Using Herbs Daily for Optimal Health Benefits

Herbs have been a very important component of life and health since the beginning of time. In the beginning, God told man he provided plants for sustenance and healing. In our recorded history, plants have been the primary source of medicine for people all over the world. Even today, plants are the major source of medicine for millions worldwide.

 

In the science arena, they are discovering many other vegetables and fruits have healing properties in their constituent action, enzymes or through antioxidants of vitamins and minerals. I remember what Hippocrates said years ago, “Let food be your medicine and let medicine be your food.” He taught people to observe the natural laws of the human body and its inherent trend toward self-healing and how plants can assist.

 

Many ancient herbal remedies were passed down from generation to generation, by word of mouth. Then came the printing press and large amounts of information became available. As the world was explored, new herbs and exotic spices were discovered in the East and West.

 

Then modern medicine came on the scene with pharmaceutical companies researching plants, and synthetically producing similar constituents. And, although many drugs still contained herbal components, such as steroids and oral contraceptives that are produced by certain types of wild yam, many chemical drugs came on the scene, testing as “safe” and then widely used as easier to obtain and with greater and faster results.

 

Too often, prescribing and taking drugs allows a disease to progress, as underlying causes are not removed. Eventually, side effects to the drugs occur, requiring another drug. Drugs accumulate, causing further problems.

 

Maurice Finkel, editor of Health and Healing Magazine has said, “As the disease increases in its severity, changes toward stronger drugs are needed. Surgical procedures are likely to follow. Meanwhile, the patient becomes more and more incapacitated with them. One sees this often with arthritis. First, there are drugs, then surgery, followed by more drugs and possibly further surgery and/or orthopedic devices. People have to realize that money spent on the ‘Health Bill’ is really being spent on disease. While such funds are necessary, people have to learn what they need to do to keep from becoming sick. This is a major failing of the so-called health bill, which might be more honestly called the nation’s ‘Disease Bill’. People should be made aware that chronic disease is the outcome of modern lifestyle. A return to health means a drastic change in lifestyle.”

 

We all know from the many fields of research that diet and good nutrition are good medicine. We also know that most doctors are not train in nutrition of any significance. With the alarming escalation in so many diseases, illnesses and deaths (especially in children) it is no wonder so many people are turning to alternative treatments and desiring to know more about our miraculous self-healing body and how to properly take care of it. It is a commitment of Hallelujah Health Ministries to help those seeking knowledge to help them learn to be responsible for their own bodies, their own health and wellness and to help them REBUILD THEIR BODIES ONE BRICK AT A TIME.

 

One very important brick is herbs. They have much to offer in keeping our bodies healthy and aiding us when a brick is cracked or breaks or even an entire wall falls down. There are many benefits in herbs, using them as poultices, salve and teas. I love making a healthy pot of tea, changing herbs for different things I am working on in my body as well as just help with immune building, etc. They can be effective as an alternative to taking a pill such as a vitamin, etc. I’ll share a few of the ways herbs can be of benefit:

 

? Growing herbs can give real pleasure and satisfaction ad well as physical exercise. Working in the garden is one of the simple things in life that gives big rewards.

 

? Herbs have a lovely aroma which can revitalize the body. John Gerard wrote in l597 that, “the smell of basil is good for the heart, it takes away sorrowfulness, and maketh a man merry and glad.” There are many herbs and herb combinations that can be used in oils and pot-pourri to fragrance a home

 

? Herbs can aid digestion. Many culinary herbs stimulate the digestive juice in the mouth, which is the first step to digestion.

 

 

? All herbs have individual taste and stimulate the taste bud receptors. Different taste produce different results. Sour flavours are astringent, salty flavours have a strong downward discharging energy, and have the ability to soften hard lumps such as tumors. Bitter flavours are strengthening tonics and sweet flavours help to invigorate and give vital energy. Hot and pungent flavours discharge toxins, stimulate the circulation and expel cold.

 

? Many herbs are rich in chlorophyll, which is the green pigment so important in plants. When we eat greens daily (SUCH AS BARLEY MAX) we get an abundant supply of nutrients that promote healing, build our blood and rejuvenate old cells. I like the old saying, “when you are green inside, you are clean inside!!”

 

? Herbs are alkalizing. Alkaline plants strengthen the immune system, therefore adding a cup of tea that is 100% full of warmth (great for the winter especially!!) but 100% full of nutrients that aid the building up of our immune system is a double blessing.

 

? Herbs can help a dish of food taste better, enrich the quality of the food and give added health benefits as well.

 

? Herbs are rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly when picked and placed straight on the meal table.

 

? Herbs are an excellent source of many antioxidants. We need these to fight free radicals. Free radicals attack the cells from within and without the body. Free radicals may be from chemicals and additives in foods; from pesticides and pollutants in the air and water and other challenges to our health. Antioxidants fight free radicals, build strong defenses against cardio-vascular disease such as strokes, heart attack and arteriosclerosis and increase protection from cancer. They help build a more powerful immune system.

 

? Herbs provide us with natural antibiotics and pain-relieving properties. Herbs have electro-magnetic vibrations that harmonize with the electrical vibrations of our cells, whereas, the body finds it hard to identify with synthetic drugs.

 

? Certain herbs can speed the metabolism, which is an advantage when the body is sluggish, toxic, constipated, or when fat burning is desired.

? Some herbs have a very specific use. We will share those in the listing of herbs. Herbs can be used for preventative medicine as well.

 

 

 

All herb properties can be placed in one of three general classifications:

 

? Detoxification: When toxins accumulate in the system, they must be removed, or disease will manifest. Herbs that help detoxify can be used in teas and poultices. There are also herbs with specific properties that influence various parts of the body such as herbs with laxative properties cleanse the bowel; diuretic herbs will cleanse the kidneys; plants that have alterative properties will aid in detoxifying the blood, treat skin diseases, mucous congestion, lung conditions and constipation.

 

? System Relief: There are many herbs that can counteract problems and relieve symptoms. Some of these actions include antibiotics, antiseptics, antispasmodics, aromatics, carminatives, sedatives, demulcents, diaphoretics, emollients, stimulants and styptics.

 

? Building and Toning: Herbs to strengthen the body, improving the functions of the internal organs and strengthening the body’s resistance to disease. These herbs will help with recovery from acute ailments, injury, surgery anemia, impotence, miscarriage and childbirth. They are also used for chronic diseases and emotional instability. Building and toning herbs acts as aphrodisiacs, astringents, cardiac tonics, digestives, diaphoretics, nerviness, nutritives, stomachics, vulneraries.

 

 

DAILY USE OF HERBS

 

Years ago people used herbs by eating the fresh plants. Then they started to pick, dry and store herbs and found the benefits could be enjoyed all year long. Over the years we have developed different ways of using herbs.

 

For healing, health and pleasure, the most beneficial ways of using herbs is to take them internally. However, the body is able to absorb through the skin and this method can be used with good results. An infusion of herbs, when used as a topical application, foot infusion or a full bath can be a fantastic way of assisting healing. Research has found that a bath prepared for a herbal infusion for cleansing the kidneys will reach the kidneys within 10 minutes of stepping into the bath. The warm water opens the pores of the skin and the pores then readily take in the properties from the herbs. Any herb that may be taken internally can be used in a bath. If you are not sure about the way to prepare and have a herbal bath or foot infusion please contact me and I will be more than happy to help. We are going to be dealing with herbs in tea infusion today.

 

TEA BY INFUSION. This is the most familiar way of making herbal tea. A herb tea for therapeutic benefits or a refreshing beverage is made by placing 1 teaspoon of a dried herb or mixing several herbs together and place in a pot adding boiling water. Leave the tea to steep (2-3 minutes). Some people like the tea stronger and leave it to steep up to 10 minutes.

 

Some herbal teas are improved in flavour by the addition of a sliver of ginger root, a slice of lemon or a pinch of cinnamon – or you can stir the tea with a quill of cinnamon adding even more benefit. An extra idea is to make a large pot of tea in the morning and after a cuppa, let the remaining tea chill, using it throughout the day by adding to fruit juices, such as pineapple, orange, passion fruit or mango.

 

HERBAL BATHS. They are used for pleasure and for treatment and illness. A full, herbal bath is prepared by placing fresh or dried herbs (about 6 teaspoons) in a muslin or cloth bag and tied closed. The bag is held under running hot water to release the oils and healing properties into the water. Adjust the water to the temperature that they body can stand and soak for 10-20 minutes. Use the cloth bag of herbs to cleanse the skin. If you add 1-2 handfuls of Epsom salts it will help the body eliminate toxins through the pores.

 

FOOTBATHS. These are made in a bowl large enough to rest your feet up to the ankle in water. Even though only the feet are being soaked, the herbs can assist many other parts of the body, such as chest congestion, sore throat, or kidney and bladder infections. For chronically cold feet, a 15-minute hot footbath of peppermint, ginger, or cayenne will stimulate circulation. To make a footbath, you normally use 2-3 teaspoons of dried herbs, adding boiling water over them. Then add cold water to take the temperature to what your feet can stand.

 

I have put together a listing of several ailments that many people face today and put herbs useful for these ailments. You will find that many of the herbs can be used for several different treatments thereby you can select a few to have on hand all the time and then buy additional ones as needed.

 

If you have a particular problem that you would like some assistance with, please feel free to contact me and I will do whatever I can to be of help.

 

I know there are several places to get herbs, I buy from Lilydale Herb Farm and you can order on line: www.lilydaleherbfarm.com

 

If you have any difficulties or would like me to get herbs for you and put them in your order from us, please do not hesitate to ask and we will do whatever we can.