Herbs Weight Loss Diet Nutrition Tips Guide

Herbs Helping You

By Veronica Tripplethorn

Do you love the refreshing taste of peppermint? Instead of candies or gum, why not unwind with a relaxing cup of herbal tea or add peppermint leaves to your bathwater? Herbs and spices have been used for centuries to promote good health and treat diseases.

In recent years, sales of medicinal herbs have skyrocketed as consumers explore new health care methods. Before you begin to use any medicinal herbs, you should consult a doctor or pharmacist, and a herbalist to make sure you do not experience interaction of active ingredients or with traditional medicines.

Effective Herbal Therapy

Herbal supplements are not closely monitored by the FDA, so only buy products from reputable manufacturers who guarantee the identity, purity, strength and composition of the supplements. Choosing herbal products of high quality is crucial to effective herbal therapy, so review your options and be careful what you buy.

Herbals can be found in your own kitchen and easily used in your health care regimen. Cayenne has been used medicinally for centuries because of the multiple benefits it provides. Cayenne is often used for the treatment of gastric conditions like stomach aches, cramps and gas, and diseases of the circulatory system because it improves circulation.

It is also used topically for pain, shingles, osteoarthritis, and psoriasis, and internally for cluster and migraine headaches and indigestion and heartburn. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, then consult your health care provider before taking cayenne.

Thyme Is A Powerful Antiseptic

Besides being a delicious holiday favorite, thyme has very strong medicinal properties. During the plague, townspeople gathered to burn large bundles of thyme and other herbs to keep the dreaded disease from their town. Thyme is a powerful antiseptic, and can be used in cases of anemia and bronchial ailments, such as coughs and asthma, and intestinal disturbances.

It is used as an antiseptic against tooth decay, and destroys fungal infections as in athlete’s foot and skin parasites such as crabs and lice. It is good for colic, flatulence and colds. You can drink thyme tea for relief from coughs, bronchitis and common colds. To improve the flavor, add some licorice or mint.

To make thyme tea, add one teaspoon of crushed thyme to half a cup of boiling water. Let it steep for 10 minutes and then strain. This tea can be drunk 3 to 4 times a day to treat coughs. If you don’t like the taste, add some honey.

Incorporate Herbal Therapy To Improve Your Health

Herbs can be used in a variety of ways to treat illness and disease. From supplements to teas to creams, there are a number of ways to incorporate herbal therapy into your health care regiment. It’s important to remember that while they are natural, you still should consult a doctor before you begin to use them for medicinal purposes.

You should also consult an herbalist to find out which plants will best suit your needs. You may find that the herbs and spices you thought were just for cooking can improve your quality of life.

This Article was about Herbs.

Please Note: All information given on this site is for general information purposes and is not to replace any medical opinion or medical diagnosis given by a qualified medical doctor, a dietitian/nutritional expert or any other medical expert, as individual circumstances may vary. Please see your medical doctor, before any action is taken to alleviate symptoms.

About the Author:
Veronica Tripplethorn is an author of health, nutrition, dieting and weight loss articles including Celiac Disease, Holistic Health, Hollywood 48-Hour Miracle Diet, Massage Therapy.
Keep a lookout for more of her articles coming soon.

More Facts About Herbs...

Is it difficult to grow herbs?
Even if you do not have a green thumb when it comes to growing plants and vegetables, you can grow an herb garden. Herbs are very hearty and can withstand a lot of abuse. Most times you simply plant and occasionally water. For beginning gardeners, herbs are the perfect thing to plant.

If you live in an apartment, you can still have an herb garden. All you need is a window sill where there are a few hours of sunlight each day. They take up very little space and are much easier to harvest than other vegetables.

You can even find herb garden kits at your local nursery store or retail store. The kit will often contain everything you need in order to start your herb garden.