Sometimes, using herbs for holistic healing and treatment makes more sense than turning to pharmaceuticals. Herbs often have fewer side effects and they’re usually not habit-forming like many drugs can be.
For example, chamomile is an ancient remedy with gentle calming effects and it’s safe for both adults and children. It’s not addictive and it’s well-tolerated, and it’s known to be just as effective as prescription medication for treating insomnia in adults.
Peppermint oil is another fantastic example. It’s extremely effective for relieving the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, but without harmful side effects. Ginger can be used to relieve nausea, hibiscus tea can help to lower blood pressure, and sage is fantastic for relieving a sore throat.
Finding more natural ways to treat minor health problems and only resorting to pharmaceuticals when they’re absolutely necessary simply makes sense. Here are # herbs to consider incorporating into your wellness routine.
9 Herbs for Holistic Healing
The following herbs are generally considered safe and effective for holistic healing and treatment. Just be sure to talk to your doctor before taking any herbs or supplements, especially if you have a health condition or take medication.
Lemon Balm
According to herbalists at the Yinova Center Acupuncture Clinic in New York City, “Lemon balm, a member of the mint family, soothes tension and anxiety, promotes sleep, and even speeds the healing of cold sores.” It is also known to lift the mood while increasing calmness and alertness.
The best way to enjoy the healing power of lemon balm is to brew it as a tea on its own or with other calming herbs like chamomile or lavender flower. Simply add one tablespoon of herbs to a cup of water just off the boil. Allow it to steep for five to ten minutes and sweeten as desired.
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo is one of the most ancient surviving tree species on earth, and it’s also one of the oldest herbal remedies still in use. In fact, ginkgo trees are sometimes called living fossils because they can live for as long as 3,000 years.
The leaves are a common remedy used in traditional Chinese medicine and can be consumed in tablet, capsule, extract, or tea form. Ginkgo is most widely known for its ability to boost brain health, memory, and mental focus. It has also been shown to slow cognitive decline in patients with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Other proven benefits include improved eye health, reducing inflammation, and relieving anxiety and depression. It may also help patients with diabetes by stimulating insulin production. And there’s new promising research that shows it could speed bone healing, too.
Evening Primrose Oil
The evening primrose flower is a vibrant yellow flower that produces an oil that’s been used for centuries to treat a number of conditions, including symptoms related to PMS and menopause. Studies also show that it has anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit people with skin conditions like eczema and atopic dermatitis.
Evening primrose oil can also benefit patients with diabetic neuropathy and hormone-related breast pain. It can also help to balance hormones in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It can also be beneficial for patients with multiple sclerosis and high blood pressure.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree is native to Australia. Its leaves are used to produce an oil that has been used for centuries as a topical remedy to treat inflammatory skin conditions and minor cuts or wounds. Tea tree oil can be useful for acne, dandruff, athlete’s foot, and even insect bites.
It also has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties that make it beneficial for treating and preventing skin infections. It should be diluted with a carrier oil and only applied topically to the skin, never taken internally.
Turmeric
Turmeric has a beautiful orange color that’s hard to miss on the spice shelf at your grocery store. Originally discovered in ancient India, turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties that make it a useful remedy for a number of conditions, from arthritis to heart disease and chronic pain.
Turmeric may be able to prevent DNA mutations and may also have anticancer properties. It’s also showing great promise in the treatment of many dermatologic conditions. To get the benefits of this ancient remedy, take it in capsule form, use it as a dried spice for cooking, or grate fresh turmeric and make a healing tea.
Flax Seed
Flax seed can be used whole, ground up, or pressed into an oil. It has been used for thousands of years due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Flaxseeds are also an excellent source of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids.
Flaxseed can be used to reduce blood pressure and prevent certain cancers, including colon cancer. It may also help you maintain a healthy weight by protecting against obesity.
Flax seed can be added to things like smoothies, or it can be taken in capsule form. It’s easy to incorporate ground flaxseed into your diet by sprinkling it on cereal, salads, soups, or adding it to homemade baked goods. You can even use flaxseed oil when making homemade flaxseed.
Echinacea
Echinacea has beautiful purple daisy-like flowers. Its beautiful blooms are an ancient Native American remedy often used to shorten the duration of the common cold. It may boost immunity, particularly when there is a virus present.
It could also be beneficial for upper respiratory infections and issues like bronchitis. It can be used as a tea, extract, or taken in capsule form.
Grape Seed Extract
Grape seed extract is widely known for its antioxidant properties. It is also known to lower LDL cholesterol levels and improve circulation in the legs. It can be used to treat edema and high blood pressure, too.
Recent research is also confirming its anticancer properties that may even halt cancer cell growth. Grape seed extract can be taken in liquid, capsule, or tablet form.
Lavender
Lavender is a wonderful remedy for anxiety, and it’s often used in essential oil formulas and dried and added to teas for better sleep. It’s well known for its sedative properties, so it can be helpful any time you’re experiencing a lot of stress.
Lavender can also improve your mood and boost cognitive performance. It even has anti-inflammatory properties when applied to the skin. Other benefits include migraine relief and lowering blood pressure.
Pure Dharma has crafted the perfect blend of CBD, lavender and other calming essential oils that is believed to help ease muscle tension, nervous tension and anxiety, while comfrey soothes minor skin irritations. It’s targeted, effective use lends itself to a great post-procedure topical as well. Pure Dharma’s RELAX healing balm is infused with pure plant extracts that quickly calm and relax the body.
We live in a time when manufactured medicines are the go-to treatment for even the most minor of illnesses, but they aren’t the only approach to healing. More and more people are turning to herbal remedies for their ability to support your holistic health without the nasty side effects of pharmaceuticals.
If you would like to add some herbal remedies to your wellness regimen, the ones listed above are a great place to start. They all have scientifically proven benefits and are considered safe for most people. Just be sure to run it by your doctor first to avoid any potential interactions with medications you may already be taking.
