Common Natural Healing Herbs

Before the advent of medicine and pharmaceutical drugs as we know it now, herbs have been used as remedies or treatment for a lot of illnesses. What we do not know is that we have herbs growing in our gardens that are natural healing herbs. In some cases, these herbs may be so common, we mistake them to be weeds sprouting everywhere. Here are some common natural healing herbs and their uses:

• St. John’s Wort is a very popular herb used as a remedy for depression because of its soothing properties. It can also be used to soothe burns while extracts from its flowers can be used as an antiviral agent, a sedative or as an astringent. It can also be used to remedy varicose veins, hemorrhoids and cuts.
  
• Lawn Daisy. The sap from its stem can be used to clear skin spots. The flower can also be made into an infusion consisting of 1 teaspoon dried flower to 1 cup water, boiled for 5 minutes and strained. This can then be used as a skin wash to treat eczema. However, caution should be taken because lawn daisy can aggravate allergies in some people.
  
• White Cedar can be found in many of our yards as a decorative evergreen but its various parts have a lot of uses. Its twigs are used as an anti-viral and anti-fungal agent. Its leaves and twigs can also be used as remedy for rheumatism, urinary problems, bronchial problems, vaginal infections and coughs.
  
• Dandelion leaves are effective as a diuretic and as treatment for urinary disorders especially those dealing with fluid retention. Its stem contains a sap that can be used to treat warts and corns while its roots can be used to lessen inflammation and promote liver health. This is one example of a plant that we usually dismiss as a mere weed but actually has a lot of hidden virtues.
  
• Cornflower with its beautiful flowers and color is often used in dried flower arrangements because it does not lose its color when dried. Its flowers can be used as an antibiotic and has stimulant properties. Its leaves or flowers can be used to infuse water and this infused liquid can be used to treat rheumatism and as an aid in digestion.
  
• Houseleek leaves can be eaten as a salad and can be made into a tea that can help speed the recovery of mouth sores. Sap from its leaves can sooth burns, skin abrasions and insect bites.
  
• Morning Glory seeds, in fact the whole plant, can be used as a purgative to get rid of intestinal parasites and treat constipation. Its dried seeds however, is toxic and can be harmful.
  
• Queen Anne’s Lace seeds are used as treatment for hangover while its roots contain carotene and are rich in vitamin C. A herbal tea can also be made from the plant which can be used as a urinary antiseptic and diuretic.
  
• French Marigold flowers are made into condiments while secretions from its roots are used to repel harmful organisms in organic farms and gardens. In early times, ancient Aztecs used the French Marigold’s leaves as a hallucinogen to calm victims of human sacrifice.
  
• Raspberry fruits are used to treat anemia and they can also be used to treat bed wetting and kidney problems. Its leaves can be made into tea to relieve menstrual discomfort.
  

These herbs can be helpful in providing immediate remedies for very common illnesses. But before you apply the medicinal properties of these herbs, it is best to consult with a naturopathic doctor or a medical doctor to asses their suitability to your specific condition.

For beginner herb gardeners, choosing natural healing herbs is a popular way to select which herbs to plant. Consulting a guide such as “Healthy Happy Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide to Herbs and Herb Gardening” can help you further fine tune the selection process by giving you information on what the herb plant needs in oder to thrive and to asses your lifestyle if the amount of care and attention you can give will be sufficient.
If you are serious about cultivating an organic herb garden, be sure to check out “Healthy Happy Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide To Herbs and Herb Gardening” by Jeannie Woods. It’s a book packed with all the information you need to be able to successful start and keep a thriving organic herb garden. You can read more about it here: http://healthhappyherbs.com.