Herbs can contain up to thousands of natural substances, such as minerals, vitamins and natural chemicals.  Due to this natural chemical diversity, herbs may have more than one effect in the body.  Garlic fights infection, but it also lowers cholesterol and blood pressure.  Fennel seeds can act as a digestive aid, but it's also known to boost milk production in nursing mothers. ...

For minor burns, sunburn and rashes, keep an aloe plant on a sunny windowsill, or at least keep a tube of aloe gel with your first-aid supplies.  For cuts and scrapes, make a strong calendula tea using 1 tablespoon of dried petals per cup of boiling water and steep for 20 minutes.  Strain after cooling.  As a healing wash, calendula reduces inflammation and fights infection from bac...

Well, this was totally not the kind of site I expected to find an article about natural healing remedies in, but what surprises me even more is the very strong stance expressed here regarding the FDA and its relationship with the giant pharmaceutical companies that produce most of the drugs that are available in the US today.We've all heard the accusations - that the pharmaceutical companies won't...

Herbal tea can serve mainly two purposes. They can be used to help with certain ailments, or they can just be quite tasty. Whatever your reason for drinking herbal tea, consider making the fresh herbs for your tea at home. The first step is to prepare your garden. You can make your garden either indoors or outdoors, but the most important thing is to make sure the soil is somewhat dry or sandy...

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Matricaria recutita   Chamomile has been used medicinally in Europe for over 2000 years for digestive ailments. Chamomile has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties that ease spasm and discomfort in the digestive tract. Chamomile is a daisy-like part of the Asteraceae plant family, which includes ragweed, asters and chrysanthemums.  People with allergies may react when th...

Mentha piperita   Peppermint is a naturally-occurring perennial hybrid of water mint and spearmint that has been deliberately cultivated since the 18th century for its medicinal qualities.  Peppermint leaves contain menthol-rich volatile oils, tannins and bitters.  The bitters stimulate and cleanse the liver and gallbladder, helping to prevent gallstones.  The volatile oils a...

Melissa officinalis   Lemon balm is a highly-aromatic citrus-scented perennial herb related to mint.  It's been used medicinally for 2000 years for its calming and sedative properties, which are similar to those of chamomile.  Lemon balm has antibacterial and antiviral properties, making it effective against cold sores.  It's also a potent antioxidant as a tincture.  Lem...

Lavandula officinalis; L. angustifolia Lavender could well be called the scent of European kings and queens, many of whom insisted on having it available to them at all times.  Lavender is useful as more than just a pretty fragrance, however.  Essential oil of lavender has antibacterial, antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.  During World War I, it...

Alchemilla vulgaris   The perennial herb lady's mantle has been in medicinal use since the 17th century.  It's rich in tannins, which give it astringent and styptic properties that make it one of the best herbs to use as a wash to prevent infection in wounds such as cuts, scrapes and burns.  Taken internally as an infusion, the tannin also helps to curb excessive menstrual bleedin...

Zingiber officinaleGinger has been used medicinally by humans for about 5000 years.  It's considered much more effective than Dramamine for quelling motion sickness, especially seasickness.  Fresh or powdered ginger can also help with nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, but the dried root should be avoided by pregnant women.  It also helps people undergoing chemotherapy to relieve...

Allium sativumGarlic is much more than just a great culinary herb.  It's also one of the healthiest things you can eat for its medicinal properties.  The sulfur compounds that create its strong odor are potent cancer-inhibitors, preventing cells from becoming cancerous by enhancing the body's mechanisms for removing toxic substances.  It stimulates the liver's detoxifying enzymes, e...

  Chrysanthemum parthenium; Tanacetum partheniumTraditionally, feverfew has been used to treat a variety of illnesses and ailments, but its most common use today is in migraine prevention.  The active ingredient parthenolide acts as a vasodilator.  Research has shown that it inhibits the release of the hormone serotonin, as well as prostaglandins and histamines, which cause inflamma...