In naturopathic medicine, herbs have long been used to heal common ailments, such as children's fragile immune systems, mild constipation and bacterial infections. In fact, herbal home remedies may have been the impetus for discovering modern medicines. Naturopathic medicine uses a holistic approach to health, minimizing the use of drugs and surgery. Please discuss naturopathic remedies with your physician before you begin to use them.
Natural Antibiotic
Goldenseal is a natural herbal home remedy for bacterial infections. Believed to be a natural antibiotic, it has been used for centuries to boost the immune system. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests the ingestion of this herb by capsules and standardized extracts. Although it is available to prepare in tea form, the root has a distinct and bitter taste. The powder can be used to form a topical paste as well.
Natural Immunity Booster
Echinacea tea is a popular home remedy for a fragile immune system or even to get rid of colds quickly. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that echinacea has been used for more than 400 years to treat diseases, such as scarlet fever, malaria and even blood poisoning. Safe for children and adults, the use of echinacea in the form of tea is most soothing. An adult dosage consists of 1 g to 2 g of dried herb steeped in 8 oz. of water. Children should be given one-third of the adult dosage.
Natural Constipation Relief
Cascara sagrada has been considered a gentle laxative by the Native Americans who first used it. The name means "sacred bark," according to "Cascara Sagrada; Nature's Gentle Answer to Constipation." The bark was traditionally peeled from the wood, collected in the spring and summer, and allowed to dry in the shade. Cascara sagrada is a stimulant laxative whose function is to assist bowel evacuation. Stimulant laxatives work by causing the muscles in the large intestine to contract, evacuating the stool. Cascara has a bitter taste and is most easily taken in capsule form.
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