Elaine

Shop in any health food store and you will find an aisle lined with herbal remedies. These herbs can sell for $20, $50, even $100 for a tiny bottle! Imagine paying $100 for a piece of bark, fungus, or anything else that grows naturally--Possibly in your own backyard! We've come a long way since the days when a villager would visit the old woman who would use her cultural knowledge of herbalism to prescribe remedies from her garden--Or have we? The tablets, pills, teas, extracts, tinctures, and ointments you find on store shelves are quite opposed to traditional herbal theory, which advises to use common ingredients that you can find locally, and to use the entire plant. So, in order to pique your interest, we've created a list of the most common ingredients that are whole, and the ailments they treat.

Since the beginning of recorded history, people have used plants to treat illness. In fact, there is even evidence that Neanderthals, living 60,000 years ago used herbalism. A Neanderthal body was recently uncovered that was found with eight species of plants that are still used to this day by herbalists. The three most familiar herbal systems are Western (based on Greek and Roman cultures), Ayurvedic (using plants from India), and Chinese (using plants and herbs local to China). However, in all places, herbalism developed through the study of man's companions: wildlife. For example, it was observed that animals bitten by snakes would instinctively chew snakeroot, and survive. Or, a wounded bear would roll around in mud to prevent infection. Taking the cue from our wild brethren, we used trial and error over thousands of years to develop a robust healing system using nature's ingredients. Even today, interest in herbalism is on the rise, and many drugs are discovered from herbal sources. For example, Taxol, a cancer-fighting drug, is derived from the yew tree.

In today's world, over 80% of families have no access to modern medicine and rely on herbalism for treatment. Even in the west, where this problem does not apply to such a degree, many herbs and spices used in seasoning contain useful medical compounds. In fact, almost all of our synthetic drugs have been formulated to mimic their natural counterparts. Herbalism is being sought out by western society because there is growing interest in treating the entire person, rather than concentrating solely on the symptoms of a condition. Would you rather take a medicine that reduces your blood pressure, or would you rather find the cause of your high blood pressure and eliminate the cause? Herbalists maintain that the plants are safer than drugs, because they are natural and not synthetic. They use the entire herb, rather than isolating and breaking down compounds, because the plant represents perfect balance, and the combination of elements are said to work synergistically.

The beauty of herbalism is that anyone can practice with local plants and common food items. This brings us closer to nature and our environment, and allows us to make choices that will improve our health. In that spirit, here is a list of 10 common ingredients and the ailments they treat:

• Dandelion Root: This is a good sugar substitute for those with diabetes due to its concentration of insulin. It is also a cure for warts and liver spots.
• Beets: These taste great when juiced. They are a liver tonic and improve blood hemoglobin.
• Artichoke: Reduces cholesterol.
• Lemon juice or apple cider vinegar: Among the benefits of these is treatment of acne.
• Echinacea and Goldenseal: Treat the common cold.
• Celery juice: A diuretic, aids in weight loss and helps treat rheumatism.
• Garlic: Lowers total cholesterol, blood pressure, and has antibacterial properties.
• Peppermint Tea: Treats digestive problems, irritable bowel syndrome and nausea.
• Green Tea: Is shown to help prevent breast cancer.
• St. John's Wort: Alleviates stress and depression.

These days, most of us spend too much time indoors, in our air-conditioned boxes, absorbing radiation from the computer screen and cell phones. Our bodies stagnate while stress levels are on the rise. What better subject to become interested in that herbalism, where you can go on nature walks, plant gardens, and enjoy the healing benefits just outside the box?

Interested in learning more about natural remedies? Matt Barlow is a natural healing expert and has developed a free course that lists seven steps to achieving radiant health. Enrollment is quick and easy so sign up now while space is available! http://devotedtohealth.com