12 Healing Herbs You Can Use Every Day
Prepare your own proven herbal remedies for what ails you
Nature’s medicine
There are times when it might be smarter to use an herbal remedy than a pharmaceutical. For example, sometimes an herb offers a safer alternative. Take chamomile: The flowers have been used for centuries as a gentle calmative for young and old alike. It’s non-habit-forming and well tolerated, and a study sponsored by the University of Michigan found that chamomile extract had roughly the same efficacy as many prescription sleeping medications when given to adults with insomnia. Likewise, peppermint oil has been shown to be as effective as pharmaceutical drugs for relieving irritable bowel syndrome, but without the often times dangerous side effects. And clinical studies have shown that ginger relieves morning sickness, sage can relieve a sore throat, and hibiscus tea gently lowers blood pressure. Below is a lit of herbs you can use everyday. Click the photos for links.
I believe if you are going to use risky—prescription medications use those for more serious conditions. I use herbs everyday as a preventative and these are some of my top choices. All are safe and effective, but be sure to discuss any herbs you are taking with your doctor. Some herbal remedies such as the antidepressant St. John’s wort can interact with medications for example.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
(click photos for links to products)
Uses: Rejuvenating tonic, anti-inflammatory, reduces anxiety, boosts immune health
Preparation and doses:
Tea: Simmer 1 tsp dried and sliced root in 1 cup water for 10 minutes. Strain. Drink 1 or 2 times per day.
Standardized Extract (2–5% withanolides): Take 500 mg 2 or 3 times per day.
Concerns: Can cause milk sedation; potential to stimulate thyroid hormones
http://www.prevention.com/mind-body/natural-remedies/25-healing-herbs-you-can-use-every-day/slide/3
Echinacea (Echinacea spp.)
Uses: Antiviral and immune-enhancing properties; popular for relieving colds and upper respiratory infections (approved in Europe for these uses)
Preparation and doses:
Tea: Simmer 1 tsp dried and sliced root in 1 cup water for 10 minutes. Strain. Drink 1-3 cups per day.
Tincture: Take 5 ml 3-6 times per day at onset of cold symptoms.
Concerns: Rare allergic reactions
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra, S. canadensis)
Uses: Elderberry flowers have been valued as a remedy for colds and fever for centuries; fruit extracts have been shown to have significant antiviral activity, especially against the flu.
Preparation and doses:
Tea: Pour 1 cup boiling water over 1–2 tsp flowers. Steep for 10 minutes. Sweeten if desired and drink hot 2-3 times per day.
Berry extracts: Use as directed.
Concerns: None known
Elderberry is well known for supporting the body, especially during flu. You can find conventionally made elderberry syrups at many stores now, or to save money, make your own. Here is the recipe – https://wellnessmama.com/1888/elderberry-syrup/
Garlic (Allium sativum)
Uses: Potent antimicrobial; often used to combat colds, ease sinus congestion, and stave off traveler’s diarrhea. Studies show that regular use can help gently lower blood pressure.
Preparation and doses:
Eat: Eat 1–2 cloves fresh daily.
Capsules: Take 4–8 mg allicin per day; enteric-coated products may be superior if specifically treating diarrhea.
Concerns: May interact with warfarin
Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Uses: Premiere remedy for easing nausea, vomiting, and upset stomach; fresh teas relieve cold and flu symptoms.
Preparation and doses:
Tea: Steep ¼–½ tsp dried ginger or simmer 1 tsp fresh ginger root in 1 cup hot water for 10 minutes. Strain and sweeten, if desired. Drink 1–2 cups per day.
Capsules: Take 250–500 mg 2 times per day.
Concerns: Very safe in small amounts; heartburn and stomach upset can occur with high doses. Pregnant women should not take more than 1,500 mg per day of dried ginger.
Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius; P. ginseng)
Uses: Helps relieve and prevent mental and physical fatigue; shown to reduce the frequency and severity of colds; possibly beneficial for erectile dysfunction
Preparation and doses:
Tea: Simmer 1 tsp dried and sliced root in 1 cup water for 10 minutes. Strain. Drink 1–2 cups per day.
Standardized extract (4–7% ginsenosides): 100–400 mg per day
Concerns: Purchase from a reputable manufacturer, as ginseng has often been adulterated in the past.
http://www.ginsengherbco-op.com/
When placing the order use code “artofunity” and will get 5% discount.
– To prepare root for tea –
• Wash root
• Slice up the roots into thin rounds, about 2 cm thick.
• Bring to a boil about 4 cups of water in a saucepan or a stockpot.
• Lower to simmer, place about 2 oz. or a few slices into the pot.
• Steep the mixture by letting it simmer for between 30 minutes and 2 hours.
• Can drink both hot and cold.
• Honey can also be added to cut the bitter taste.
• Can eat the root as well
Kava (Piper methysticum)
Uses: Clinical trials have shown kava to be highly effective for relieving anxiety. Also has significant muscle-relaxing effects.
Preparation and doses:
Tea: Simmer 1 tsp dried and sliced root in 1 cup water for 10 minutes. Strain. Drink 1–2 cups per day.
Extract of root: Take 100–200 mg 2 or 3 times per day. (Do not exceed 210 mg per day of kavalactones.)
Concerns: Rare cases of liver toxicity; do not use if you have liver disease, frequently drink alcohol, or are taking acetaminophen or prescription medications.
Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)
Uses: Protects the liver from damage caused by environmental toxins, medications, and alcohol. Recent studies suggest it protects the kidneys similarly.
Preparation and doses:
Extract (guaranteed minimum of 70% silymarin): Take 400–700 mg per day in divided doses.
Concerns: None known
Get the seeds and grind them because the fatty acid is delicate in them and they will go rancid quickly. The powdered kind is probably already rancid. You need to keep them in the freezer too after ground to prevent going rancid
Nettle (Urtica dioica)
Uses: Fresh, freeze-dried leaves relieved seasonal allergy symptoms in one human trial. Research supports use of the root for easing symptoms of enlarged prostate. Tea widely recom
mended for its nutritive value.
Preparation and doses:
Tea: Pour 1 cup boiling water over 2 tsp leaves. Steep for 10 minutes. Strain. Sweeten if desired. Drink 1–3 cups per day.
Freeze-dried nettle capsules: Take 300–500 mg 2 times per day.
Nettle root: Take 250–400 mg 2 or 3 times per day.
Concerns: Wear gloves when handling fresh nettles to avoid stinging and irritation (sting is lost with cooking or drying); very safe herb.
Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra)
Uses: FDA-approved as a safe, nonprescription remedy for minor throat irritation; also very useful for relieving cough and occasional heartburn.
Preparation and doses:
Lozenges: Take as directed.
Tea: Pour 1 cup boiling water over 1–2 tsp powdered bark. Steep for 5 minutes. Drink 2 or 3 times per day.
Concerns: Take other drugs 1 hour before or several hours after consuming, as it could slow absorption of oral medications.
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
Uses: Highly regarded for relieving coughs, colds, and congestion; 
rich in volatile oils that have significant antimicrobial and antispasmodic activity
Preparation and doses:
Tea: Pour 1 cup boiling water over 1 Tbsp fresh or 1 tsp dried leaves. Steep for 10 minutes. Strain and sweeten, if desired. Drink ⅓ cup 3 times per day.
Concerns: None known
Cayenne Pepper
Highly effective pain reliever and is an ingredient in some over-the-counter pain relieving creams. It is also great for improving circulation, healing sore throats, and stimulating sweating to help relieve cold symptoms.
Yarrow
Unsurpassed for flu and fever, and great for children. If used abundantly in tea or tincture at the beginning of an illness, it will usually shorten the illness to less than 24 hours. It is especially good for fevers as it induces perspiration and is great for all childhood type illnesses. It is naturally bitter, so it is often good to include peppermint and stevia leaf when making a tea. It is great for the liver and kidneys and supports the endocrine system.
How to Make Your Own Herbal Tincture for Kids
This tincture is great for symptom relief for kids and adults. I have found it to work better than Tylenol or cough syrups and it is healthier too! It is simple to make, and you can get all the ingredients here.
Herbal Tincture Ingredients
• 2/3 cup dried chamomile flowers
• 2/3 cup dried yarrow flowers
• 2/3 cup dried peppermint leaf
• 2/3 cup dried catnip herb
• 100 proof vodka
Herbal Tincture Instructions
1. Put all herbs in 1 quart mason glass jar
2. Pour 80-100 proof vodka over herbs, filling jar
3. Let steep at least two weeks, but preferably 2 months, shaking daily.
4. Store in cool, dark place.
5. After 2 weeks-2 months, strain liquid through cheesecloth and store in glass dropper botles for easy use. Store in a 
cool, dark place and it will last indefinitely.
6. Use 8-10 drops for kids over age 2 whenever ill.
Important Notes: I am not a doctor, nor do I claim to be one. I cannot treat, cure, prevent or diagnose any illness. If you have concerns about any sickness, talk to your family physician. Do your own research on natural remedies to ensure that you think they are safe. I earn a small commission through the links above, though the price is the same for you. If you do not wish to use my affiliate link, go to the site directly. If you are pregnant or nursing, consult a qualified specialist before taking any herb or supplement.
If you have medical problems, please consult a professional before beginning. Check your blood sugar frequently if diabetic.
Disclaimer
By utilizing the information presented on this site, you agree to and understand that author, Bill Farr is not a doctor or any other type of certified health care professional, and his opinion is not a substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your doctor or your other health care providers concerning your symptoms and medical requirements before following any of the remedies or other suggestions he offers. His opinion is based on his own research and is to be used for educational purposes only. Bill Farr’s wellness plans and advice are meant to be used in conjunction with standard allopathic or osteopathic medical treatment and care.
