At the beginning of the 21st century, 11 % of the 252 drugs considered “basic and essential” by the World Health Organization were “exclusively of flowering plant origin.” Drugs like codeine, quinine, and morphine all contain plant-derived ingredients.
With today’s skyrocketing inflation it seems like a good time to start creating your own natural medicine cabinet with herbs that heal. It’s not only a cost-effective way to heal various health conditions but you’re also getting the added benefit of preparing great food with amazing herbs. Now, there are so many herbs, spices and other plants that have amazing, multiple benefits but this introductory list would be a great starter kit and it covers a lot of different ailments that most people have experienced at one time or another.
- Basil – Mood – contains eugenol and rosmarinic acid which boost’s the brain’s production of dopamine and serotonin.
- Cayenne – Congestion – Capsaicin deactivates substance P, a neurotransmitter linked to inflammation which results in decreased sinus congestion and pressure
- Coriander – Tiredness – carboxylic acid binds to heavy metals such as mercury in the blood and carries them out of the body. It reverses the toxin buildup that causes chronic fatigue, joint pain and depression.
- Curry Powder – Joints – curcumin inhibits the production of prostaglandin E2, and inflammatory compound that over sensitizes nerves. Reduces joint and muscle pain.
- Dill – GI Tract – limonene works as well as antibiotics for killing bacteria like E. Coli
- Ginger – Nausea – gingerol and shogaol calm GI tract spasms to reduce nausea
- Mint – Abdominal Cramps – menthol reduces pain-inducing spasms
- Oregano – Menstrual Cramps – thymol can carvacrol relax uterine muscles to prevent painful contractions
- Parsley – Bloating – apiol and myristicin are natural diuretics that relieves bloating caused by water retention by preventing salt from being reabsorbed into the body tissues
- Rosemary – Coughing – eucalyptol loosens chest congestion thereby making it easier to expel phlegm. Also is rich in tannins which soothe sore throats
Some of these herbs can also be packed in your herbal first-aid kit along with:
- Aloe Vera – for burns, sunburn, bruises, and bug bites
- Thyme – for foot fungus, anti-bacterial, oral care
- Beeswax – for burns, insect bites
- Echinacea – fights infections, and fever
- Blackberry – helps with diarrhea, reduces inflammation
As you can see by this short list mother nature provides a plenitude of remedies for all sorts of ailments. This list is not comprehensive but merely gives you an idea of the things you can find in nature at a fraction of the cost of over-the-counter remedies. So since we’re heading into spring, it would be a good time to plant, if you can, what will become your natural healers or maybe someone you know has a garden full of these wonderful herbs and flowers. Tinctures made with these plants can last for decades!
As a retired registered massage therapist, I’ve always been interested in health. I grew up loving sports so that carried into my adult life in my chosen career paths and in my personal life. I now stay active with weight training, hiking and biking. My professional life has always been in health care. This has inspired me to seek out and adopt a life of natural health and wellness.