Natural Herbal Remedies for Everyday Ailments

The concept behind ancient Chinese medicine lay in treating the whole person rather than the current medical practice of treating the body like a machine made up of individual parts. Man, of course, is not a machine. Treating one problem area does not improve overall health as the body's biological functions rely on one another. What goes wrong in one part affects another.

Chinese herbal medicine has a 5000 year history and the collection of herbs and spices used to treat various ailments is impressive. While science is busy proving the healing powers of many herbs, many people have been cured of the most devastating diseases and continue to stay healthy through the use of traditional herbal remedies. Herbs are a cheaper alte
ative to many of today's so called wonder drugs and provide little to nothing in the way of side effects. Here is just a list of the few herbs that can help fight some of our common diseases.

Aloe Vera: Helps alleviate burns and has been used to treat cancer and stomach problems.

Apple Tree Bark: It makes a good tonic to help reduce fever and treat gravel in the bladder.

Balm of Gilead: Mentioned in the Bible, the bark and leaves help alleviate the discomfort of coughs and colds. It relieves respiratory troubles and helps the kidneys. It's a good remedy for sore throats and laryngitis.

Bee Pollen: Useful for allergies, it's been shown to fight radiation sickness.
Caraway Seed: The seed stimulates the appetite, eases flatulence and helps laryngitis, bronchitis and bronchial asthma. Safe for children.

Cayenne Pepper: This reliable spice is effective in treating kidney problems, skin conditions and colds. It helps improve circulation and has been shown to cut short a heart attack if administered quickly enough.

Celery Seed: A good anti-inflammatory for arthritis, rheumatism and gout.

Chamomile: Soothing herbal tea helps induce sleep and soothe stomach upset. Helps to relieve the aches and pains that come with the flu and can ease a migraine headache.

Cinnamon: It makes a good antiseptic to treat colds. Recent discoveries show it helps lower blood sugar in diabetics.

Dandelion: Far from being just a weed, every part of the plant is useful.The dried, roasted roots make a good coffee substitute. Dandelion is an excellent source of potassium. It is a powerful diuretic It helps fight fever, liver and urinary problems. The young tender leaves can be incorporated in egg salads. The flowers can be dipped in batter and fried as a fritter.

Echinacea: The purple coneflower helps fight colds and infection.

Fennel: Fennel seeds curb the appetite and help control weight. It helps to treat acid stomach, gout and colic for infants.

Fenugreek: The seeds treat swelling and fever. It makes a good blood poison preventative. Fenugreek and vanadium were extensively used to control blood sugar in diabetics well before the discovery of insulin.

Garlic: The best known among the herbs it has many uses. It stimulate the activity of the digestive system, helps clean up the arteries from cholesterol and fights intestinal infections. It can better help to reduce blood pressure than many standard drugs.

Ginger: Prevents stomach and bowel cramps.

Ginseng: Lowers blood pressure and improves circulation to the brain. Helps alleviate chest troubles and breathing difficulties. .

Nettle: Helps alleviate the swelling and pain associated with gout. Very effective against arthritis, rheumatism and eczema. It helps lower blood pressure. Contains calcium, iron, potassium and sulfur.

Parsley: A condiment often thrown away, it is rich in Vitamin B and potassium. Cancer cells can't multiply in the presence of potassium. It makes a good diuretic and excellent for the elimination of gallstones. Chew on a sprig of parsley to get rid of garlic breath.

St. John's Wort: A far better anti-depressant than many of today's standard drugs. It acts as a sedative and a pain reducer. Use it to combat neuralgia, anxiety and tension.

Saw Palmetto: A good sedative, it treats asthma, bronchitis and colds.

Wild Carrot: A good diuretic and urinary antiseptic. An effective treatment for cystitis, kidney stones and prostatitis. It's an effective treatment for gout and rheumatism.

Long after man's chemical concoctions cease to exist, nature's pharmacy of herbs and spices will continue to provide long lasting and healthful benefits.