Important Aspects of Using Ancient Healing Techniques II
If you find a plant that works for you, will you be able to gain easy access to it? What about adding the plant to your own garden for even easier access? Learning the origin of the plant, how it is distributed, and growing conditions will answer these questions.
Habitat and Cultivation
Treating depression and liver issues for hundreds of years, milk thistle has been a treasure for the Europeans. This herb is native to the Mediterranean and grows wild throughout Europe. It has also been brought to California and Australia, where it is known to grow. It is suggested to find out the seasons in which the plant is propagated and harvested as well.
Does the region that you live in even support the climate requirements for growing the herbs of your choice? For example, if an herb thrives only in tropical climates and you live in New York City, you may have to settle for using dried versions of the herb. Also, keep in mind that some herbs must be used fresh in order to be effective.
Parts Used
Not all parts of a plant are used for medicinal purposes. Just because the root of a plant is used to make a soothing tea doesn’t mean eating the leaves is deemed safe. You need to learn the parts of the plant that are safe to use for herbal remedies. Examples of possible safe issues in herbal medicine:
· Leaves that cause allergic reactions when they make contact with the skin.
· Flowers that cause intestinal bleeding and affect the liver when eaten.
· Berries that make people with high blood pressure even sicker.
When creating herbal remedies, you may find use in the berries, fruit, leaves, branches, roots, rhizomes, essential oil, sap, or bark of a particular plant. A few examples include:
· The fresh leaves of the eucalyptus plant are distilled to create an essential oil. Using drops of this oil can be made into a sinus or chest rub.
· Flower buds of the clove tree are picked and left unopened until they are dried for the preparation of infusions and powders. Infusing two cloves in a cup of water will treat colic.
· The rhizome of the goldenseal plant contains alkaloids that can soothe the mucous membranes. When prepared as a tincture, 20 drops added to water can treat excess mucus.
Self-Help Uses
Herbal remedies can also be used as a self-help approach. After reading up on the cautions and the background information, you will find many herbs and plants quite versatile. For instance:
· Comfrey can be used on acne, boils, fractures, fungal skin infections, wounds, inflamed skin rashes, and joints that are stiff and achy.
· Use hops for insomnia.
· Gentian has been linked to anemia, fevers, gas, bloating, and a weakened digestion.
Meadowsweet has been a favorite since medieval times, where it can help with the acidity of gastritis, heartburn, and arthritis connected to acid indigestion or a peptic ulcer.