The resurgence of practical herbology over the past two decades has proven nothing less than phenomenal. With growing dissatisfaction and distrust for Western medicine (and of course the rising cost of vitamins and other supplements), many American households that had routinely relied on conventional medicine for decades are now opting to look beyond mainstream cures. More and more people, especially young “enlightened” parents, are exploring the virtues of herbal, "natural" remedies and deciding to take responsibility for treating their and their family’s illnesses.
Recent studies have proven that many herbal remedies are not the feeble substitutes for synthetic medicines the drug and pharmaceutical industry would like us to believe. In fact, herbs taken in the right form and dosage have been proven again and again to be just as effective as drugs–often at a fraction of the cost, and with far fewer side-effects. And when you consider that the pharmaceutical industry was founded on the likes of willow bark (the active ingredient in aspirin), foxglove (the prime component in digitalis), and opium poppy (the key ingredient in codeine), we should all stop and ask ourselves why we have come to be so heavily reliant on processed medicines when for thousands of years people cured themselves with natural remedies grown literally in their own back yards. While one shouldn’t expect to randomly take any herb in any dose to cure any illness–there is a specific cause/effect science to this process–it should be remembered that until fairly recently (well into the 1970s for many households) it was common practice to keep various herbs on hand for a number of common ailments–and there’s no reason why this practice can’t be resumed. And just as there are guidebooks for synthetic drug use and dosage (PDRs), there are a number of reputable and reliable, long-standing herbals on the shelves. But before delving into natural cures, be aware that just as with synthetic drugs, not all cures work on all people in the same way, and herb allergic reaction can occur. (If you’re allergic to strawberries, for example, you don’t want to use a strawberry tincture as a curative!)
The following is a brief selection of herbs that have been known to be universally helpful in treating a number of common conditions; note that some herbs have more than one positive function.
Garlic is an effective antiseptic for treating cuts and wounds. Incorporated into the diet, garlic is also known to improve the immune system.
Ginger has been used for centuries to treat colds, soothe sore throats, and relieve stomach cramps. It is brewed by several Native American tribes even today and drank as a calming tea.
Gingko, an herb dating to prehistoric times, has been used for centuries to improve memory and increase brain activity. (Even the medical community is now touting its effectiveness.)
Chamomile has a wide range of uses including curing indigestion, inducing sleep, and soothing stomach ulcers.
Valerian (which has now become popular with the medical community and can be quite expensive when bought over the pharmacy counter) is proven to act as a mood stabilizer, can induce sleep (curing insomnia for many), and raise energy levels.
Parsley has been used by pregnant women in various societies for centuries for tender nipples and morning sickness. Also, eaten right after meals can prevent gas (that’s why it was once regularly placed on dinner plates along side most meals.)
Rosemary and sage in combination was used for centuries by numerous cultures to control dandruff.
While this list presents potential cures for relatively mild disorders, much more serious problems can also be dealt with once you have become familiar with herbs and how they affect your body. Remember, pregnant women should always take very small or diluted doses of herbal concoctions in order to be certain they won’t ill-effect the unborn. (Just because an herb has no ill-effect on the mother does not guarantee that the baby will respond the same.) Begin by buying a few herbals (used ones will save you money) and cross-reference curative suggestions before trying them. And remember: if one herb does not work for you, simply try another. Those who practice herbal cures firmly believe that nature provides a cure for every ailment humankind contracts. With experience, trial-and-error, you will gain the knowledge to know what works best for you–or the members of your family.
If you have any specific questions concerning herbal remedies or related literature, please feel free to contact me. I’ve been a practicing herbalist for nearly 40 years now! James at: jrcoffey@mail.usf.edu
