The English traditional ballad, "Scarborough Fair," mentions parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme. Centuries ago, this herbal compound was thought to prevent plague, as noted in an article by Global Security, a think tank organization. Long before manufactured drugs were available, people throughout the world relied on plants to prevent and cure disease, Today, more than 80 percent of the world's population uses botanical medicine for common illnesses, according to the World Health Organization. Use herbs under the direction of a physician.
Plants for Anxiety, Depression and Stress
Therapeutic botanicals may effectively mitigate mood disorders and symptoms arising from stress. For instance, St. John's wort works in the same manner as the monoamine oxidase inhibitors in pharmaceutical medicines for depression, as stated in "Prescription for Nutritional Healing" by Phyllis Balch. Herbs such as hops, linden flower and motherwort act as relaxing aids, help to prevent panic attacks and mitigate anxiety. Passionflower, catnip, Siberian ginseng and valerian are valuable remedies for stress and may help ease insomnia as well. Consult a physician before adding herbs to your regimen.
Herbal Remedies for Digestive Complaints
Common plants you may have in your garden or kitchen can ease digestion, gas and bloating. Some of these medicinal culinary herbs and spices include fennel, anise, cardamom, dill and clove. Other plants can help soothe an unsettled stomach, such as yarrow, angelica root, guggal, gentian root and dandelion, according to Chris D. Meletis, ND, in "Complete Guide to Safe Herbs." Other effective and easily obtainable remedies include aloe vera juice, cayenne pepper and papaya enzyme.
Plant Remedies for Colds and Flu
Since colds and flu are viral illnesses, antibiotics are ineffective. To relieve congestion, sore throat and coughing, plants such as licorice root, ginger root, echinacea, olive leaf and rose hips can be helpful. In addition, Phyllis Balch suggests astragalus, mullein, elderberry and hyssop as plant remedies to relieve viral symptoms. Rainforest plants that may alleviate colds and flu include cat's claw, guava and pau d'arco. It is important to speak with your physician before taking herbs.
Considerations and Safety
Plant medicine or phytomedicine has potent abilities to prevent and treat viruses, digestive complaints, stress and mood disorders. Despite the plant kingdom's immense medicinal value, however, it is imperative to consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before adding herbs to your regimen. Herbs and prescription drugs may interact adversely and a number of herbs are unsafe unless taken under the supervision of a doctor. For example, the heart medication digitalis is derived from the foxglove plant, but directly ingesting foxglove can be fatal. Other plants like yarrow, shepherd's purse, black cohosh and bitter orange peel can cause miscarriage, reports the book, "Complete Guide to Safe Herbs." Furthermore, strong stimulant herbs like guarana and yerba mate should be avoided if you have cardiac problems or ulcers, as they may exacerbate these illnesses.
References
- "Complete Guide to Safe Herbs"; Chris D. Meletis, ND; 2002
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch; 2006
- The Kitchen Doctor: Four Thieves: Historical Anti-Plague Remedy
- Global Security: Plague: Biological Weapons
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