An herb is a plant or plant part valued for its medicinal, aromatic or savory qualities. Herb plants produce and contain a variety of chemical substances that act upon the body. Herbal medicine is the oldest form of healthcare known to mankind. Herbs had been used by all cultures throughout history. The plants provided food, clothing, shelter, and medicine. Much of the medicinal use of plants seems to have been developed through observations of wild animals, and by trial and error. Indeed, well into the 20th century much of the pharmacopoeia of scientific medicine was derived from the herbal lore of native peoples. Many drugs commonly used today are of herbal origin.The information given on this site is for educational purposes only. Used as a reference; not as a means of diagnosis and/or treatment, it can act as a guide, but only with the cooperation and advise of medical supervision. It is not within the scope of any collection of information to perform the medical duties of the health care profession.
Herbs Should Be Used With Caution
Herbs are natural substances but that doesn't mean that they can be used indiscriminately. Herbs can be strong medicine. Before trying any herbal remedy, be sure that you know what it does, how it is used, and any possible side effects. Never exceed the recommended dose. A doctor should monitor the use of any medicinal herb, making sure it does not conflict with medications already prescribed, and will not worsen conditions already known. Also, the sensitivity or allergic reaction can best be handled by a doctor.
As a general rule, new medical problems can occur from ingesting herbal remedies, but the potential for an allergic or toxic reaction is always there. In addition, about 1% of all plants are poisonous. Therefore, it not recommended that people gather their own herbs unless they are skilled botanists. Pregnant women should take herbs only under the direction of a knowledgeable physician or midwife. Some herbs are contraindicated in certain diseases and/or conditions.
Parents should check with a qualified health care practitioner before giving herbs to children.
Some people think that herbal tea is good, simply because it is a natural product. This is not only foolish, but dangerous. Every herbal tea should be weighed against possible complications, side effects, etc., before taking on a daily basis. Everyone knows that a great many modern day medications originated from herbs. Even aspirin was originally discovered from willow tea. The herbs in herbal teas should be known and checked against any medication, whether by prescription or over-the-counter, for compatibility and/or side effects. Sometimes taking herbal tea indiscriminately can cause unwanted or unnecessary conditions or illnesses, even death. Always consult medical advise before using herbal tea or herbs in any form.
As already stated, herbs are powerful drugs. They should always be used with care and under medical supervision
Herbal Preparations
Applications: Some ways herbs can be used.
Fresh leaves and/or fresh roots may be used in their natural form, but they also may be found in tablet form, capsules, bark pieces, powders, liquid beverages, extracts, tinctures, lotions, creams, salves, or oils.
Compress: Soak a cloth in a cool herb solution, then apply directly to the injured area.
Decoction: Make a tea from the root, seed, berry, or bark of the herb plant. Simmer the tea, do not boil.
Essential Oils: Oils are distilled from plants or by cold extraction. Usually they are mixed with vegetable oil or water and used as an inhalant, douche, or tea. Also, they may be used as eyewash, earwash, mouthwash, or used externally for massage, and to treat cuts and abrasions. Essential oils easily and readily combine with the natural fats and oils of the skin.
Extracts: Place the herbs in a solvent and soak, allowing the solution to evaporate. This solution is the most effective form of using herbs when severely or acutely ill.
Herb Vinegars: Put herb in raw apple cider vinegar, rice or malt and left to stand for two or more weeks.
Infusion: The tenderest leaf, flower or part of the plant to be used is steeped (not boiled) for five minutes in hot water, thus the benefits of the herb is not destroyed.
Ointment: A powdered form of an herb added to a salve.
Poultice: A hot, moist, soft mass of herbs, flour, mustard, and other substances is spread on muslin or cloth and applied for one to eight hours on a sore or inflamed area of the body to relieve pain and inflammation. Ground or granulated herbs are best. The cloth or muslin should be changed when cooled.
Syrup: An herb or herbs are added to a form of sugar and then boiled.Salves: Salves, oils, creams and lotions are generally used on sores, bruises, and inflammations (such as for poultices).
Tincture: Usually, most tinctures contain about 20-50% alcohol. Powdered herbs are added to a water/alcohol solution.
Tisane: This is a type of tea that has no caffeine, theine or tannic acids. Caffeine and theine drain vital forces and reserves of energy.
Tea: To prepare herb tea, use approximately one to three teaspoons of herbs per cup of boiling water. Pour water into a mug or pot, leave herbs to steep for at least five minutes.
Glossary Of Herbal Properties with Therapeutic Action
Confused about the various terminologies used in Herbal medicine?
Here is a list with a description of what these terms mean.
Abortificant causes induced or spontaneous abortion
Alterative helps to restore normal health, cleanses and purifies the blood, gradually restores normal bodily functions
Analgesic relieves painAnaphrodisiac reduces the sexual appetites
Anthelmintic helps kill and get rid of parasites in the body
Antibacterial destroys or stops the growth of bacteria
Antibiotic destroys or stops the growth of microorganisms in the body
Antifungal destroys or stops the growth of fungi, such as athlete's foot
Anti-inflammatory reduces or counteracts inflammationsAntioxidant inhibits or prevents oxidation
Antispasmodic relieves voluntary and involuntary muscle spasms
Antitussive prevents or eliminates coughing
Antiviral inhibits or eliminates a virus
Aphrodisiac creates or enhances sexual arousal
Aromatherapy relies on the aroma of healing plants to stimulate healing, relaxation, mood alteration, and overall well-being
Asthenia loss of or lack of strength, usually affecting the muscular system
Astringent firms organs and tissues as well as reduces excretions
Calmative soothing action on the body's systems
Carcinogenic causes cancerCardiac about or relating to the heart
Carminative relieves intestinal gas and accompanying annoyances
Cathartic strong laxative that acts fast
Cholagogue increases the flow of bile from the gall bladder
Choleretic stimulates the liver to produce more bile
Demulcent protects and soothes internal mucous membranesDetoxicant eliminates toxins
Diaphoretic increases perspiration
Diuretic eliminates excess fluids and aids the kidneys and bladder
Emetic induces vomiting
Emollient protects and soothes the skinExpectorant aids discharge of phlegm and mucous from the lungs and throat
Febrifuge reduces feversHemostatic stops the flow of blood
Hepatic having to do with the liver
Hypertensive raises the blood pressure, or deals with high blood pressure
Hypotensive lowers the blood pressure, or deals with low blood pressure
Hypnotic relaxant and sedative that induces sleep
Laxative aids in promoting bowel movements
Nervine strengthens and normalizes the nervous system
Purgative induces the evacuation of the intestines
Sedative calms by lowering the activity of an organ or body part
Stimulant increases internal body heat, strengthens metabolism and body circulation
Tonic stimulates the overall body systems
Vasodilator relaxes the blood vessels
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