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Author Name: Samuel Quino
Contact Email Address: groups@gardening-
WebSite: http://www.gardenin
Category: Gardening, Gardening, Health, Home, Other
Description: <a href="http://www.gardenin
Keywords: garden tips & gardening advice, home and garden remedies, garden, gardening, herbs, medicinal plants, natural herbs
Word Count: 688
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Article Content:
Plants have always played an essential role in our lives. They
cleanse and give us air to breathe, beautify our surroundings,
supply us with food and shelter and provide cures for our many
ailments.
It is best to know the value of each plant and acknowledges that
most plants and herbs transcend their use in our kitchen counters
and some can now be found inside medicine cabinets. Usual forms
of medicinal remedies come in infusions, decoctions, tinctures,
syrups, infused oils, essential oils, ointment and creams.
Medicinal plants and herbs contain substances known to modern
and ancient civilizations for their healing properties.
Until the development of chemistry, and particularly, of the
synthesis of organic compounds in the 19th century, medicinal
plants and herbs were the sole source of active principles of
curing man's illness. The genetic material of old and new herbs
and plants are coveted for their potential in discovering,
combining, manipulating and synthesizing new medicine.
Thus, even if people are not aware of, or the pharmaceutical
industry does not stress the points, medicinal plants and herbs
continue to be the source of proven medicaments and of new and
revolutionary drugs.
Here are five of the most common herbs that pack a mean punch -
basil, oregano, peppermint, rosemary and tarragon.
BASIL (Octimum basilicum)
is used to treat stomach cramps, vomiting, fever, colds, flu,
headaches, whooping cough, and menstrual pains. It is also
used to reduce stomach acid, making it an effective treatment
for ulcers, and valuable addition to any recipe using tomatoes
for those with sensitive stomachs. Externally, it can be used
in other countries to eliminate worms from the intestines and
the oil from basil leaves is applied directly to the skin to
treat acne.
OREGANO (Origanum vulgare)
is used to promote perspiration as a treatment for colds, flue
and fevers. A tea of oregano is often used to bring on menstruation
and relieve associated menstrual discomfort. It is also used in
baths and inhalations, and by drinking the infusion, clears lungs
and bronchial passages. Internally and externally, it can help
alleviate dry itching skin.
The essential oil is used to treat viral infections, respiratory
ailments, and muscle aches. Pregnant women would not ingest large
amounts of oregano.
PEPPERMINT (Mentha piperita)
has been in existence for a long time. Peppermint tea helps with
indigestion and relaxes the muscles of the digestive tract. Its
chief therapeutic value lies in its ability to relieve wind,
flatulence, bloating and colic, though it has many of the applications.
Studies have shown that peppermint relieves colon spasms and helps
to cure ulcers and eases nervous headaches. Its main menthol, has
antibacterial properties.
Externally, the essential oil is used in balms and liniments to
stimulate hot and cold nerve endings and increase local blood flow.
ROSEMARY (Rosmarinus officinalis)
is a stimulant of the circulatory system. It is used to treat bites
and stings externally. Internally, it is used to treat migraines,
bad breath, and to stimulate the sexual organs. It is also used to
treat nervous disorders, upset stomachs, and is used to regulate
the menstrual cycle and ease cramps.
Mixing the crushed leaves generously into meats, fish and potato
salads prevents food poisoning while using it in antiseptic gargles
relieves sore throat, gum problems and canker sores.
The essential oil is used in aromatherapy as an inhalant and
decongestant, and to enhance memory. Rosemary is also used in lotions
to ease arthritis and muscle pain.
TARRAGON (Artermisia dracunculus)
is widely used as a herb in cooking. In France, it is sometimes
known as "herbe au dragon",because of its ability to cure serpent
bites.
While tarragon stimulates the digestion, it is reputed to be a mild
sedative and has been taken to aid sleep. With its mild menstruation
-inducing properties, it is take if periods are delayed and its root
has traditionally been applied to aching teeth.
Clearly, herbs have taken on a new role. They're not only used for
decorating and adding spice to our food but, taken in the appropriate
dose and form, can be as effective as drugs in curing illnesses,
without causing pain in your pocket.
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Author Biography:
Samuel Quino is the founder of
<a href="http://www.gardenin
www.gardening-
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