Herbal Remedies to Try at Home

Herbal remedies are the most safe and least expensive form of healing, with a multitude of benefits coming from each individual plant. Though they have yet to be totally backed by the mainstream medical community, they remain the number one form of medicine world wide.  Most people know of common herbs such as:

Lavender, Peppermint, Chamomile and Eucalyptus, popularly used in essential oil form.

But, there is a whole encyclopedia worth of herbal remedies that are easy to locate, grow, or make into your own salve, tea, or tincture. Think of it as a “mix and match, self care, medicinal potion” you’re creating, with zero side effects!

The most common question I’ve come across is how to manage anxiety, nervousness and depression. My favorite go-to herbs for this are: Ashwagandha, Holy Basil, Kava, Ginseng, and St. John’s Wort. Kava, or as I like to call it, “herbal xanax,” works like a charm on acute anxiety, panic attacks, and hysteria. It binds to GABA receptors (relaxing, mood-boosting neurotransmitters) and promotes happiness and relaxation. Best of all, it begins working in minutes. Since the taste is quite bitter, I recommend adding the liquid extract into a smoothie or juice! 

Herbs for a better night’s sleep or issues with insomnia include Valerian, Scullcap, Lavender, Chamomile, and Motherwort. In my opinion, these are best enjoyed in tea form. 

Gas, pain and bloating is best helped by Fennel, Peppermint, Lemon Balm, and Cardamom seeds (but if you’re needing help moving things along, your best bet is Senna). 

Anti-inflammatory issues often stem from chronic diseases such as fibromyalgia and arthritis. If this is affecting your well-being and everyday life, make Turmeric your best friend! Curcumin, it’s most active compound, works by blocking NF-kB, a molecule that turns on genes related to inflammation in the nuclei. 

Finally, we know immune support herbs are of the utmost importance, especially recently. Look for Ginger, Peppermint, Elderberry, and Echinacea. Turn to Cherry bark for that stubborn cough!

Most of these herbs, in dried plant or root form, are available for easy order online, with most extracts and supplements in the herbal section of your local grocery store (usually near the pharmacy)! For teas, the longer you keep your mug covered and steeping, the stronger the taste and the benefits will be. I recommend at least 15 minutes, then enjoy!

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