Throughout the span of human history, medicinal sciences have grown by leaps and bounds in terms of technique as well as the things we use to treat ourselves of diseases, viruses, and other ailments. However, that is not to say that some of the older methods of medicating do not still exist, and in many cultures are still very much relied upon for natural remedies. One such method that is still going rather strong is herbalism. Herbalism, as the name probably gives away to you, is the practice of utilizing specific herbs as both remedies and stimulants to your body as a means of healing or recuperating.
Herbalism has been around for centuries in almost every country, and while many will testify that it is very helpful, many feel that it is an outdated science, and that the benefits of it are pale in comparison to the benefits that using a modern medicine regime. Some have even gone to the extreme of calling it more of a pseudoscience rather than a concrete method that yields positive effects. This can, however, be considered a radical statement as many believe that herbalism is the root (no pun intended) of modern medical science and that in a sense rediscovering the benefits of herbs might be very productive in yielding some cures for the very serious illnesses and diseases we are plagued with today.
The fact is that this practice has taken a back seat to the more expensive and modern medical practices that are available these days, but that does not do anything to discredit them. Many people turn to herbalism as their medicine source before they go see the doctor. The ideology is that if herbs do not treat it, then it is time to see a doctor about a different way to treat whatever is ailing them. There are many people who believe that having a rudimentary knowledge of the benefit of herbs promotes a healthier lifestyle.
There is literally hundreds of herbal remedies that has been proven to work very well but still people turn to pills and other forms of modern medicine when there is some natural cures from herbs such as to treat acne with things like tea tree oil, aloe vera extract, that will cure acne.
In fact there seems to be a whole culture sprouting up in the western world devoted to herbalism. While herbalism was, for the longest time, deemed to be a mostly Eastern thing, it has caught on in the west with countless shops, both professionally maintained and modernized or stuck in the past, sprouting up everywhere. While it may seem like something that would be primarily popular among the older generation, young people are embracing herbalism as well, with some looking at it as a cheaper and healthier alternative to more expensive medications or treatments that seem to often cause many side effects and some being more taxing to deal with than their original ailment.
This is not to say that prescription medications are not very beneficial in most cases, because some of them would be very difficult to do without. Also, herbs can be harmful if a person tries to use them that knows nothing about them. Herbalism is a learned thing and you must be careful with it or you could do more harm than good especially when taken in combination with any prescription medication.
Herbalism is something that while widely accepted, still has some critics, but the benefits of it are apparent. If you are looking into herbalism for yourself, then do it the smart way. Take the time to learn the benefits of different herbs that could be helpful to you. Study the list below to find out which herbs are the most popular among those that use them and what they are said to be good for:
Catnip – Good for stomach issues such as acid, colic, gas and spasms. Also helps with with sleep used as a tea. Watch out for side effects such as it might give your cat!
Cayenne – Good for circulation. It is thought that cayenne can speed the healing qualities of other herbs.
Chamomile – Good as a tea for relaxing. Also good for the skin.
Chickweed – Good for asthma, blood disorders, colitis, constipation, pleurisy, respiratory issues, wounds, skin diseases.
Garlic – Good for strengthening the immune system, colds, cough, and infections.
Ginger – Good for circulation.
Lemon Balm – Good as a tea and causes when taken hot can cause sweating. Good for bladder issues, digestion, fever, headaches, jaundice, kidney and nervousness. Reduce nausea and vomiting.
Marigold – Calendula Officinalis – Not the common flower bed variety. Good for circulation, diarrhea, liver issues. Also good for outside wounds such as sores and seems to promote healing with less scarring. Helps lessen appearance of old scars when used as a a salve.
Mexican Damiana – Used for many sexually related problems. Sexual stimulation, hot flashes, energy, inflammation of the testes. Should never be taken by pregnant women as it can cause muscle contractions.
Mugwort – Good for appetite. Makes a good bath additive for aching muscles when you mix in a pot, heat and add to your water.
Parsley – Good for allergies, asthma, breath sweetener, bladder and kidney infections, gout, and removes liver toxins. Never use when pregnant.
Psyllium – Common ingredient in many laxatives today. Good for relieving gas, removes intestinal toxins, lowers cholesterol, hemorrhoids, high blood pressure, and gets rid of parasites and worms
Rosemary – Good for memory and circulation.
St. John’s Wort – Good for mild depression and mood elevation.
Thyme – Add to cleaning water to help reduce mold and mildew risk. Good for foot fungus. Kills crabs and lice. The raw oil can cause rashes in some people.
This is just a small summary of common herbs that have been used over the years and still are today. There are many, many more herbs that are lesser known that have also been used because of the healing properties many believe they have. Watch our site for a more thorough and detailed list in the near future!
