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Herbs in your
Kitchen
| One of the most
common places to begin your journey as an herbalist is right inside your
own kitchen. �You'd be amazed at the medicines you have stored right
now in your spice cabinet. �This page will help to familiarize you with
the more common ones. �It is useful to note that for medicinal purposes
dried herbs are good to keep for a year or so, those that have been purchased
in the Spice Aisle of the local grocery store are probably not the best to
rely upon for medicinal uses but for now feel free to try a few experiments
with what you already have. �Later on you will want to purchase fresher
herbs or begin growing you own! |
ANISE--(pimpinella
anisum)
This licorice like herb is very useful for breaking up mucus such as chest
congestion and is very useful for hard dry hacking coughs where there is
congestion in the lungs. �Made an infusion by adding three teaspoonfuls
of the crushed seed to a cup of boiled water. �Cover and allow to steep
fifteen minutes. �You may wish to sweeten this with a little honey before
drinking. �The same tea may also be used to stimulate mother's milk
and to treat
flatulence.
�Some added to an herbal mixture for the treatment of diarrhea will
help prevent cramping. |
BASIL--(Ocimum
basilicum)
Sweet basil is useful as a tea for the treatment of indigestion, fever, cold,
flu, kidney and bladder, headache, cramp, nausea, vomiting, constipation
and nervous conditions. �For the above purposes an infusion is made
using one ounce slightly crushed leaves to a pint of boiling water, cover
and steep twenty minutes. �Drink 1/2 cup every three hours as needed.
For the treatment of fevers add �three powdered black
peppercorns per cup.
�top |
| BAY--(Laurus
nobilis) �This tree was dedicated to Apollo and Aseculapium (Greek God
of medicine) and is considered capable of increasing and maintaining great
health and happiness. �One or two leaves added to home made soups and
stews not only improves the flavor but helps prevent gas and indigestion.
�Do not use this herb in large amounts internally. �Externally
they may be applied liberally as a poultice on the chest area with a cloth
covering to aid in bronchitis and coughs. �A little Oil of Bay (essential
oil not infused) is of great benefit when applied to areas afflicted with
rheumatism and arthritis as well as other swellings and
sprains. |
| BLACK PEPPER
(Piper nigrum) Yogis consider this to be one nature's most perfect foods,
useful not only as a cure for ailments but also as a preventative measure
for general daily health. �In this manner it is taken in the dose of
seven ground peppercorns mixed with honey each morning. �This mixture
is also quite useful to help over come colds and sore throats.
�top� |
| CARAWAY (Carum
carvi)--Is good to aid in the digestive process, for indigestion, gas, colic
and mild nervous conditions. �For these purpose an infusion is made
using once ounce of the crushed seeds to a pint of boiling water, cover and
allow to stand twenty minutes or you may allow the mixture to stand in cold
water overnight. �Drink the infusion in frequent doses of two to three
tablespoons until relief is obtained. �It is also a mild stimulant and
may be added to herbal mixtures for digestion and laxatives to prevent
griping. |
| CARDAMON (Elettaria cardamomum)--is a carminative and
stimulant and is normally mixed with other herbs to treat indigestion and
gas. �It warms the body and is good for diarrhea, colic and headaches.
�top |
| CAYENNE
(Capsicum anuum)--for those of you who like it it's a good stimulant, astringent,
carminative and antispasmodic. �It is considered to be a superior herb
to use in a crisis situation, keeping a little on hand is probably a good
idea. � �For the purposes of general health and in the prevention
of heart attack, strokes, colds, flu, diminish vitality, headaches, indigestion,
depression and arthritis and for the benefit of the heart and circulation
system, one may take a daily tonic of one quarter teaspoon mixed with water
three times daily. �A powder of tincture of cayenne may be rubbed on
toothaches, swelling and inflammations. �A useful remedy for arthritis
is to rub some cayenne tincture into the inflamed join and wrap a flannel
around it for the night. �For hemorrhage, internally and externally,
it is useful to stop and control the bleeding because it normalizes the
circulation. �In this manner it is also suited to those who have high
and/or low blood pressure. |
| CINNAMON (Cinnamomum
zeylanicum) is stimulating, astringent, demulcent and carminative. �It
warms the entire system and medicinally is used to warm the organs in specific
for the treatment of chronic diarrhea, cramps, heart and abdominal pain,
coughing, wheezing, lower back pain. �For these purposes one teaspoon
is gently warmed with a cup of milk and a little honey. It is most effective
when given as tincture every fifteen minutes or so to stop bleeding from
the uterus. �top |
| �CLOVES (Syzygium aromaticum) �they are stimulating
aromatic buds and are effective in warming the body, increasing circulation,
improving digestion and treating flatulence, vomiting and nausea. �It
is normally added to another herbal mixture when a stimulant is required.
�Oil of Clove may be applied directly to a toothache with cottonball
until you can reach the dentist. �Or you can chew on a clove or two
instead. |
| CUMIN (Cuminum
cyminum) �one of the best herbs to prevent and relieve gas and as such
is useful when added to cooked beans and fried foods. �It is of benefit
to the heart and uterus, it is given to women after childbirth to increase
the flow of mother's milk. �In these manners an infusion is made by
crushing one teaspoon of the seeds and adding to a cup of boiled water. �It
does have a strong flavor and you may prefer to take it capsule form.
�Externally it can be used as a liniment for stimulating
circulation. top |
FENNEL (Foeniculum
vulgare) �Useful as an antispasmodic, carminative, diuretic, expectorant
and stimulant. �An infusion is made using one teaspoon crushed seeds
to a cup of boiled water steep twenty minutes, this is used to treat colic,
cramps, gas and to expel mucus. �The cooled infusion (wash) can be used
as an eyewash.
|
FENUGREEK (Trigonella foenumgraecum) �It is useful
for all mucous conditions and lung congestion. �A decoction is made
using one ounce of the crushed seeds and seven crushed peppercorns to a pint
of boiling water, cover and simmer fifteen minutes. �The same is also
useful for ulcers and inflammed conditions of the stomach and intestine.
It is also considered to be an aphrodisiac and rejuvenator. �Externally
it is used in an emollient poultice applied to boils.
top
|
| GARLIC (allium
sativum) �Oh! �Where to begin with this one? �I should just
say "take it, take it, take it!" because that's pretty much what it comes
down to with this one. �It is used in the treatment of all lung ailments,
in the treatment of high and low blood pressure, high cholesterol, against
parasites and infections (great antibiotic properties!), also for headaches
and moderate nervous disorders. �The fresh juice is most effective in
all cases. �For t his crush one clove garlic in a glass of hot milk.
�For high blood pressure take twice daily. �Since this isn't
really..ah..acceptable..bad breath and all..for these purposes purchased
garlic pills/capsules at the local health food store and take
them! |
| GINGER (zingiber
officinale) �Ginger tea is made by grating one ounce fresh ginger root
and simmer ten minutes ina pint of water it is very good for indigestion,cramps
and nausea. �Take with honey and lemon and it is good for colds and
flu and will induce sweating. �Snack on ginger cookies if you suffer
from motion sickness. �Externally it is applied for the treatment of
pain, inflammation and stiff joints. �For this purpose simmer five o
ounces fresh grated root in two quarter water for ten minutes. �Strain
and soak a cloth in water, apply directly to affected area. �Change
and re-dip cloth often to keep the temperature constantly warm. �The
skin should become red as the circulation increases. �Also for massage
purposes you may squeeze the juice of fresh grated ginger and combine with
equal parts olive or sesame oil to relieve muscle pain.
top |
| MARJORAM (origanum majorana) �useful for upset stomach,
headache, colic and nervous complaints. �An infusion is made using one
half ounce marjoram steeped in a pint of boiling water. �This is also
useful for cramps, nausea associated with menstruation and severe cases of
abdominal cramps. |
| MUSTARD
SEED (Brassica nigra). �Internally a teaspoonful of the crushed seeds
mixed in warm water acts as a mild laxative and blood purifier but a
tablespoonful acts as a quick emetic. �Externally it really is wonderful
for aches, sprains, spasms and cold areas needing circulation. �For
this purpose a thick plaster is made by mixing powdered mustard with water
until thick paste is made. �Spread this on a cotton cloth and place
a thin layer of cotton cloth on the skin as well, do not let the plaster
come in direct contact with the skin as this may be irritating. �Leave
on until desired warmth is obtained, once removed powder the skin area with
rice or other flour and wrap the area with a clean cotton
cloth. top |
| NUTMEG (myristica
fragans) �a small amount of nutmeg, about the size of a pea, may be
taken daily and over long periods to help relieve chronic nervous disorders
and heart problems. �Large doses are often poisonous and may cause
miscarriage. |
| ROSEMARY (rosmarinum officinalis) is of great benefit
when used to treat headaches and is a terrific substitute for aspirin. �It
is�astringent, diaphoretic and stimulant. As such is also useful for
indigestion, colic, nausea, gas and fevers. For these purposes an infusion
is made by using one half ounce of rosemary to a pint of boiled water allow
to steep for ten minutes covered and drink. It is also useful externally
for the hair and scalp, use a strong infusion (cooled of course!) as a rinse
after shampooing. top
�
SAGE
�(Salvia officinalis) is antispasmodic and astringent in action and
is of benefit when slowing secretions. It is used to excessive perspiration,
night sweats, clear vaginal discharge and to stop the flow of milk. Also
use for diarrhea, dysentery and the early stages of cold, flu , sinus congestion,
bladder infections and inflammatory conditions. Make an infusion �by
steeping one quarter ounce of herb ina pint of boiled water steep ten minutes.
This should not be used for more than one week at a time but during this
time you may take the up to three times per day.� It also makes an excellent
gargle for sore throats and ulcerations of the mouth.
THYME (Thymus vulgaris)
�is a very important and useful parasiticide useful for intestinal worms
but also wonderful for athlete's foot! For the purposes of athlete's foot
make a strong infusion and allow to cool completely, apply to the area as
often as necessary with a cotton�ball. Also great when used in this
manner to wash all cuts, scraped, bruises and abrasions before other first
aid treatment. �When used as a strong tea is is helpful for bronchial
problems such a as acute bronchitis and w whooping cough also laryngitis
Do not use in large amounts.
TURMERIC (Curcuma
longa) �this is used as a blood purifier, stimulant and vulnerary. It
may be applied internally and externally to heal wounds, relieve pain in
the limbs, break up congestion and a restorative after loss of blood at
childbirth. �It is of great benefit to the circulatory system. �Also
useful for reducing fevers and for nosebleeds. A teaspoon of turmeric powder
is added with a teaspoon of almond oil to a cup of warm milk. One to two
cups are taken daily. top |
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