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NATURAL FIRST AID - HERBS

Herbalism is probably the oldest form of healing known to man. Every culture on the planet has it’s own system of Herbalism taken from their indigenous plant kingdom. The most well known being the Modern Western and Chinese systems. The whole plant is used not just an extracted component from the plant. Herbs can be used in a variety of ways - macerated and used as a poltice or compress, steeped in alcohol and used as a tincture, infused or boiled into a tea etc. The majority of our conventional medicines are derived from plants, the most common being Asprin (salicylic acid) which originated from Willow Bark and of course Morphine which originated from the Opium Poppy.

There are litterally hundreds of medicinal herbs available to the Herbalist or Naturopath. Some herbs can be dangerous so please consult a qualified therapist before self administering.

Below are the 7 herbs I constantly use.

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ECHINACEA (latin. Echinacea angustifolia and Echinacea purpurea)
A North American plant which is one of the world's most important medicinal herbs. Research shows that it has the ability to raise the body's resistance to bacterial, fungal and viral infections by stimulating the immune system. Echinacea also helps to relieve allergies and has been used for centuries to clear skin infections.

ACTIONS: Immune stimulant Anti-inflammatory Antibiotic/antiviral Detoxifying
Increases sweating Wound treatment Antiallergenic

USE: As a tincture, tablet or capsule. First onset of coughs, colds, flu; a powerful immune booster.

CAUTION: Not to be taken for more than 8 weeks at any one time. Not to be taken during pregnancy or whilst nursing.

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GERMAN CHAMOMILE (latin. Chamomilla recutita/Matricaria recutita)
It is an excellent herb for many digestive disorders and for nervous tension and irritability. Externally, it is used for sore skin, eczema and psoriasis. Roman Chamomile (Latin. Chamaemelum nobile) is a close relation, used in a similar way.

ACTIONS: Anti-inflammatory Analgesic Antispasmodic Antiseptic
Sedative Wound treatment Carminative Antiallergenic
USE: Chamomile Tea – calming and relaxing; creams, lotions, compresses or poultices made with German Chamomile have very powerful healing qualities.

The essential oil produced from steam distillation of German Chamomile is blue due to chamazulene which has powerful antiallergenic properties. Externally the oil can be applied (diluted) to sore, itchy skin (dermatitis and eczema). The strong antispasmodic properties of German Chamomile make it a valuable treatment for muscular aches and pains. In Homeopathic form it is excellent for infantile colic, teething and irritability.

CAUTION: Exercise caution if taking anti-clotting drugs like Warfarin or Heparin.

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GARLIC (latin. Allium sativum)
Known for its pungent odour and taste, garlic is an ideal herbal medicine, being completely safe for home use and a powerful treatment for a host of health problems.

ACTIONS: Antimicrobial Expectorant Increases sweating
Lowers blood pressure Reduces blood clotting

USE: Garlic is wonderful and anyone who doesn't include it in their daily diet should do so. Garlic is excellent for all manner of infections from TB to typhoid. It was used to dress wounds in WW1. Garlic's expectorant properties make it an excellent herb for catarrhal conditions. Garlic (raw, capsules, tablets or pearls) can be taken alongside conventional antibiotics.

CAUTION: Not to be taken whilst nursing. Best to avoid large amounts of garlic if you are taking anti-clotting drugs life Warfarin or Heparin.

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VALERIAN (latin. Valeriana officinalis)
Valerian has been used as a sedative and relaxant since at least Roman times. Valerian has become a popular remedy. It is a safe, non-addictive relaxant that reduces nervous tension and anxiety and promotes restful sleep.

ACTIONS: Sedative Relaxant Relieves anxiety
Antispasmodic Lowers blood pressure

USE: Reduces mental over-activity and nervous excitability, thus helping people with high stress levels who find it hard to 'switch off' and relax. The powerful antispasmodic effect makes Valerian an effective herb for muscular aches and pains, asthma, IBS and colic. Valerian can be taken as a tea, tincture, tablets or capsules.

CAUTION: Not to be taken in conjunction with alcohol, driving, operating machinery, during pregnancy or whilst nursing. Not suitable for children.

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ALOE VERA (latin. Aloe vera syn. a. barbadensis)
Native to Africa, Aloe Vera is commonly cultivated as a pot plant and has two distinct types of medicinal use. The clear gel contained in the leaf is a remarkably effective healer of wounds and burns, speeding up the rate of healing and reducing the risk of infection. The yellow sap from the base of the leaf when dried is known as 'bitter aloes'. It is a strong laxative, useful for short term constipation.

ACTIONS: Wound treatment Laxative

USE: Aloe Vera leaves are cut from the plant, then scored length ways where the gel can be easily extracted using a spoon - apply directly to the affected area. Alternatively you can buy quality Aloe Vera gels from Health Food Stores, online Complementary Health Sites and Chemists eg. Boots.

CAUTION: Not to be taken internally during pregnancy or whilst nursing.

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COMFREY (latin. Symphytum officinale)
Comfrey has a long history in Europe where it was knows as “knit bone” where it was used as a poltice for broken bones. It has powerful skin soothing and healing abilities.

ACTIONS: Anti-inflamatory Wound treatment Skin healer

USE: Externally in a lotion, cream or ointment for minor skin conditions - burns, grazes, bruises, sprains, nappy rash and broken bones.

CAUTION: Not to be taken internally during pregnancy or whilst nursing.

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MARIGOLD (latin. Calendula officinalis)
One of the best known herbs of the western world and one of the best remedies for inflamed, angry and dry skin.

ACTIONS: Antibacterial Tissue repair Antiviral Anti-inflamatory

USE: Can be used interanly as a tea for sore throats, but the primary use for Marigold is applied externally in a lotion, cream or ointment for skin grazes, cuts, minor burns, eczema, psoriasis, rashes, nappy rash and craddle cap.

CAUTION: No contraindications known.

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If you are taking medication please check with your Doctor first, as some herbs do not intereact well with some medication.

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PREPARATION OF HERBS

Herbs are prepared for consumption by several different processes, the most common forms are described as follows.

PREPARATIONS THAT ARE MADE FRESH DAILY

Infusions
Infusions or teas are made from soft herbs, such as Peppermint and Chamomile. Finely diced plant material is covered with boiling water for immediate drinking.

Decoctions
Decoction is the process of preparing chopped or ground woody herbs by boiling and simmering to reduce the volume by upto 1/3 or more. The stock is then cooled, strained and stored in the fridge to be taken as prescribed by a Herbalist or Chinese Medicine Practitioner. This is the most common way that Chinese Herbs are administered.

METHODS FOR PRESERVING HERBS

Liquid Extracts
These are prepared by steeping the finely chopped or ground raw ingredients in a solvent best suited, for example a mix of purified water and alcohol. When complete, they are evaporated under vacuum until the required concentration is reached.

Solid and Dry Extracts
The fresh juices or liquid extracts of fresh herbs are evaporated into a paste or into a dry powder by using a vacuum. The powder is then poured into capsules or pressed into tables.

Tinctures
The most popular way to take Herbal extracts. The process places the herbal material under the least amount of activity therefore preserving the more volatile compounds. The Herb material is steeped in a mixture of alcohol and purified water for an allotted time, then strained and bottled. There are alcohol free tinctures available for children and those who cannot take alcohol in there diets.

Capsules
Gelatin capsules (plant or animal based gelatin) are used for unpleasant oil, liquid extracts or powdered herbal material.

Infused Oils
Infused oils are made by mixing finely chopped fresh or dried herbal material with a good quality vegetable oil. They make excellent massage oils for joint pain, improve circulation etc.

 

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