Where Do the Herbal Remedies Originate From?
Herbalism, using plants to make herbal remedies, cure and heal people with, has been with us longer than any other kind of medicine. At first, the knowledge of herbalism has been
Where Do the Herbal Remedies Originate From?
Herbalism, using plants to make herbal remedies, cure and heal people with, has been with us longer than any other kind of medicine. At first, the knowledge of herbalism has been passed down by word of mouth, from generation to generation. At each culture, there was a wise woman, a witch, a shaman, a healer… who used herbal remedies as the foundation of their healing work. Even today, many — if not most — of the remedies originate from plants and are then processed in the pharmaceutical industry.
The Tenets of Herbalism
There are some timeless principles on which herbalism — and any healing, when we come to that — is and should be based. The tenets of herbalism are:
|.||The whole plant is better than an isolated extract.|
|.||Don’t cure the symptoms only, heal the entire person.|
|.||Practice minimum effective treatment and minimal intervention.|
|.||Enable the body to heal itself.|
Herbal remedies should not be prescribed naively. A substance can be a remedy in one form, but a poison in another. Plants may be our best friends but should not be underestimated in any situation. However, obey the simple rules stated above and there will be no problems.
Professional Level of Herbalism
Just as with any other kind of healing, it is possible to study and practice herbalism professionaly. A professional herbalist will be well versed in orthodox medical diagnosing, and will have the power to prescribe potent herbs that are generally unavailable to the general public. It takes a significant time to train up to a professional level of herbalism. Often, persons gifted in energy healing may use a combination of methods to form an appropriate personalized therpy, and herbal remedies enter the picture naturally, since they are readily available all over the world.
Herbalism As A Self-Help System
Herbal remedies are ideal to use in home, and are usually cheap enough to be available to everyone. You can use them in first aid, everyday ailments, the management of chronic conditions, strengthening of the body and preventive treatment.
How To Take Herbal Remedies
There are three main carriers for herbs.
Water — for teas and/or infusions. Flowers, leaves, some seeds, and fruit are usually put into thewater and body can quickly assimilate whatever water carries. Good for children and convalescents, as well as for patients with delicate digestion.
Alcohol — as in tinctures or spiced wines. Any part of the plant may be preserved in alcohol, but the hard parts seem to be prevalent. Not applicable if the patient cannot tolerate alcohol; should not be given to babies either.
Oil — to make rubs, massage oils, liniments; with beeswax, can be used for ointments and salves.
Body Parts To Apply Herbal Remedies To
Herbal remedies can be directed to almost any part of the human body.
Tinctures are liquids made from flowers, leaves, of root of the plant. A tincture is maid by soaking the flowers, leaves, or roots in strong alcohol. Tinctures keep well, need small place to store, and are highly concentrated so a few drops may be an entire dose. Taken through mouth.
Infusions are teas — parts of the fresh or dried plant boiled in water. The resultant “tea” is strong and often literally too hot to start drinking it right away. There are some plants that cannot stand heat, such as comfrey, marshmallow, and valerian root and if you must make an infusion with them, leave them in cold water for 12 hours previously. Taken through mouth. Most infusions 