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Sunday, June 24, 2012

Medicinal Herbs - 5 Benefits of Healing Herbs

Today's women are turning to the healing garden of herbs to treat and prevent things such as colds, headaches, and allergies etc. Healing herbs can be found right outside your backdoor.

5 Benefits of Healing Herbs:

1. Herbs are an effective alternative to chemically produced prescriptions or even over the counter medicines. They can treat minor cuts and scratches to headaches and insomnia. Herbs provide relief for indigestion, PMS, and even acne. Don't think of herbs as being a weak alternative to prescriptions as they are powerfully effective.

Instead of using motion sickness medications try using Ginger. It's a strong rival to even the top brands sold.
Some studies suggest extracts from Ginkgo leaves may treat symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.
Silymarin, the active ingredient in Milk Thistle seeds, may repair and help protect liver cells.

Of course it's not just as simple as replacing conventional medicines with herbal remedies. They should work together. Always check with your medical doctor and an experienced herbalist before combining herbal medicines with prescription medication.

2. Making the right choices and the right dosage will produce fewer side effects. For the most part side effects produced by herbs are much milder than those produced by drugs. It is believed the complexity of the chemistry in plants is the reason the side effects are milder. However you should not take herbal formulas after the need has passed.

For example, if you are taking a prescription for water retention, one side effect from the drug is the depletion of potassium. On the other hand the leaves from dandelions not only act as a diuretic they also supply potassium. Over the counter cold remedies may cause drowsiness making it unsafe for you to drive or work. Herbs like garlic you can fight off the cold without the drowsy side effect.

3. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Stress, low immunity, and tiredness can all be reduced with the use of botanical remedies. Use herbs in teas and cooking for preventive medicine since some of these may be taken for weeks or months without side effects. This will provide your body with minerals and vitamins. Just like any other health plan or diet, you need to combine exercise and good eating habits.

4. Herbs are really suited for the different needs created by the many cycles women go through. Herbal remedies may support a woman through an emotional crisis. Chamomile reduces anxiety while St. John's-wort may relieve mild depression. Part of the benefits from using herbal remedies is the simple task of preparing them. Create beneficial beauty products for the body using oils and fragrant herbs. You'll have skin care that won't expose you to synthetics or other additives.

5. Stop to smell the flowers, or in this case, the herbs. The rapid pace of everyday living has us running from one place to another. Little time is left to really enjoy the beauty around us. Stop for a cup of herbal tea or take an extract of herbs. Enjoying the natural tastes and aromas and reuniting with nature. Start healing yourself physically and emotionally.

Using herbs in teas, tinctures, oils and even cooking is definitely a benefit to your health but remember to use botanical remedies wisely and above all, safely. Generally herbs are very safe if used in the proper dose. For minor medical problems head for the herbs but if the issue is more serious go to your doctor for a diagnosis. Herbs still may be right for treatment or you may combine them with conventional medications under your doctor's direction.

If you become pregnant you should stop using herbs immediately.

Wayne Schaefer - Avid gardener for 15+ years. Experienced in vegetable and perennial gardening, landscaping and outdoor living. Visit my website at "The Garden Swap" at http://www.thegardenswap.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wayne_G_S

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