Our gardens (and supermarkets) are home to plants and herbs that can be used for much more than just flavoring dishes. Common herbs such as basil, oregano, rosemary, and even certain weeds, can be so powerful extracted properly that they must be treated with the same care as antibiotics.
Modern medicine is rooted in natural western pharmaceuticals were originally extracted from nature. Antibiotics were harvested from fungi and soil bacteria, valium from the valerian root, morphine and codeine from poppy seeds, aspirin from willow bark...the list goes on. The problem is that when these drugs are extracted, altered, strengthened and combined with fillers, chances of side effects and complications increase. Although pharmaceuticals hold an essential and at times irreplaceable role in treating certain ailments, the benefits of using herbs are too often overlooked. This is potentially because plant healing takes patience and time. While pills offer a quick fix, plants can sometimes take weeks and even months before signs of improvement is seen. Other times, it can take effect just as quickly. Treating UTI's with antibiotics is a contributing factor to the antibiotic resistant strains that are spreading around the world. My pharmacist an France alerted me to the fact that studies have shown that treating UTI's with oregano oil was just as effective as antibiotics and works just as quickly. Offering fewer side effects and complications, herbs often target the root of certain issues where pharmaceuticals serve as a bandage. And personally, I've found that when treating particularly complicated issues in myself, such as Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, widespread inflammation, neuropathy, SIBO, and autoimmune dysfunction, plants (including ayuverdic and amazonian plant medicine) picked up where my western treatments fell short.
*Consult a doctor and do your research before integrating plants into a pre existing medical treatment plan. Plants and herbs can have powerful interactions with other medications. And do not use any treatments, even plant based, on infants and children before consulting with a doctor, and pregnant and nursing women are also advised against using certain herbs–like oregano oil, for example, as it can increase blood flow within the uterus, deteriorating the lining that surrounds the fetus–so speak to your doctor before taking any such treatments.
How to Use
*Always opt for natural, organic herb oils from reputable sources. There are a lot of fake and pesticide laden oils on the market that can do more harm than good
For treating internal issues like infections, UTI's and gastro issues, take herbal pills from safe brands like Pranoram, or mix a few drops of organic herb oil with a carrier oil like coconut oil (never apply directly) or hold the mixture under your tongue for a few minutes before spitting out and rinsing.
The herb and oil mixture can also be rubbed directly onto your stomach, muscles or joints.
You can also infuse fresh herbs into a boiling water until it darkens in color and drink it as a tea. For nail, hair and skin issues, infuse herb oils into a carrier oil and apply it directly to the problematic area.
For respiratory issues, diffuse oils or add a few herb sprigs or oil drops to a pan of boiling water and inhale, covering your head with a towel.
Make sure to continue the treatment at regular intervals until the problem has subsided otherwise your body can create a resistance in the same way it does with an antibiotic.
Oregano
Health Benefits: boosts immunity, antioxidant-packed,antibacterial activity, aids in digestion, protects against skin and gut-attacking bacteria.
Treats: UTI, bacterial skin infection, dermatitis, dandruff, coldsores, poison ivy rash, bug bites, foot and nail fungus, respiratory issues, soar throat, muscle pain, arthritis and more.
Thyme
Health Benefits: higher in vitamin A and C than oregano. Anti-fungal, high anti-oxidant capacity, improves circulation and supports heart health and immunity.
Treats: respiratory disorders like bronchitis, whooping cough, colds, sore throat, allergies, congestion and upset stomach.
Basil
Health Benefits: anti-inflammatory, filled with antioxidants, high nutrient conte,t antibacterial properties, liver protector, fever reducer, immune booster, contains phytochemicals that can assist the body in keeping certain cancers at bay.
Treats: arthritis, internal and dermatological infections, viruses, can help fight antibiotic resistant illnesses, gastric reflux, adrenal dysfunction, hormone imbalances and depression through balancing the adrenal cortex.
Tarragon
Health Benefits: improves digestion, better sleep, encourages menstruation, anti-bacterial, mild-sedative, appetite stimulant.
Treats: muscle pains, insomnia, amenorrhea, toothache, indigestion and nausea, anxiety.
Rosemary
Health Benefits: boosts memory, relieves stress, boosts immunity, anti-oxidant, anti-carcinogenic, anti-bacterial, stomach soother, increases circulation, pain-reliever, anti-inflammatory, increases the body's own detoxification systems, skin health, hair growth stimulant, increases nerve growth and nerve healing tissue, liver detoxification and gallbladder function, lower cortisol,
Treats: headaches, tooth aches, arthritis, gout, muscle cramps, sore throat and respiratory disorders, certain hormone imbalances, brain fog, thinning hair, neuropathy.