My Medical Learning Center

 

A Bit About Herbs  - A Look at Some Common Herbal Remedies

Herbs have been used by different cultures since time immemorial.  Sometimes they are used to flavor cooking; other times they heal physical or mental ailments.  Herbology is an accepted and standard practice in the Chinese culture.  In the Western world, England's monks and nuns were the first to learn about herbs.  These devoted people grew herbs and then experimented with them to determine appropriate treatments for members of their congregations. 

Nowadays, as more is known about herbs, there is a growing respect for herbal remedies within the community of medical professionals having conventional backgrounds.  Many herbal remedies have been studied and documented.      

Common Herbs and Herbal Remedies

Aloe Vera is a multi purpose herb that is used to treat a variety of conditions such as arthritis, acne, warts, and allergic reactions.

Lavender can also help with arthritis. Lavender also helps with relaxation.

Nigella Sativa (Black Cumin)  has been found to be helpful in treating influenza, stomach aches, and pulmonary infections.

St. John's Wort has been tested in medical trials for the treatment of mild to moderate levels of depression. Results showed that the herb performed better than a placebo. If taken incorrectly, St. John's Wort can be harmful. 

Valerian Root helps with insomnia, providing an alternative to sleeping pills.  Synthetic sleeping pills can cause a person to be tired and drowsy in the morning; this is avoided with Valerian Root.

Periwinkle or dandelion can help a person who is suffering from general fatigue.  Periwinkle can also ease the symptoms of the menopause, as can fennel.

Using Herbs to Add Flavor to Food

Mint, basil, oregano, sage, thyme, and parsley are the basic, staple herbs used to spice up most dishes. Rosemary and chives are other common herbs in the kitchen.

Cookbooks are a great way to learn about herbs, but hands on experimenting is the best way to discovery your favorite herbal flavors.