HealthE 4Life
Therapeutic Massage
Herbs and what they can do for you .
| The Power of Herbs |
Throughout the ages all cultures in some way shape or form have used herbs in there day to day lives for everything from the culinary angle ,covering smells to healing. Today these methods are still used but not so much due to little or no knowledge being passed dow,through the families as it used to be. In this day and age practically everyone has access to conventional modern medicine .Not to say this is a bad thing but we can't forget our roots (literally). Just by eating a healthy diet and including some key herbs and spices we can be helping our bodies cope with different things . Believe it or not just smelling the right plant can help with pain relief .
Lavender for example :- is the sweet smell of pain relief . Clinical aroma therapists use lavender,peppermint , chamomile and damask rose for pain relief and relaxation . There have been documented reports from Nursing clinics in North America that massage with lavender relieves pain and enhances the effects of conventional medicine .Lavender and Chamomile are gentle enough to use on children for pain relief .Both contain anti-inflamatory and antispasmodic chemicals , and a calming sedative reaction . On that note how about a relaxing Lavender bath ................. Lavender Bath Recipe Tie the following mixture in a bit of cotton material or a tea ball . 1 cup dried lavender flowers 2 cups oatmeal 1/2 cup baking soda Place ingredients in a food processor or blender. Grind till smooth ,fine powder. Pour into a jar or any air tight container. To Use :- 1/2 cup into your bath under running water or in the ball/cloth orT . Enjoy
|
Cloves :- These have been an age old remedy for toothache , this is one of the few home remedies that has been passed down and you can even buy it in your local pharmacy .
What people don't realise it also contains a hormone like substance that can influence the immmune system ,and also work as an anti inflammatory .
.Fennel :- this innocent herb is stocked with so much 27 antispasmodic and 16 analgesic chemicals WOW!
You can make a great tasting tea with it , as long as you like the taste of licorice . It has been known to help with menstral cramps . (Avoid during pregnancy or breast feeding due to effects on estrogen levels )
Ginger :- This also has anti-inflammatory , and analgesic properties . it has been known to aleviate mild pain from fibromyalgia pain and digestive cramps .
When ever I felt nausious when I was pregnant I turned to ginger tea or ginger ale yum!
Ginger Root Tea :- Just 1tsp of fresh ground ginger simmered in a cup of hot water for about 10 min .
Enjoy 
Rosemary / White Willow :- This is one of the oldest home analgesics ,research takes us back to 500 B.C. China
Modern research has found that rosemary can help with analgesic and osteoarthritic pain , the willow bark contains properties that provide analgesic and anti neuralgic effects. The American Journal of Medicine in 2000 reported that 39% of those who recieved 240mg of salcine(a property of rosemary ) daily were pain free compared to 6% who were given a placebo . Individulal who were reported to have osteoarthritis of the knee or hip were helped .
You can buy White Willow from your healthfood store , Please consult the naturopath, herbalist or knowledgable person in this field ,as there are contraindications to taking this for example children should not take this , anyone with asprin allergies , bleeding disorders , blood thinners .
Herbal Healer Academy INC This is a trusted site for all your herbal needs .
Summer Recipies to Enjoy
Rosemary & Sage Quick Pickles
1 Sm red or white onion , thinly sliced
or 1 1/4 cup chives chopped
2 cups cucumber , sliced
2-4 sprigs rosemary
4-8 sage leaves
1/3 cup cider vinegar
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 cup cold water
Slice the cucumber into 1/4 inch rounds , tightly pack herbs and cucumber in a 16oz jar until about 3/4 full
Combine vinegar and salt in a saucepan . Bring to a simmer and gently stir until salt dissolves .Remove from heat
Add cold water to this mixture and let cool . Poor cooled liquid in jar to cover cucumber and herbs . f Add more cold water if necessary . make sure you leave room at the top and refrigerate about an hour till chilled .
Blue Cheese Dressing
Makes 1/4 cup
3 tbls hazelnut or walnut oil
1 tbls white balsamic vinegar
3 ounces blue cheese , crumbled
Salt and Pepper
Combine oil, vinegar and blue cheese in a bowl
Whisk to mix well . Add salt and pepper to taste .
Fennel , Celery and Apple Salad
Serves 4
2 cups fennel bulb , finely sliced
2 apples , coarsely chopped
1cup celery , finely chopped
1/3 cup dried apricots , slivered
3 tbls almonds , slivered
1/3 cup blue cheese dressing (from above )
Combine fennel , apples ,celery , apricots , and nuts Toss with dressing to coat .