Relation Between Affordable Health And Herbs Extracts
Since the invention of the tin can, plastic bag, fast freezing and bottled vitamins, the healing power of our natural herbs and spices has all but been forgotten. In these days of high costs and big profits, the cost of a healthy life with an infusion of herbs compared with a bottle of capsules is enormous.
My mother used many herbal remedies to cure ailments, and to keep us healthy. Then we lived on a farm and the local chemist was a good two to three hours’ drive away. If you went down with something the cure would be found in the pantry.
Since then I have lived in Tanzania, on the edge of the Great Rift Valley at a place called Lake Manyara. This was ‘third-world country’ living and my experiences with the Masaai were memorable.
The Masaai people lived a closed existence, very seldom letting outsiders into their communities. No white doctor would be allowed to tend their sick. Cures were with roots, seeds, wild flowers and tree bark.
Remedies work in different ways on various parts of the body. There are specific terms to describe these effects. These are a few of the commonly used:
A bitter taste promotes secretion of digestive juices and encourages appetite. A tonic restores and nourishes the entire body. A carminative relieves flatulence and gastric discomfort. A demulcent softens and soothes damaged and inflamed surfaces.
These days we have the ’sell by’ law, but there are some general tips for when buying dried herbs. Always buy in small quantities to prevent long storage. Do not buy from shops where the herbs have been in direct sunlight in glass jars, or if it looks like they have been there a long time.
If space is limited it is possible to grow your herbal garden in an indoor container. A window box of medicinal herbs can create a colourful and aromatic feature in a room or kitchen. Remember that herbs thrive in poor soil. Choose slow growing varieties and use loam based compost for good drainage
With a bit of motivation, exercise and enjoyment we have virtually a full recovery kit available to us. All we have to do is climb out of the modern day commercial rut. Why go to the vitamin shelves in the supermarket when the fresh produce counter is situated in the next aisle. That is the expensive and commercial way to a better life.
Isn’t it a shame when we have reached the stage in life when we swallow tablets, ten to the dozen and then turn our noses up at a healthy infusion of ginger tea.
So why don’t you make the break and try some simple, good old-fashioned, long term health at a fraction of the cost?
How to make a herbal tea
Using fresh plants
¼ cup of fresh leaves or flowers
Pour over 1 cup of boiling water, allow to draw for five minutes, then strain.
(If you like, add a little honey or a squeeze of lemon)
Using dried herbs
2 teaspoons of the herb
Pour over 1 cup of boiling water allow to draw for five minutes, stirring frequently, strain.
(If you like, add a little honey or a squeeze of lemon)
Using bark or seeds
½ teaspoon seeds, 1 tablespoon bark
Pour over 1 cup of boiling water allow to draw for five minutes, stirring frequently, strain.
(If you like, add a little honey or a squeeze of lemon)
When making teas ensure that the water is just off the boil, vigorously boiling water disperses valuable oils in the steam. Try to keep a separate teapot for making herbal infusions
A couple of suggestions for you
Celery (Use leaves or seeds)
Detoxifier, clears kidneys and bladder ailments.
Diuretic and slimming herb.
Eases arthritic and rheumatic pains.
Lowers blood pressure.
Assists eyesight and steadies nerves.
Fennel (Use seed)
Relieves bloating and rids fluid retention.
Flushes kidneys.
Excellent slimming herb.
Settles stomach cramps, eases heartburn and soothes colic.
Reduces abdominal distension, eases kidney stones.
Mild expectorant and great as a gargle.
Aids breast feeding, morning sickness and acidity.
Ginger (Use Root)
Probably one of the world’s best medicines.
½ teaspoon of thin slices in a cup of boiling water (honey optional) will warm, destress and comfort you.
Assists blood circulation, cuts coughing, is an anti-inflammatory and an antiseptic.
Settles nausea, stomach aches and indigestion.
Stops flu, colds, chills, pale complexion, low pulse, fever, headaches and aching muscles.
If you are going to paddle the Duzi or the swim the Amazon – take a root or two with you!
Parsley (Use Leaf)
(Not seeds they become toxic).
A digestive. High in vitamin and mineral content. A diuretic.
Good slimmer, flushing kidneys and bladder. Excellent for rheumatism, gout, arthritis, relief of menstrual pain and irregularity. Flushes toxins. Add a slice of lemon and you have an alkaliser.
Rosemary (Use Leaf)
A stimulant, astringent and anti-inflammatory. Diuretic, anti depressant, circulatory stimulant and digestive remedy. Antispasmodic, restorative for nervous system and a cardiac tonic. Regulates blood flow, gives energy and vitality.
It is also possible to make your own teabags by wrapping dried herbs in a piece of muslin.
Safety factors
Have a chat to your doctor. Herbal teas are not meant to replace your doctor or his advice. Use one herbal cure at a time. Using more could break down the efficiency.
Herbs are a lot more powerful than we can imagine and can accumulate in the body. Take them in moderation.
These days a lot of fertilisers are used when spraying. Try and use organically grown herbs only.
