The majority of herbal remedies are safe if used according to directions and under the supervision of a well-trained health practitioner or herbalist. All herbs have the potential for causing side effects when taken in doses too large for an individual's constitution or by people who have particular sensitivities. The safest way to use herbs is to contact your health practitioner before using any unfamiliar herbal remedies.
Using Herbal Teas
Herbal teas are one of the easier and safer ways to use herbs. When making an herbal tea, you have control over how long it cooks and how much you consume. Most herbal teas are simple to make, and involve placing the dried herbs in water, boiling, steeping, cooling, straining and drinking the tea. Many herbal teas retain their potency even when chilled in the refrigerator for consumption the next day. If you are seeing an herbalist, always follow his instructions regarding preparing your tea and the amount you should consume.
Lavender Tea
Lavender tea may relieve headaches including migraines. Lavender is a stimulating herb and increases blood flow. In addition, the scent is very soothing and helps relieves spasms in the blood vessels of the head, promoting relaxation, writes Phyllis Balch in "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Along with using lavender in tea, you might prefer making an herbal hot pack scented with lavender to place over your eyes during a headache.
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile flowers are used to make chamomile tea, a delicious herbal tonic that relieves stress and helps relax and soothe even the most irritable individuals. This gentle herb can be used even for young children who are having trouble sleeping or are irritable and crying due to painful teething, according to "The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook." Call your health practitioner for directions regarding dosage for yourself and your children.
Garlic Tea
Garlic is high in antioxidants and contains compounds that have antiviral and antibiotic properties, helpful in fighting off flu, colds and other acute illnesses. Drinking herbal garlic tea is soothing and warming for those who feel chilled from the flu. The most effective way to get maximum benefits from using garlic is by consuming it in its raw state. Make tea by peeling and crushing two cloves of garlic and boiling them in water for five minutes. Allow the tea to steep and remove the garlic. Add a small amount of honey and sip throughout the day. Even children enjoy the taste of sweetened garlic tea. Some people are sensitive to garlic and it may thin the blood. Do not offer garlic tea to children under the age of one year. Consult with your health practitioner before using it for medicinal purposes.
References
- "The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook: Your Everyday Reference to the Best Herbs for Healing"; James Duke; 2002
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch; 2006
- University of California at Davis: Garlic
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Garlic
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