COMMON KITCHEN HERBS THAT HEAL
What follows is a short list of herbs commonly found in kitchens, or
easily found in most supermarkets. This list is alphabetical by herb.
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Anise (Pimpinella ansium)
Anise helps expel gas, relieves nausea and stomach pain caused by gas.
To use: crush anise seeds into a powder. Put 1 teaspoon of the powder
into 1 cup of warm water. Drink up to three times a day to relieve
symptoms.
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Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
Basil is another anti-nauseant that also relieves gas, and promotes normal bowel function. To use: Make a strong tea using 1 teaspoon of the crushed dried herb in a half- cup of water. Drink asĀ needed, not to exceed three cups a
day.
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Capsicum or Cayenne (Capsicum frutescens)
Cayenne helps stimulate the appetite and acts as a milk stimulant. It may reduce discomfort from the common cold. To use: make a tea out of the dried herb, 1 teaspoon per cup of hot water. 2 cups per day only.
Note: Cayenne irritates hemorrhoids and should never be used by people with stomach problems. Do not exceed recommended dosage as high doses can cause stomach and kidney problems.
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Caraway (Carum carvi)
Caraway works as an expectorant for coughs due to colds. It also improves the appetite and may increase breast milk in nursing mothers. To use: Chew some seeds three or four times a day.
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Dill (Aniethum graveolens)
Dill eases indigestion and upset stomachs. To use: make a strong tea by steeping 2 teaspoons of dill seeds in 1 cup of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain and drink one half-cup 2 to 3 times daily.
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Fennel (Foeniculum velgare)
Fennel is a digestive aid and is known to relieve cramps. The oil is used to relieve stiff joints. To use: 15 drops of extract in warm water with honey, one daily, as digestive aid. Rub oil directly on affected area for pain alleviation.
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Fenugreek (Trigonella graceum)
Fenugreek relieves sore throats and is useful for treating irritations and other inflammations. To use: as a gargle for sore throat, mix 1 tablespoon of pulverized seed in 1 cup hot water. Let steep for 10 minutes and strain. Gargle 3 times a day, every 3-4 hours. As a poultice for skin irritations, pulverize
enough seed so that when mixed with 8 ounces of water, it forms a thick
paste. Apply paste to affected areas once a day.
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Garlic (Allium satvum)
Garlic helps fight infections, lowers blood pressure and may be able to destroy some cancer cells. To use: stir-fry cloves for a few minutes to cut down garlic-breath. Eat 2 or 3 a day for maximum effectiveness.
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Ginger (Zingiber officinalis)
Ginger eases cold symptoms, soothes skin inflammations and minor burns, calms upset stomachs, and is a natural remedy for morning sickness. To use: for burn and inflammations: mash fresh ginger root, soak cotton ball and then rub juice on the affected area. For all else, add ginger extract to hot water, 10 drops per cup. This can be taken up to three times daily.
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Parsley (Petroselinium sativum)
Parsley settles stomachs after meals. If also helps clear congestion due to colds and is soothing for asthma. To use: make a strong tea using 1 teaspoon dried, ground parsley in 1 cup hot water. Let steep 10-15 minutes. Take once a day.
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Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
Mint is an anti-spasmodic and is excellent for relieving cramps and stomach pain. It also relieves gas and aids in digestion. It can help reduce the sick feeling associated with migraines. To use: drink one cup as a tea. Commercial teas are available. (Make sure it is only mint, not mint flavored.) Drink as needed.
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Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Rosemary is used for most head pains. To use: as tea, to relieve nervous tension, make a strong tea. Rub rosemary essential oil on the temples to relieve headaches. Mix essential oils or leaves with olive oil to make a dandruff treatment.
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Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Sage reduces perspiration and can be used to ease sore gums. To use: to relieve perspiration, medium tea, one time daily. To ease gums, strong infusion, gargled, 3 times daily.
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Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
Thyme is good for chronic respiratory problems, cold flu and sore throat. It is also an anti-fungal. To use: make a tea of the dried herb, drink daily. As an anti-fungal, rub extract on affected areas.
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Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
Turmeric promotes good liver function and helps prevent gallbladder disease. It also may help prevent over-clotting of blood cells, and may help relieve arthritis symptoms. To use: take 300mg up to 3 times daily.
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