Words: Dr Ryan N HARRISON
This article may not quite connect itself to Ayurveda, but would of interest to our Ayurveda readers.
1. Aloe vera is an ancient medicinal plant that is said to have been part of Cleopatra’s beauty regimen. The sap of the aloe plant is an excellent first-aid remedy for minor burns and infections. You can take aloe internally as a laxative — it’s commonly found in over-the-counter [OTC] laxatives, as it stimulates intestinal activity. Plus, if your appetite has waned, aloe tincture can stimulate it. You can also apply the gel externally to promote regeneration of the skin and speed up the healing process of minor wounds. It inhibits inflammation, stops minor bleeding and helps treat eczema, sunburn, and minor burns too. Finally, aloe moisturises dry sensitive skin.
2. Astragalus has been valued in China for thousands of years as a nourishing food and medicinal herb. It strengthens the immune system to fight colds, flu [including swine flu], and respiratory ailments. Herbalists recommend it during convalescence to relieve fatigue, general weakness, and poor appetite. Astragalus helps strengthen and support the immune system’s ability to combat illness and speed-up recovery. It is especially effective as a preventive measure during cold and flu season. In addition, Astragalus is beneficial for upper respiratory conditions, such as bronchitis and coughs. The plant is also a common ingredient in creams, ointments and salves designed to keep the skin healthy. An excellent tonic herb that enhances overall health, astragalus can relieve fatigue and general weakness after a prolonged illness. Current research indicates that astragalus may also be a beneficial supportive therapy during cancer treatments.
3. Dandelion is a plant that we usually think of as a weed, especially when it pops up on our lawns. However, this ubiquitous plant not only provides a tasty salad treat, but has a strong diuretic effect, which can be beneficial to liver function. Because of its well-balanced therapeutic ingredients, dandelion has played an important part as a healing supplement in herbalism. It is a mild stimulant for the gallbladder and liver, helping them get rid of waste products and increasing bile flow; its effect on the liver makes dandelion beneficial for treating gout, rheumatism, and skin diseases. Dandelion is useful in treating acne, eczema and psoriasis, as it reduces the body’s efforts to eliminate toxins through the skin. In addition, dandelion relieves digestive complaints, such as bloating and flatulence; as an aromatic bitter, it stimulates appetite and promotes digestion. As a diuretic, the dandelion leaf alleviates fluid retention.
4. Lemon balm has been appreciated therapeutically since aeons; to this day this sweet-smelling herb is used to treat mild anxiety and depression. Although traditionally used to attract bees, lemon balm is considered in herbalism to be a reliable remedy for some herpes viruses. The volatile oils in lemon balm — which, contrary to their name, have a calming effect — make it a potent remedy for stomach-aches and other stress-related conditions, such as anxiety, headache, and depression. In addition, lemon balm is antiviral and, therefore, useful in treating chickenpox, shingles, and the herpes simplex virus; it is known to reduce the frequency of herpes outbreaks. It also relieves menstrual cramps, toothache, and neuralgia.
5. Rosemary is a favourite herb of most herbalists. It is known as an all-around stimulant that uplifts and revitalises. Rosemary is used internally for problems of the digestive tract, particularly bloating and cramps; the herb’s anti-spasmodic properties come into play here. In addition, by increasing the production of stomach juices, it stimulates appetite and promotes digestion. Rosemary oil applied topically increases blood flow and relieves sore, aching muscles.
6. Milk thistle is an exceptionally safe herb which stimulates breast milk production and promotes healthy liver and gallbladder function. Milk thistle is used to treat inflammatory liver ailments, especially chronic illnesses, such as hepatitis and cirrhosis. Also, gallbladder ailments and related digestive symptoms, varicose and spider vein problems in the legs and jaundice, are helped by milk thistle treatment. Milk thistle is especially important today as many of us take prescription medications, or other substances into the body, that weaken or otherwise damage the liver. A good milk thistle supplement can truly improve your health.
7. Oregano is familiar to most people because of its aromatic flavour and use in cuisine. However, herbalists have long recognised its therapeutic value as well. Oregano is a potent anti-bacterial herb that alleviates digestive complaints, respiratory ailments, and skin conditions. Considered an excellent digestive herb, oregano improves [poor] appetite and promotes digestion. It can also relieve bloating, belching, flatulence, diarrhoea, and intestinal cramps. The plant’s anti-bacterial and expectorant properties make it a great remedy for respiratory ailments, such as bronchitis, cough and asthma. When it is applied topically, oregano helps heal cuts, scrapes, rashes, eczema, and the bad effects of pollutants. It can be used as a gargle for inflamed gums as well.
8. Peppermint is valued by herbalists for a variety of reasons. To begin with, peppermint leaves have both sedative and anti-spasmodic qualities. When taken internally, peppermint may ease the pain of acute and chronic inflammation of the intestinal walls and relieve diarrhoea, flatulence, and nausea. Peppermint can also promote the function of the digestive system. Take it after a heavy meal to stimulate the production and flow of bile, which eases digestion. Used topically, the plant may counteract nerve pain, headache, migraine, and inflammation of the gums. Finally, when you have a cold, inhale the scent of peppermint to clear a stuffy nose and help break up congestion in the respiratory tract.
9. Psyllium husk and seeds swell to a large extent when they’re softened in water, so when they are ingested they stimulate the intestinal walls to produce contractions. This helps to regulate digestive function. They also facilitate bowel movements in people suffering from constipation or anal fissures caused by haemorrhoids [piles]. Because the husks and seeds absorb the fluids, they are a useful supportive treatment for diarrhoea and colitis. In addition, psyllium compresses are helpful for inflamed skin ailments.
10. Siberian ginseng aids the body in adapting to stressors — mental and physical. It improves concentration and boosts mental and physical performance. It is also a useful rejuvenating remedy for convalescence, as it combats low blood pressure, weakness, and exhaustion. An immune booster, Siberian ginseng helps reduce susceptibility to infection too. The plant is evidenced to provide support during radiation therapy and benefit individuals with arteriosclerosis.
NB: Herbal remedies come in different forms and potencies. Though they can help promote wellness and treat common ailments, they should never be considered a replacement for professional medical care. If you would like to explore herbal remedies and/or how they can enhance your life, contact a qualified holistic health practitioner and also check with your physician before using them.
