What Herbs Make the Best Decoctions for Common Ailments?
There are many common ailments that an individual doesn’t wish to use prescriptions or over-the-counter treatments to solve. In the wonderful world of natural medicine, there are plenty of herbs and plants that hold the key to easing a multitude of symptoms. In this article, you will learn how to create decoctions to treat the common cold, constipation, arthritis, and muscle cramps (among other things).
Common Cold
When the fever, muscle pain, stuffiness, coughs, and sore throats that accompany the common cold or flu strikes, some people turn to natural remedies to ease their symptoms. Garlic bulbs, Gui Zhi twigs, the aerial parts of Boneset and Catmint are some of the herbs used to treat cold signs and symptoms. A decoction made from Gui Zhi is known to provide warmth for a body suffering from the effects of a cold. The plant is known to promote sweating and act as an antibacterial. To combat chills, it is suggested to mix the decoction with a little bit of fresh ginger root.
Constipation
When you haven’t had a bowel movement in the past 24 hours and you’re looking for a way to ease the lower stomach pain and cramping, there are natural approaches to coaxing a stool. Physillium seeds, Rhubarb root, and the bark of the Guelder Rose are a few suggestions.
Guelder Rose can be used to produce a decoction that acts as a smooth muscle relaxant. A decoction made from rhubarb increases movement within the gut. One should add 10 to 15 grams of rhubarb to 2 ½ cups of water to create this particular decoction. Using a rhubarb decoction should be avoided in patients that are pregnant or suffering from gout or arthritis.
Arthritis
To battle the key symptoms of arthritis, such as stiffness, joint pain, and swollen joints, there are certain herbs that provide effective natural treatments. Angelica roots and essential oils, Devil’s Claw tubers, Bogbean leaves, and Willow bark are just some of the things to consider. As for a recommended decoction, angelica possesses warming and stimulating properties, which work against osteoarthritis and rheumatism. Some people have added celery seed or a small amount of prickly ask to their decoctions for more results. This is a remedy that is best avoided when pregnant.
Cramps
Sometimes a muscle spasm arises when the body feels stressed or is experiencing fatigue. An imbalance of body salts may also cause cramps to surface. To combat the sharp pain that is felt in the legs, some individuals have found success when sipping a decoction made from Mexican Wild yam rhizomes. Not only does the herb provide a muscle relaxant, but is said to relax the peripheral blood vessels, as well.
When looking for additional decoctions to solve your medical ailments, you should consider the following suggestions:
Coughs: Sang Bai Pa root bark
Bronchitis: Cowslip root
Eczema: Burdock leaves; Chi Shao Yao roots
Psoriasis: Blue Flag rhizome
Dandruff: The inner bark of Soap Bark
High Blood Pressure: Guelder Rose bark
Poor Circulation: Gui Zui twigs; Prickly Ash bark; Ginger root
Anemia: Dang Gui root