Tag Archives: herbal remedies

Glucosamine For Older Dogs

My dog Barnaby is an old yellow lab that I love dearly. He’s getting up there in age and I know that within the next few years he’ll probably be leaving us. I don’t want to think about that right now though. While he is with us, I want to be sure his life is as stress free and healthy as possible. Looking at him you’d know he was older, but he acts much younger. Aside from adding a teaspoon of raw apple cider vinegar to his water dish each day, I feel I owe it all to the natural … Continue reading →

Combat Migraines With Feverfew

Today I woke up with a migraine. Years ago this wouldn’t have surprised me since I’ve suffered with severe migraines for decades. They started when I was about 14 and peaked during my 20s. Over the years they’ve steadily dissipated, but when they do strike they can put life on hold. Thankfully, I always keep a bottle of the herb feverfew on hand. When I’m awake, it’s easy to tell if one of these headaches is about to strike, since there are some common warning signs. Most sufferers experience one or more of the following pre-migraine symptoms: *Flashing lights that … Continue reading →

St. John’s Wort

St. John’s wort is one herbal remedy that has been (and continues to be) under a lot of scrutiny by modern science. Also known as hypericum and goat weed, use of St. John’s wort for treating mental and mood disorders dates back to ancient Greece. The plant may get its name from historical and religious figure John the Baptist, because the yellow flowers bloom around the time of the feast of St. John the Baptist in late June. The herb was traditionally used to treat nerve pain and a host of mental disorders. It was also used as a balm … Continue reading →

What Are Adaptogens?

I was at a holistic health expo this weekend and visited a booth offering “adaptogen sprays”. I’d never heard of adaptogens before, and grabbed a brochure. Adaptogens are plants and/or herbs that supposedly have the ability to increase the body’s resistance to fatigue and stress. Although certain adaptogens have been in use since ancient times (many were and still are popular in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine), modern investigation into adaptogens did not begin until the 1940s. In 1947, an adaptogen was defined as an agent that helps the body counter physical, chemical, and/or biological stress. Adaptogens help boost the … Continue reading →

Stinging Nettle

With a name like “stinging nettle” it doesn’t sound like a good idea to use this plant internally or externally… does it? But stinging nettle has a long history in medicine. One of the earliest uses of stinging nettle was in attempts to stimulate paralyzed limbs. A paralyzed limb would be slapped with a bunch of stinging nettles — this was known as urtication. Nettle was also made into fabric; archaeologists have uncovered nettle cloth in Bronze Age burial sites. During the fifteen hundreds, stinging nettle was suggested as an antidote for some poisons. Colonists brought stinging nettle to the … Continue reading →

Thyme

Thyme is another herb that may be most popular in the kitchen… but is useful elsewhere. The little flowers on the plant attract bees and make thyme popular in garden borders. Thyme grows well in windowsill and container gardens, and has a long history in both cooking and medicine. Ancient writings refer to both common thyme (Thymus vulgaris) and wild mountain thyme (Thymus praecox articus). The name may come from a Greek word for courage… or a similar word meaning “to fumigate”. Both meanings are applicable to the plant — thyme can be invigorating but it was also burned to … Continue reading →

Herbal Stress Soothers

Thanks to both internal (PMS) and external factors, I’ve been feeling pretty stressed lately. When I found myself snapping at friends, family, and coworkers, I decided it was time to stop and do some damage control. First, I made a plan. I wanted some physical activity to help blow off steam and I wanted something to help me relax when I was done. For the physical side, I decided to clean the apartment. I’d have the added bonus of a fresh, clean home when I was done — and the chance to work some stress out of my system. For … Continue reading →

Witch Hazel

Despite the spooky name, this tree has nothing to do with witches! The name comes from an Old English word meaning “pliant” because the flexible branches made good bows for archers. Witch hazel is native to most of North America — the only place the tree is hard to come by is in the far west. It tends to grow in moist areas and prefers light woods and rocky streams. The tree prefers partial shade and sandy or peaty soil. Native Americans made a tea from the leaves and bark of the witch hazel tree. The tea was used to … Continue reading →

Fenugreek

Before ancient Egyptians first used fenugreek for medicine, this plant was used as food for both humans and animals. The Latin name — foenum-graecum — means “Greek hay”. Fenugreek was sometimes added to animal fodder to hide moldy and spoiled hay. Fenugreek’s seeds are prized in medicine and in cooking. The seeds are said to have a flavor somewhere between celery, nuts, and maple, but can be overpowering. Use with care when cooking — the seeds can leave other foods tasting bitter. You may find fenugreek used in East Indian, Pakistani, and African cuisines; the herb is native to western … Continue reading →

Comfrey

Comfrey has long been used as a healing herb — the Greeks used the herb to stop bleeding, knit bones, and treat breathing problems as far back as 400 BC. In more recent years, there has been some concern about the safety of comfrey. Greek and Roman physicians believed that comfrey roots had the ability to stick things together, whether food in a cooking pot or bones in the body. Poultices made with comfrey were applied to external wounds; comfrey tea was used for stomach problems, digestive issues, bleeding, and more. The herb was also used in soups, stews, and … Continue reading →