Herbal medicine is the most ancient form of health care known to man. Herbs have been used in all cultures since history records were recorded. Approximately 25 percent of all prescription drugs are derived from trees, shrubs or herbs. Most herbal formulas do not have the side effects of pharmaceutical medicines if used appropriately.
Every animal knows its remedy and from man’s observations of animals, has come most of our knowledge of herbs and their uses. All the chemical elements of which our bodies are composed are contained in the roots, barks, leaves, flowers and fruits of herbs. Each family of plants has its own peculiar habit of taking from the soil a specific group of chemical elements. By using herbs in their complete form, the body’s healing process utilizes a balance of ingredients provided by nature.
Some spokesmen for the medical profession would like us to believe that pharmaceutical drugs are safe and herbs are not, that technology is good for us and nature is bad. In general, the herbal products you buy in stores is not harmful. They may, however, be ineffective. Discontinue use of any herbal product to which you have an adverse reaction. Allergies can occur though much rarer than pharmaceutical side effects.
While some herbs are cultivated on large farms, most are still small operations, and many herbs simply grow wild in fields and forests. Because of their delicate and specialized nature, a few herbs can be harvested just as their flowers begin to bud, when the plant’s natural juices are at their best and most concentrated. The parts of the plant that are picked depend on the type of plant and the usage intended.
After harvest, the herbs are dried by spreading them on large screens or by tying them in bundles and hanging them upside down. Oven drying is less effective, in terms of preserving natural oils and flavor. After drying, the herbs are shipped to the tea maker, who cleanse, mill, sift and blends the herbs.
Naturally, the health benefits of herbal teas vary. Some herbs are used primarily as sources of flavor, but most possess some medicinal or health-protective powers. In fact, immersion of herbs in boiling water helps make many of their active medicinal constituents more available to the body. Far more than taking powdered capsules. Medicinal herbs may be prepared as infusions or decoctions. Infusions are made by pouring boiling water over the herbs, allowing them to steep. Decoctions are made by boiling the roots until their virtues are extracted. If at all possible, do not boil in aluminum.
I only use quality herbs. I ignore the cost and insist on quality. We all desire energy for this bustling tempo of life with its tensions, exhaustion, nervousness, lazy bowels, wheezy lungs, acid pain in the limbs, insomnia and pessimism. All of nature’s plants were put here to help us heal ourselves. Wrong living and bad habits can rob you of your joy in life. Self-preservation is worthy of your interest.
Healing herbs are often used in combinations when combating an illness. Herbs are combined to give the benefits needed from each, some to give a boost to others, some to boost the body with healing energies. Remember in any herbal healing undertaken, diet is also very important. These combinations are not meant to be used in the place of a doctor’s advice. If you feel you may have a chronic illness, please get diagnosed by a physician.
Buy only the freshest organic herbs. As with all Herbal Formulas, they should be taken consistently (depending on desired effect) in order to achieve beneficial results. Herbals go through you systematically to heal the condition rather than masking the problem.
I encourage you to dive into Herbology and make your own formulas. Get started by getting my Herbology 101 E-book. I firmly believe we need to learn to take care of ourselves and herbal preventative medicine is very powerful. Begin your education today.