Common Kitchen Herbs That Heal

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Common Kitchen Herbs That Heal~author unknown

What follows is a short list of herbs commonly found in kitchens, oreasily found in most supermarkets. This list is alphabetical byherb.

Anise (Pimpinella ansium)Anise helps expel gas, relieves nausea and stomach pain caused bygas. To use: crush anise seeds into a powder. Put 1 teaspoon of thepowder into 1 cup of warm water. Drink up to three times a day toRelieve symptoms.

Basil (Ocimum basilicum)Basil is another anti-nauseant that also relieves gas, and promotesnormal bowel function. To use: Make a strong tea using 1 teaspoon ofthe crushed dried herb in a half- cup of water. Drink as needed, notto exceed three cups a day.

Capsicum or Cayenne (Capsicum frutescens)Cayenne helps stimulate the appetite and acts as a milk stimulant.It may reduce discomfort from the common cold. To use: make a teaout of the dried herb, 1 teaspoon per cup of hot water. 2 cups perday only. Note: Cayenne irritates hemorrhoids and should never beused by people with stomach problems. Do not exceed recommendeddosage as high doses can cause stomach and kidney problems.

Caraway (Carum carvi)Caraway works as an expectorant for coughs due to colds. It alsoimproves the appetite and may increase breast milk in nursingmothers. To use: Chew some seeds three or four times a day.

Dill (Aniethum graveolens)Dill eases indigestion and upset stomachs. To use: make a strong teaby steeping 2 teaspoons of dill seeds in 1 cup of hot water for 10to 15 minutes. Strain and drink one half-cup 2 to 3 times daily.

Fennel (Foeniculum velgare)Fennel is a digestive aid and is known to relieve cramps. The oil isused to relieve stiff joints. To use: 15 drops of extract in warmwater with honey, one daily, as digestive aid. Rub oil directly onaffected area for pain alleviation.

Fenugreek (Trigonella graceum)Fenugreek relieves sore throats and is useful for treatingirritations and other inflammations. To use: as a gargle for sorethroat mix 1 tablespoon of pulverized seed in 1 cup hot water. Letsteep for 10 minutes and strain. Gargle 3 times a day, every 3-4hours. As a poultice for skin irritations pulverize enough seed sothat when mixed with 8 ounces of water, it forms a thick paste.Apply paste to affected areas once a day.

Garlic (Allium satvum)Garlic helps fight infections, lowers blood pressure and may be ableto destroy some cancer cells. To use: stir-fry cloves for a fewminutes to cut down garlic-breath. Eat 2 or 3 a day for maximumeffectiveness.

Ginger (Zingiber officinalis)Ginger eases cold symptoms, soothes skin inflammations and minorburns, calms upset stomachs, and is a natural remedy for morningsickness. To use: for burn and inflammations mash fresh ginger root,soak cotton ball and then rub juice on the affected area. For allelse add ginger extract to hot water, 10 drops per cup. This can betaken up to three times daily.

Parsley (Petroselinium sativum)Parsley settles stomachs after meals. If also helps clear congestiondue to colds and is soothing for asthma. To use: make a strong teausing 1 teaspoon dried, ground parsley in 1 cup hot water. Let steep10-15 minutes. Take once a day.

Peppermint (Mentha piperita)Mint is an anti-spasmodic and is excellent for relieving cramps andstomach pain. It also relieves gas and aids in digestion. It canhelp reduce the sick feeling associated with migraines. To use:drink one cup as a tea. Commercial teas are available. (Make sure itis only mint, not mint flavored.) Drink as needed.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)Rosemary is used for most head pains. To use: as tea, to relievenervous tension, make a strong tea. Rub rosemary essential oil onthe temples to relieve headaches. Mix essential oils or leaves witholive oil to make a dandruff treatment.

Sage (Salvia officinalis)Sage reduces perspiration and can be used to ease sore gums. To use:to relieve perspiration, medium tea, one time daily. To ease gums,strong infusion, gargled, 3 times daily.

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)Thyme is good for chronic respiratory problems, cold flu and sorethroat. It is also an anti-fungal. To use: make a tea of the driedherb, drink daily. As an anti-fungal, rub extract on affected areas.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa)Turmeric promotes good liver function and helps prevent gallbladderdisease. It also may help prevent over-clotting of blood cells, andmay help relieve arthritis symptoms. To use: take 300mg up to 3Times daily. Thanks To Gypsy!