Herbal remedies and natural cures

Herbal remedies are all about enhancing health. Good health begins with a healthy immune system -- our first line of defense against attacks from pathogens and other foreign agents. The immune system detects invaders and begins to isolate and destroy them. Our immune system works better if it has the proper nutrients and micronutrients.

Many common herbs contain ingredients that help our bodies work better, either by boosting our immune system or by helping our bodies flush out toxins. More people are looking for herbal remedies to relieve symptoms or to heal common ailments. In 2004, about 29% of Americans used some form of herbal remedy.

Like many of us, you use cough drops to treat a sore throat. Now there's a certified organic alternative produced by the Quigley Corporation, called Cold-Eeze Organix. Made from organically produced Menthol, eucalyptus oil, cane juice, honey, lemon oil, and other organic herbs. To learn where you can purchase Cold-Eeze Organix, visit the Cold-Eeze website.

Below are a few examples of common herbs and their uses. You can also contribute one of your own by using our form at the bottom of the page.



Camomile
A perennial with white flowers, camomile is found in teas, cosmetics and hair preparations. It is commonly used to combat headaches and neuralgia, as well as to relieve insomnia.

Echinacea
Resembling a black-eyed Susan, echinacea or purple coneflower is a North American perennial that is indigenous to the central plains where it grows on road banks, prairies, fields and in dry, open woods. It is also called snake root because it grows from a thick black root that Indians used to treat snake bites.

Herbalists consider Echinacea to be one of the best blood purifiers and an effective antibiotic. It activates the body's immune system, increasing the chances of fighting off disease. This popular herb has been used to help ward off the common cold and to relieve the symptoms of hay fever.

Goldenseal
Goldenseal is a native American medicinal plant introduced to early settlers by Cherokee Indians who used it as a wash for skin diseases, wounds, and for sore, inflamed eyes. Its roots are bright yellow, thus the name. Goldenseal root has acquired a considerable reputation as a natural antibiotic and as a remedy for various gastric and genitourinary disorders. Numerous references to Goldenseal began to appear in medical writings as far back as 1820 as a strong tea for indigestion. Today it is used to treat symptoms of the cold and flu and as an astringent, antibacterial remedy for the mucous membranes of the body.

The active ingredients in Goldenseal are the alkaloids hydrastine and berberine. Similar in action, they destroy many types of bacterial and viral infections. These alkaloids can also reduce gastric inflammation and relieve congestion. Goldenseal works wonders in combination with Echinacea particularly at the onset of cold and flu symptoms, especially coughs and sore throats.

Garlic
Garlic is a powerful natural antibiotic. It can stimulate cell growth and activity. It reduces blood pressure in hypertensive conditions. A main advantage to using garlic for its antibiotic properties is that it does not destroy the body's natural flora. It is excellent for use in all colds and infections of the body. The allin is a sulfur containing amino acid, and makes garlic and effective antibiotic. The forefather of antibiotic medicine, Louis Pasteur, acknowledged garlic to be as effective as penicillin. It's also antifungal and antiviral, and is also great for treating motion sickness.

Ginger
Ginger was adopted by the Greeks as a digestive aid. As anyone who's had ginger ale for nausea knows, it holds up to its claims. I myself have chewed on a piece of raw, fresh ginger root whenever motion sickness appeared. Ginger in all its forms (tea, ale, and capsules) can also soothe morning sickness. It's an effective antispasmotic.

Elderberry
The American elder (canadensis) , also known as Elderberry, is small tree that grows to 12 feet and is native to North America. The European elder (nigra) grows to 30 feet, is found throughout Europe, Asia, North Africa, and has been naturalized in the United States. The tree has been called "the medicine chest of the common people.

The berries from the elder contain a considerable amount of vitamins A, B and C, as well as flavonoids, sugar, tannins, carotenoids and amino acids. Warm elderberry wine is a remedy for sore throat, influenza and induces perspiration to reverse the effects of a chill. The juice from the berries is an old fashioned cure for colds, and is also said to relieve asthma and bronchitis.

Peppermint Leaf
This great tasting aromatic herb, and its close relatives in the mint family, are used as teas and soup, stuffing, meat, salad and dessert seasoning all over the world. Peppermint, combined with Elderberry has been a suggested combination to take at the onset of a cold or mild influenza. Peppermint and Spearmint have been used to relieve indigestion, insomnia, and dizziness. It freshens breath and relieves fatigue.

Onion
The common garden onion is one of the oldest and most versatile herbal remedies. Probably native to Southwest Asia, onions are now found in all parts of the world. Traditionally onion preparations have been especially effective in the treatment of colds and congestion. Taken internally, onion may be helpful for indigestion and circulatory diseases.

Horseradish
Strong and pungent, Horseradish is widely used as a condiment with beef. Horseradish also contains expectorant properties and has been added to cough syrup over the ages.

Tea tree oil
A relative of eucalyptus, it originated in Australia and is used for respiratory ailments. It is a potent antiseptic, anti-fungal, anti-viral, and anti-inflammatory herb.

Lavender
Lavender oil has shown to have antiseptic and antimicrobial properties, making it a good choice for stings and burns. Its scent promotes relaxation, as well.

Feverfew
Prized since the days of the Roman Empire as a healing herb, feverfew is believed to reduce severe headaches by changing the way blood vessels contract. (I have used it myself, with great results.) It should not be combined with blood thinners.

St. John's wort
A popular herb in Europe, St. John's wort has been found to help with mild depressive symptoms. If on other medications, however, it may interact with them, so a professional should be consulted first.

Kava kava
Derived from the roots of a pepper-family plant, it's been shown to relax muscles and alleviate mild anxiety. It might even help you sleep. Again, avoid combining it with other sedative or anti-anxiety medications.

Saw Palmetto
Found in numerous studies to be effective against prostate enlargement.

Milk Thistle
It has been scientifically proven to protect and detoxify the liver. It may also help prevent cancer, type 2 diabetes, and Syndrome X (heart problems in women).

Rosemary
This woody herb with needle-like leaves contains a powerful antioxidant (carnosic acid) that protects brain cells against free radical damage. It may someday prove beneficial in preventing stroke and halting dementia and Alzheimer's.

Parsley
The most widely used culinary herb in the world, parsley has been used as a diuretic and to detoxify the liver, and to treat jaundice and kidney stones.


One of the best books we've found describing over 300 different herbal "medicines" -- we highly recommend it. It lists herbs alphabetically and includes dosages and cautions.

Keep in mind that people react differently to herbal remedies. Those who suffer from hay fever and similar allergies may be sensitive to herbs, and should exercise caution. Herbal remedies should not be used for more than 2-3 weeks at a time. Should symptoms continue after that time, a medical practitioner should be consulted to rule out more serious underlying causes. Essential oils should never be ingested.

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Do you know have a favorite herb or remedy that has worked for you? Please tell us about it here. Do you have a question about a particular herb? Feel free to send us your question here.