Why use herbs? Herbs have wonderful properties to help your body cope with stress, prevent infection and help your body be healthy every day. We have become to used to reaching for that convenient bottle of medicine on a shelf, that convenience comes with a price. Look at the the back of the bottle, do you know what all those ingredients are? If you cannot pronounce it, you should not be putting it in or on your body.
So what can you do instead? You can use herbs, you can use them in your cooking, in teas, in infusions. You can make your own tinctures and salves. There are so many wonderful ways to incorporate herbs into your everyday life.
How can herbs help you? Stress in your life? Some herbs act as adaptogens: Ashwagandha, Eleuthero, Ginseng, Holy basil (tulsi)
Reishi, Rhodiola. Adaptogens aid the body through a nonspecific boost in resistance to external stressors, supports its ability to adapt to change, and may stimulant or modulate immunity. Herbalists use adaptogens to improve immune response, increase stamina.
Some herbs act as Antimicrobials: Goldenseal, Sage, Thyme
Antibacterial: Goldenseal, Hyssop, Yarrow,
Antiviral: Elder berry, Lemon balm, Licorice, Anti-fungal, Calendula, Cardamom, Wormwood. The aid the body in destroying or resisting pathogens. An herbal constituent may have a direct effect on the pathogenic organism or may strengthen the body’s immune system, improving resistance. Antimicrobials are further divided into more specific terms such as antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal.
Start small, just incorporate one new herb into your world. Rely more on nature and less on pharmaceuticals.
