Herbs are nature’s gift to us that can be used as an alternative medicine. Here’s a list of 20 healing herbs that should always be in your kitchen.
You should always seek the advice of a qualified health professional with any questions they have regarding their health or a medical condition.
Sage
Common uses: The evergreen shrub is popularly used to cure a sore throat, digestive problems, excessive sweating and depression. It also helps women reduce hot flashes during menopause.
Be aware: Sage can be unsafe for pregnant women and nursing mothers. Diabetic patients are also advised to use it with caution as it may lower their blood sugar level.
Garlic
Common uses: Regular use of the species in the onion family has been known to modestly reduce high blood pressure, heart diseases, sinus and fungal infections. It can also prevent cancer of various types including colon, rectal and lung.
Be aware: Nursing and pregnant women should not use garlic heavily.
Calendula
Common uses: The plant from the daisy family has been known to reduce pain, inflammation, fever, menstrual cramps, stomach ulcers and skin rashes.
Be aware: Calendula may cause an allergic reaction.
Elderberry
Common uses: Owing to its immune-boosting properties, the flowering plant is used to treat flu, cold and sinus. It’s also used as a laxative to treat constipation.
Be aware: Raw consumption of elderberry is possibly unsafe.
Nettle
Common uses: The flowering plant is commonly used to relieve urinary problems, joint ailments, kidney stones and seasonal allergies. It can be used as a cooked vegetable or tea.
Be aware: It is advisable for pregnant women to avoid nettle as it may lead to miscarriage.
Ginger
Common uses: The root of the spice is widely used to treat digestive problems, body pain, nausea, cough, cold and menstrual cramps.
Be aware: It may cause heartburn or stomach problems if consumed in high quantity.
Ginseng
Common uses: The plant is used to fight intestinal infection, fatigue, cold, flu, sleeping disorders and bleeding disorders. It can be beneficial for erectile dysfunction as well.
Be aware: It may lower blood sugar, drastically in the case of diabetic patients.
Horse chestnut
Common uses: The herb’s seeds and leaves are used for the treatment of eczema, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, digestive disorders, malaria and joint pain.
Be aware: Unprocessed seeds may be toxic.
Echinacea
Common uses: With its antiviral and immune-enhancing properties, the flowering plant from the daisy family is popularly used to fight infection — including vaginal, respiratory, blood and gum.
Be aware: An allergic reaction to echinacea is possible.
Hops
Common uses: The flowers of the hop plant Humulus lupulus can be used to treat sleep disorders, restlessness, tuberculosis, leg ulcer and breast cancer.
Be aware: It can cause sedation.
Marshmallow
Common uses: Leaves and roots of the plant can be used to treat inflammation of the mucous membrane, sore throat, dry cough, skin ulcers and heart burn.
Be aware: After the consumption of the herb, the absorption of oral medication may slow down for a few hours.
Cranberry
Common uses: The evergreen shrub is used to fight urinary tract infections (UTIs), cardiovascular disease, cancer and chronic prostatitis.
Be aware: People allergic to aspirin may need to control the consumption of cranberry as it contains salicylic acid, which is similar to aspirin.
Milk thistle
Common uses: The flowering herb is often used for liver disorders, kidney diseases, intestinal issues and menopausal symptoms. Some even use it to treat diabetes and different types of cancer including prostate, lung, colon and breast.
Be aware: People who are sensitive to the asteraceae/compositae plant family may have an allergic reaction to this herb.
Hibiscus
Common uses: The bushy plant has been found to be helpful in treating high blood pressure, respiratory inflammation, heart and nerve diseases and stomach disorders.
Be aware: Diabetic patients are advised to consult their doctor before the consumption of hibiscus. It is also not recommended for pregnant women.
Licorice
Common uses: Widely used for digestive problems, the plant can be used for cough, sore throat, liver diseases, prostate cancer, food poisoning and tuberculosis.
Be aware: A heavy dose of licorice is not advisable as it may increase blood pressure.
Lemon balm
Common uses: The herb from the mint family can reduce intestinal pain, bloating, nausea, sores, menstrual cramps and certain mental disorders such as anxiety and hysteria.
Be aware: It may cause drowsiness if consumed along with medications that are used during and after surgery.
St. John’s wort
Common uses: The flowering plant is believed to be effective for depression and related problems, menstrual pain, heart palpitations and seasonal affective disorder.
Be aware: It is advisable to consult your physician before its consumption, as it has a high herb-drug interaction.
Mullein
Common uses: The leaves of the flowering plant are primarily used to cure cough, sore throat, cold, pneumonia, asthma, flu and gout.
Be aware: Avoid the consumption if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
Cinnamon
Common uses: The spice is popularly used for digestive problems, infections, menopausal problems, chest pain, hernia and kidney problems.
Be aware: Diabetics should use it with caution, as it lowers blood sugar.
Turmeric
Common uses: The plant from the ginger family is effective for arthritis, stomach ache, heartburn, liver disease, lung infection and Alzheimer’s disease. It is considered helpful in treating infection, bruises, cuts and injuries.
Be aware: Turmeric can exacerbate gallbladder problems.
Disclaimer: “Views expressed in this article are the author’s own and MSN does not endorse them in any way. Neither can MSN independently verify any claims made in the article. You should consult your physician before starting any weight loss or health management programme to determine if it is right for your needs.”
I wish to thank MSN for publishing this forward thinking article. Blessings, Bobby
Robert Morgan, Naturopath 