Table of Contents Introduction ........................................................................................................ 1
Herbal Medicine Best Practices ........................................................................... 3
Varieties, Forms and Extraction Methods ........................................................... 4
Home Remedies With Herbs ............................................................................... 6
Problems of the Skin or Mucous Membranes ................................................... 6
Acne ............................................................................................................. 6
Athlete’s Foot ............................................................................................... 6
Boils .............................................................................................................. 7
Burns ............................................................................................................ 7
Diabetic Ulcers .............................................................................................. 7
Eczema .......................................................................................................... 7
Herpes .......................................................................................................... 8
Yeast Infection .............................................................................................. 8
Upper Respiratory Issues ................................................................................. 8
Allergies ........................................................................................................ 8
Asthma ......................................................................................................... 9
Bronchitis...................................................................................................... 9
Colds and Flu................................................................................................. 9
Cough ......................................................................................................... 10
Earache or Stuffy Nose ................................................................................ 10
Hay Fever .................................................................................................... 10
Tonsillitis .................................................................................................... 10
Cardiovascular Diseases and Disorders .......................................................... 11
Angina and Arrhythmia ............................................................................... 11
Congestive Heart Failure ............................................................................. 11
High Blood Pressure ....................................................................................... 11
High Cholesterol ............................................................................................ 12
Relieving Pain ................................................................................................ 12
Lower Back Pain .......................................................................................... 12
Menstrual Cramps ...................................................................................... 12
Migraine ..................................................................................................... 13
Muscle Pain ................................................................................................ 13
General Symptoms ........................................................................................ 13
Dizziness ..................................................................................................... 13
Infection ..................................................................................................... 14
Fatigue ........................................................................................................ 14
Ringing in the Ears ...................................................................................... 14
Hot Flashes ................................................................................................. 14
Mental Health and Cognition Problems ......................................................... 15
Anxiety and Stress ...................................................................................... 15
Depression .................................................................................................. 15
Insomnia ..................................................................................................... 15
Seasonal Affective Disorder ........................................................................ 16
Digestive Issues .............................................................................................. 16
Diarrhea ...................................................................................................... 16
Diverticulitis ................................................................................................ 16
Gas.............................................................................................................. 16
Irregularity or Constipation ......................................................................... 17
Irritable Bowel Syndrome ........................................................................... 17
Nausea or Indigestion ................................................................................. 17
Herbal First Aid ................................................................................................. 17
The Benefits of Herbal Medicine ....................................................................... 19
Disclaimer: This publication is for informational purposes only and is
not intended as medical advice. Medical advice should always be
obtained from a qualified medical professional for any health
conditions or symptoms associated with them. Every possible effort has
been made in preparing and researching this material. We make no
warranties with respect to the accuracy, applicability of its contents or
any omissions.
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Introduction
While most people and doctors today still rely on medicines and drugs to treat minor medical
conditions, more and more are turning to herbal remedies to cure what ails them. Even more, doctors
are starting to recognize and appreciate the power of herbal medicines and home remedies over
prescription and over-the-counter drugs.
Herbs have been used for centuries, and today we have more evidence than ever before as to the
effectiveness and safety of many herbal remedies. We
have thousands of scientific studies now that point to
the efficacy of herbs for treating hundreds of
conditions.
There is also a great deal of evidence to support the
idea that herbs are safer than drugs, as
pharmaceuticals cause thousands of deaths each year
from accidental poisoning, yet herbs cause zero. Herbs have fewer side effects and less chance of toxic
overdose than traditional medicines, so using herbal treatments can be safer for your health.
Because herbs have been used on millions of people over the past several centuries, their safety and
effectiveness have stood the test of time. While many herbs have a less harsh or strong effect than their
pharmaceutical cousins, that is not necessarily a bad thing. In most instances, a light touch will
accomplish the goal, whereas drugs can often be too strong to their intended purpose, resulting in
harsh side effects and unwanted problems.
As an example, when you have a cold, your first instinct may be to take ibuprofen for pain, an
expectorant for congestion, something for your cough, and maybe even an additional drug for your sore
throat. What you could be left with, though, is trouble sleeping, dehydration, a headache, and other
symptoms you didn’t have before you started “treatment.” Instead, herbs like echinacea, ginseng,
licorice root, and eucalyptus can accomplish all the same goals, plus help your immune system heal you
faster, without all the side effects of traditional medicines.
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For many common ailments, herbs offer a less expensive and smarter treatment option. For the most
common of these ills, there are many tried-and-true herbal remedies that are excellent options for
nearly everyone. Below, we share our favorite herbal treatments for the most frequent ailments today.
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Herbal Medicine Best Practices
Like all medications, herbs should be used with caution and knowledge. Like drugs, herbs can have side
effects, so having plenty of information about what you are taking and how it can interact with other
substances is critical. If you are very interested in herbal medicine, consider purchasing a guide to
herbs, or at the very least, always check one of the many online herbal databases for contraindications
and possible adverse side effects.
Regardless of your health issue, you should always consult with your physician before taking any
medicine you have never used before, and this is true for herbs as well as over-the-counter and
prescription medications. This will ensure you are not taking anything that could impact other medical
conditions or interact with one another. Using a trusted herbal reference guide, in consultation with
your doctor, will help you have all the information you need to treat your ailments.
Herbal treatments come from plants and can cause allergic reactions just like any other plant. If you
have known responses to specific types of plants, or have seasonal allergies due to hay fever, be sure to
talk with your doctor or an herbalist or naturopathic doctor to select the right herbal remedies for your
ailment or sickness.
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Varieties, Forms and Extraction Methods
Herbs and herbal medicines can come in many different varieties and forms, and they can be extracted
using many different techniques. Each is dependent on the properties of the plant, how it is commonly
used, and what various temperatures and pressures due to the potency or effect of the herb.
The most common forms or extractions of herbs include:
• Whole herbs
• Tea
• Syrup
• Ointment
• Salve or Rub
• Essential oil
• Capsule or tablet made from powdered or ground herb that is either raw or dried
• Tincture
• Vinegar
• Other extracted forms including tisanes, decoctions, and macerates
Knowing what to look for in quality herbs is probably the biggest challenge of herbal medicine. In
general, the best herbs will be the ones you grow yourself, so stock your herb garden with those items
you use more frequently.
Here are useful, general guidelines to consider when purchasing herbs or herbal treatments.
• Avoid whole dried herbs sold in most stores. These herbs have been exposed to air, light,
and moisture, deteriorating their effectiveness.
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• Buy only brands that are reputable and advertise all their ingredients as well as their
standards of purity.
• When possible, select herbs harvested from wild areas or that have been cultivated using
organic methods.
• Avoid any herbal product that does not list all its ingredients, particularly those from foreign
countries.
When using essential oils, there are some additional precautions. Not all essential oils can be
consumed, so be sure to read all labels carefully before using essential oils that you plan to eat or drink
in any form.
Some essential oils can cause skin irritation when applied topically, so you may need to blend essential
oils with a carrier oil such as olive, coconut, or jojoba oil. This will ensure you do not have any adverse
skin reactions to the medicinal compounds.
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Home Remedies With Herbs
The following sections list common ailments, diseases, and symptoms divided into similar categories.
We have identified some of the most common herbal treatments for each. As we describe each herbal
treatment, we will explain its properties the first time we
mention it, then only name it after that initial introduction.
For a complete list of each herbs properties, you should
consult an herbal medicine handbook or a qualified
specialist. Herbal medicine should not replace medical care
with your physician, so make sure to check with your
doctor before using herbs to treat any condition you may have.
Problems of the Skin or Mucous Membranes
Acne
• Calendula, or marigold oil, is used as an anti-inflammatory as well as a remedy for healing
wounds. Extracts of marigold have antiviral properties, as well. Calendula used in suspension or
as a tincture is effective at treating acne, controlling bleeding, soothing irritated skin, and
lowering inflammation.
• Aloe Vera is a natural skin soothing agent, and it can calm burns, irritated skin, and acne.
• Tea tree oil is made from leaves of the tea tree, or Melaleuca alternifolia. Its combination of
soothing and cooling actions makes it excellent for treating all sorts of skin disorders, including
acne.
Athlete’s Foot
• Topical tea tree oil is excellent as an antifungal for treating athlete’s foot.
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Boils
• Garlic’s natural antimicrobial properties mean it can keep infection at bay, and it also reduced
inflammation, especially on the skin. Garlic boosts your immune system’s response, as well.
• Echinacea’s natural immune-boosting properties are widely known, as are its properties that
fight infection, making it the perfect choice for treating boils.
• Ginseng’s ginsenosides stimulate hormone production that improve the immune system
response as well as provide mental health benefits, as well. Ginseng encourages resistance to
disease, making it a powerful tool to fight infection.
• Tea tree oil can also be used on boils.
Burns
• Aloe Vera soothes the pain and irritation of burns.
Diabetic Ulcers
• Comfrey can be applied to the skin to treat wounds, ulcers, and bruising, as well as provide
relief for rheumatoid arthritis and other joint pain. As a tea, comfrey is also frequently used to
treat digestive problems, upper respiratory problems, and to treat sore throats.
Eczema
• Chamomile is known for its soothing and calming properties, which is why it is most often used
as a sleep aid. Using water infused with chamomile can also calm and soothe skin that is
irritated or inflamed from eczema.
• Borage seed oil is used to treat a number of problems, including skin disorders like eczema,
seborrheic dermatitis, and neurodermatitis. Borage seed oil is known to calm inflammation,
making it ideal for skin disorders as well as chronic inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid
arthritis and diabetes.
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• Evening primrose oil works similarly to borage seed oil and can be used to treat eczema and
other skin conditions.
Herpes
• Lemon balm is related to the mint plant, and its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties
make is a natural choice for using topically
to treat herpes blisters or sores.
• Comfrey, echinacea, garlic, and ginseng are
also effective at treating this type of skin
outbreak.
Yeast Infection
• Garlic is a natural antifungal and can be
used to create suppositories to treat yeast infections.
• Goldenseal is a popular antiviral and antiseptic herb. As a tincture, goldenseal can be applied
directly to genital warts or to treat a yeast infection. As an herbal supplement, the antiseptic
and antiviral properties can help keep Candida, which causes yeast infections, at bay.
Upper Respiratory Issues
Allergies
• While chamomile can help with allergies by reducing inflammation and promoting your immune
system with antioxidants, it should not be used by anyone with a ragweed allergy.
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Asthma
• Coffee, ephedra, and tea containing caffeine are all good for helping stop an asthma attack.
Caffeine’s natural stimulants open the airways in your lungs to relieve wheezing and coughing
associated with asthma.
Bronchitis
• Pelargonium, or geranium, is used to treat
intestinal issues and wounds. When used in
conjunction with echinacea, it is effective
at relieving respiratory disorders, such as
bronchitis. As an essential oil, it can be
used in aromatherapy to treat breathing
problems.
Colds and Flu
• Echinacea, ginseng, and caffeine from coffee or tea can relieve various symptoms of the
common cold as well as support your immune system’s ability to fight this common disorder.
• Andrographis paniculata, a species of plant sometimes called False Waterwillows, has been used
for centuries by many Asian cultures to treat various diseases, including relieving cold and flu
symptoms.
• Elderberry syrup is great for supporting your immune system, and the chemical compounds in
the berries reduce the symptoms of cold and flu.
• Licorice root contains natural enzymes that stimulate mucus production, which can help coat
your throat and relieve the pain of a sore throat.
• Hot, herbal tea of any kind can help relieve chest and nasal congestion associated with colds.
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Cough
• Eucalyptus oil is used to create many cough-relieving products and using this essential oil can
not only calm your coughing but also loosen the mucus in your chest that contributes to a
cough and congestion.
Earache or Stuffy Nose
• Echinacea can support healing from infections that cause an earache and a stuffy nose.
Hay Fever
• Stinging nettle tea or fresh leaves are used to treat many disorders, including allergies such as
hay fever. Stinging nettles are also good for flu, skin problems, and cardiovascular problems.
• Butterbur, which is related to the sunflower plant, has been used for centuries to treat
cardiovascular diseases as well as promote better respiratory function.
Tonsillitis
• Goldenseal and echinacea are excellent treatments for tonsillitis.
• Astragalus has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. It is known to promote
the growth of new tissue and discharge pus buildup, making it a great choice for tonsillitis and
other throat infections.
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Cardiovascular Diseases and Disorders
Angina and Arrhythmia
• Hawthorn is used traditionally to treat many cardiovascular problems, including angina. It helps
to improve blood flow, widens vessels and arteries, and increases the transmission of signals
that regulate heartbeat. Hawthorn is known
to regulate blood pressure and is widely used
in medicines that treat heart problems.
• Green tea’s compounds not only lower
cholesterol but also increase blood flow,
which can help regulate heartbeat and treat
angina symptoms.
• Garlic is a naturally heart-healthy herb because it increases blood flow. Garlic is used to treat
high and low blood pressure, to reduce cholesterol, and to treat coronary heart disease and
atherosclerosis.
Congestive Heart Failure
• Hawthorn’s heart-healthy compounds make it the number-one choice for using herbs to treat
congestive heart failure and other serious cardiovascular diseases.
High Blood Pressure
• Garlic and Hawthorn are excellent choices for regulating blood pressure.
• Beans, which are naturally high in soluble fiber and contain magnesium and potassium, are
great for lowering blood pressure and improving overall heart health.
• Cocoa, or more specifically, dark chocolate contains compounds that reduce cholesterol as well
as lower blood pressure.
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High Cholesterol
• Evening primrose oil not only treats skin disorders but can lower cholesterol, as well.
• Green tea and cocoa continue to work well to lower cholesterol.
Relieving Pain
Lower Back Pain
• Carvacrol is the natural compound found in oregano oil, oil of thyme, and bergamot essential
oils. This herb’s natural properties inhibit the growth of many kinds of bacteria, and it also
desensitizes certain pain receptors, making it an excellent pain reliever. It also produces a
warming sensation when applied to the skin.
• Willow bark’s compounds act much like aspirin for the body, which makes it an excellent remedy
for many types of pain, including lower back pain due to pinched nerves or disc problems.
Menstrual Cramps
• Kava has been used by cultures in the Pacific for centuries. Kava is known as a sedative, an
anesthetic, and because it can produce euphoriant or entheogenic states. It can dull or reduce
pain associated with many disorders, including menstrual cramps.
• The leaves of the red raspberry plant have not only antioxidant effects but can also relax blood
vessels and calm muscles contractions. Women have used raspberry leaf to relieve painful or
heavy periods, morning sickness, and easing labor and delivery.
• Chasteberry is often used to regulate hormone levels, which can be helpful during menstruation
or while pregnant or breastfeeding.
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Migraine
• Feverfew contains a chemical called parthenolide, which decreases some of the factors that
cause migraine headaches.
• Butterbur’s benefits extend beyond cardiovascular support to include migraine relief. Butterbur
relieves pain and calms muscular contractions.
Muscle Pain
• Ointments and creams containing capsicum can help relieve muscle pain or aches. The warmer
and anti-inflammatory effects of the active ingredient in peppers help ease pain topically with
great success.
• Wintergreen leaves are used to treat pain from many sources, including muscle aches,
headache, nerve pain, and menstrual cramps. Applied to the skin, wintergreen infusions can
treat joint pain and other types
of muscular or skeletal pains.
General Symptoms
Dizziness
• Ginger can help reduce the
symptoms of nausea caused by
vertigo and other types of dizziness.
• Ginkgo leaves can be used to increase blood flow to the brain and alleviate many symptoms,
including dizziness. Ginkgo is a common treatment for Alzheimer's disease, memory loss,
headache, vertigo, dizziness, and mood disturbances.
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Infection
• Tea tree oil, astragalus, echinacea, garlic, ginseng are all excellent infection fighters. Their
natural antimicrobial and antiseptic properties make them a good choice for many types of
infection.
• Rhodiola is an adaptogen, which means it promotes resistance to infection and other forms of
stress. Rhodiola is also good for boosting energy, which helps fight infection, as well.
• Eleutherococcus is a type of ginseng from Siberia, and like other forms of this herb, is a
powerful tool for fighting infection.
Fatigue
• Cocoa, coffee, Eleutherococcus, ginseng, Rhodiola, and black or green tea will all give you extra
energy to fight fatigue.
Ringing in the Ears
• Ginkgo’s ability to increase blood flow is often helpful for alleviating tinnitus or other forms of
ringing on the ears.
Hot Flashes
• Red clover contains isoflavone compounds which get converted to natural estrogen-like
hormones in the body. For women, red clover can be helpful in treating many symptoms of
menopause, including hot flashes, as well as PMS and breast tenderness due to shifts in
hormones.
• The plant estrogens found in soy products can produce a low estrogen-like effect that reduces
the severity and frequency of hot flashes. Consume soy from foods like tofu and edamame and
avoid supplements.
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• Black cohosh has been used in tradition medicine for centuries to treat women suffering from
PMS, acne, and osteoporosis. Black cohosh is effective at reducing menopause symptoms, and it
is known for inducing labor.
Mental Health and Cognition Problems
Anxiety and Stress
• Hops can be used to treat anxiety, insomnia, tension, restlessness, irritability, and nervousness.
• Passionflower is another popular herbal remedy for anxiety. Passionflower can provide the
calming effect needed to help stop anxious
thoughts, thus lowering stress.
• Valerian has been used since ancient times for
nervousness and anxiety. Valerian, which is often
found in chamomile tea, works by calming nerve
cells in the brain through the production of
gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA blocks
signals that cause anxiety, which results in a calming effect.
• Chamomile, like valerian, produces a calming effect that lowers anxiety and helps manage
stress. Chamomile can be found as tea, extract, and topical ointment.
• Lavender provides calming aromas that lower blood pressure and calm anxiety.
Depression
• St. John’s Wort has been used for centuries as a treatment for depression.
Insomnia
• Melatonin can improve your overall sleep quality, including reducing the amount of time you
require to fall asleep and increasing the total amount of time you are asleep.
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• The use of essential oils for aromatherapy can also promote better sleep. Essential oils
containing bergamot, lavender, mandarin, sandalwood, and frankincense create calming effects
to induce sleep.
• Kava, evening primrose, hops, lemon balm, and valerian are also all excellent natural sleep aids.
Seasonal Affective Disorder
• St. John’s wort is effective at treating this form of seasonal depression.
Digestive Issues
Diarrhea
• Bilberry’s tannins can help reduce diarrhea and lower levels of irritation throughout the
gastrointestinal tract. Bilberry reduces inflammation throughout the body.
• Raspberry leaves are also effective at treating diarrhea.
Diverticulitis
• Peppermint oil’s properties reduce spasms in the gastrointestinal tract, which can help relieve
the symptoms of diverticulitis.
Gas
• Fennel is a powerful carminative, which is an herb that helps get rid of gas in your GI tract.
Fennel seeds contain oils that calm stomach cramps and reduce bloating and flatulence. Fennel
seeds are used widely in many cultures to promote effective digestion and relieve upset
stomachs.
• Dill is packed with essential oils that calm the stomach and work as an antispasmodic. This can
relieve cramping and stomach pain as well as help release gas.
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Irregularity or Constipation
• Senna’s active chemicals naturally irritate the bowel lining, which has a laxative effect that is
gentle and helps relieve constipation.
• Psyllium seed is naturally high in fiber, which is an excellent natural treatment for constipation
or bowel irregularity.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Chamomile and peppermint can calm GI spasms and inflammation that cause IBS symptoms and
flared.
Nausea or Indigestion
• Ginger, chamomile, and peppermint are all great remedies for calming many different stomach
maladies and reducing nausea.
Herbal First Aid
If you are interested in using herbal remedies as a part of everyday first aid treatments, the following
can be helpful in creating an herbal first aid kit for your home. This kit will allow you to treat minor
injuries, burns, and other non-serious maladies.
Your kit should contain herbal and traditional remedies for things like cuts, rashes, burns, and minor
ailments. Always include bandages, tweezers, moleskin, rubbing alcohol, and hydrogen peroxide, which
can be used in the event of blisters, splinters, cuts, and scrapes.
The following items offer a wide-range of herbal treatment options for common first aid problems and
minor illnesses.
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• Activated charcoal- to treat intestinal illnesses that result in vomiting, excess gas, diarrhea,
or other digestive problems.
• Aloe Vera gel- to treat minor burns and scalds as well as sunburn.
• Arnica gel or cream- for the treatment of bruises, sore muscles, and sprains. Its anti-
inflammatory properties can significantly reduce healing time.
• Calendula- comfrey salve- to treat wounds, this herbal remedy is an astringent, antifungal,
and antibacterial treatment.
• Chamomile tea- to treat sleeplessness, minor muscle spasms, and inflammation. Chamomile
also enhances relaxation and digestion.
• Citronella-based insect repellents- prevent bug bites with these. All-natural repellents
should be applied liberally and frequently.
• Echinacea- boost your immune system while treating many types of infections.
• Eucalyptus essential oil- treat colds, flu, and sinus infections with this antibiotic and antiviral
oil. Use as a vapor or dilute and apply to the skin.
• Ginger capsules or tea- treat digestive issues such as nausea, reflux, stomach trouble, and
motion sickness.
• Lavender essential oil- treat anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, and headaches as well as relieve
pain from a burn or wound.
• Peppermint essential oil and tea- treat upset stomachs, clear sinuses, treat insect bites, or
use as a digestive aid.
• Witch hazel- this mild astringent and antiseptic treats skin irritations, minor wounds, and
insect bites.
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The Benefits of Herbal Medicine
The art and science of using herbs to promote better health have been around for centuries. Before
modern medicine, herbs and other plants were used to treat hundreds of illnesses and symptoms. In
many parts of the world, herbal medicine is still the primary source of treatment for most people.
Herbal medicines are created from live or dried forms of plants, including seeds, roots, flowers, and
whole plants. Herbal medicine focuses on using the herbs properties to stimulate the body’s innate
ability to heal itself. Herbal treatments often have few or no side effects.
Herbal medicine is often more affordable and more readily available than conventional and prescription
drugs, making them more accessible for significant segments of our population. You must be sure to
purchase your herbs from reputable manufacturers and suppliers to ensure you are getting the best
possible product for your health, though.
Herbs and plants contain compounds and chemicals that can be used to treat a variety of acute and
chronic conditions, illnesses, and diseases. Consider skipping the drug counter next time you are under
the weather and instead reach for natural, herbal treatments.
Remember, always consult your physician before using any herbs and consult with a qualified herbal
medicine specialist to ensure your safety.