To use plants as remedies, take pleasure in them steeped in teas, as syrups or in a mixed salad or soak in a bath strewn with flowers and leaves, rub them on the skin in lotions, or breathe in their healing vapours in a steamy inhalation. Some can be taken to aid ward off ailments, like garlic and echinacea taken to stop colds, and other folks to unwind, soothe and refresh.
In her Herbal Healing Bible, Jade Britton suggests the following methods to get the advantage from herbs.
To make an infusion, warm the vessel (not a teapot – the residual tannins will overpower the herbs), pop in the herbs (20g dried or 30g fresh), cover with 600ml freshly boiled water and depart to steep for 10 minutes. Strain and sweeten with honey, if you like.
Use the infusion cooled as a gargle or mouthwash.
For a soothing bath, include 600ml herbal infusion to your bathwater, or five drops of crucial oils to running water. Get pleasure from although hot.
Make a poultice by crushing the herbs and bandage in spot on skin that has been rubbed with a tiny sunflower oil. For guide details see end.
Jekka McVicar’s herbal medication cabinet
Sage Salvia officinalis. Make a tea to alleviate hot flushes and dizziness. Cooled, use as a gargle for sore throats as it is antiseptic.
Warning: excessive use can trigger signs and symptoms of poisoning and is not good for epileptics. Basil Ocimum basilicum, as a tea reduces anxiety, calms a fluttering stomach and clears the head of a stuffy cold. Also tends to make a tasty water ice.
Hyssop. Hyssopus officinalis is a gentle expectorant, decongestant and tonic if manufactured into a tea.
Thyme. Thymus vulgaris is also a very good cold treatment, as it is an antioxidant.
Onions. Allium cepa is an successful and ancient treatment for coughs. Get rid of the outer leaves of an onion, minimize in half, put 1 half in a bowl and cover with honey. Depart in a warm spot for 24 hrs, covered with cling movie. Strain the liquid and consider a tablespoon when essential. Do not use honey for toddlers beneath a 12 months old.
Nettles Urtica dioica. Make a vitamin- and mineral-wealthy soup with young shoots for a spring tonic.
Dandelion Taraxacum officinale. A wonderful detoxifier, the younger leaves are excellent shredded in a mixed salad. Bitter leaves boost saliva and enhance digestion.
Comfrey Symphytum officinale. Make an ointment to aid heal scars, boils and psoriasis. Not to be taken internally.
Horsetail Equisetum arvense is nature’s nail strengthener. Simmer 50g leaf and stem in 900ml water for 20 minutes. Amazing then dunk nails for 5 minutes. Extremely suggested.
A word of warning
Herbs ought to be handled with care and not used to remedy extended-phrase issues. If you have a chronic issue or are beneath health-related supervision, seek out health-related suggestions before beginning any herbal therapy.
Some herbal remedies must be avoided if you are pregnant, breast feeding or endure from lower blood pressure. Invest in a herbal manual for dependable guidance:
Understand about herbs
With Jekka at her herb farm close to Bristol, for course details see jekkasherbfarm.co.united kingdom or share her passion for herbs at her masterclass at Highgrove on February 26. See highgroveshop.com
* The Herbal Healing Bible by Jade Britton (Apple, £9.99). The Comprehensive Medicinal Herbal by Penelope Ody (obtainable on amazon.co.united kingdom)
*Flower Electrical power by Anne McIntyre ( amazon.co.uk)
* Jekka’s Total Herb Guide by Jekka McVicar (Royal Horticultural Society, £18.99).
Read more: Herb gardens to visit
Study more: 10 suggestions for your herb garden
Herbs: make the most of nature"s medicine cabinet
Hiç yorum yok:
Yorum Gönder