Knowing Your Herbal Remedies

Hello everyone! So Sorry I did not post yesterday, was in a great deal of pain and just couldn't bear it...forgive me?

I have been sharing quit a bit of aromatherapy, natural healing etc...then I thought to myself "I bet there are people who could use a glossary of what I am talking about".

So today's post is born....read on for you guide of the different types of herbal medicine.

~Peace~

Knowing Your Herbal Remedies

Herbal remedies are easy to make, inexpensive and extremely effective for a whole range of symptoms and ailments. They have fewer side effects than over -the-counter tablets and medicines, and strengthen your immune system as they heal without using chemicals.

As you become familiar with herbal remedies you'll learn how the natural ingredients in your kitchen can alleviate health problems, ease indigestion and period pains, treat a cold  or cure a case of jet lag.

With a little herbal know-how, you'll soon be able to use these potent natural ingredients to revitalize a weary mind and body, and escape the daily stresses of a modern life. You will also find out how to make luxurious beauty treatments, such as hair conditioners, skin exfoliates, face packs and hand creams.



You can buy dried herbs from many outlets, but they'll have a limited shelf-life unless properly stored.

  *Ensure your herbs are kept in a cool, dry, dark place

*Containers should be sterilized before use to avoid contaminating your herbs.

*Airtight dark-glass or ceramic containers are ideal for storing parts of plants



Your Guide To Herbal Remedies

Herbal  medicine uses many medical terms. The glossary below will introduce you to most of the expressions you'll come to understand completely after reading all my posts...

Techniques Of Herbal Medicine

Compress~A cloth soaked in an herbal infusion and pressed over a wound.

Decoction~A hot or cold liquid made by boiling twigs and roots.

Infusion~A hot or cold drink made from leaves and flowers of herbs.

Ointment~A cream infused with the juice or essential oil of herbs.

Pultice~A bag of healing herbs that is pressed over the affected area.

Syrup~A decoction or infusion sweetened with honey or sugar.

Tincture~A medicine of soaked herbs in alcohol (AVOID DURING PREGNANCY)

Tonic~A drink that stimulates the lymphatic system and blood circulation



Complementary Therapies

The following are natural healing traditions based on herbalism

Homeopathy~Uses tiny doses of compounds to stimulate the symptoms of a of a disease in order to cure it.

Flower Remedies~Homeopathic medicines made from flower extracts.

Chinese Herbalism~Herbal medicine practice from Asia using local herbs.

Aromatherapy~The use of distilled plant essence as aromatic oils.

Ayurveda~An Indian tradition that focuses on prevention and lifestyle.



Glossary Of Medical Actions

Analgesic~Relieves pain.

Antibiotics~Inhibits the growth of, or destroys bacteria and viruses infecting the body.

Anti-inflammatory~Reduces swelling and redness.

Antioxidant~Protects the body against aging.

Antiseptic~Inhibits bacteria growth.

Antispasmodic~Eases muscle cramps and spasms.

Astringent~Causes tissue contraction to dry up discharges.

Diuretic~A substance that causes increased urination.

Emollient~Softens and smoothe the skin.

Expectorant~Expels mucus from the sinuses, lungs and stomach.

Laxative~Increases bowel movements.

Sedative~Lessens anxiety, promotes sleep.

Vulnary~Promotes cell growth and repair.

If you are reading this post;  thank you very much

Have a wonderfully peaceful day!