power of herbal remedies, it is important that you note the following:
Plant Names
Knowing the proper name and nicknames of a plant you are thinking of using as an herbal remedy can help you learn more about the history and use of an herb. In medical herbalism, plant names are usually Latin in nature. By analyzing plant names, you can also learn about the plant’s genus (or sub-family) and its species. Often times, you will not recognize a particular herb by its Latin name, but may identify with common names in popular use.
Description
In order to access whether or not an herb is right for you, seek out a description that reveals characteristics about the plant, tree or flower you anticipate using. Botanical information will show whether the plant is deciduous or an evergreen. You should also know if the plant is a perennial, biennial, or annual. These factors usually affect the availability of certain plants.
Did you know that cayenne is a perennial shrub that produces spiky leaves? Cayenne is also a fruit that helps with digestion and circulation. It can be used dry or fresh. Originally, it grew in tropical regions, but has found a place in the Americas when it was first introduced during the 16th century.
Buchu is a bushy shrub that reaches six feet into the air. Oil glands are found on the leaves, which possess a leathery feel. The leaves are harvested in the summertime and then used for preparations, such as urinary infections. This herb is native to South Africa, but also grows in some parts of South America.
