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Medicinal
Properties of Popular Herbs
Borage
The leaves are the part used medicinally. You can pick the leaves
throughout the growing season, making sure not to take off too many
and stress out the plant. The leaves can be used fresh or dry. Borage
is used for strengthening the adrenal glands, especially when steroids
have been used. Borage is a mild herb that can be used as a tonic
for long periods of time. This herb is helpful for people who stress
out their adrenals with too much anxiety and worry. It can also
be used to lower high blood pressure. Borage can be used to loosen
dry coughs. New mothers use borage to increase their milk production.
The cooling effects of borage can also break fevers during illnesses.
Furthermore, this herb has been helpful for treatment of depression.
Calendula
The flowers are used for medicinal purposes. The flowers are picked
when in full bloom, the best time is in the morning when they first
open. Flowers can be dried on a non-metallic screen or used fresh.
Calendula has been used as a healing herb for centuries. Known for
it's gentle healing properties, calendula can be safely given to
children and the elderly. It is wonderful for treating skin inflammations,
healing wounds, bruises, minor burns, insect stings. It has also
been used for stopping external bleeding, treating eye inflammations,
and as an aid for digestive upsets such as ulcers and indigestion.
Many women have used calendula for delayed or painful menstruation.
Calendula also makes a beautiful cut flower, has been used for making
a yellow dye and as an ingredient in lotions and creams for the
cosmetic industry.
Chamomile
The flowers are the part used medicinally and should be picked frequently
so that they will continue to produce blossoms. Chamomile has been
used in many ancient cultures for its effective, yet gentle healing
properties. Chamomile is best known for is actions on the nervous
system. It can be used safely for children and the elderly (some
people have been known to have allergic reactions to this herb).
In times of anxiety and with bouts of insomnia it can be very helpful.
It calms the nerves and decreases tension, and can be used as eyewash
for conjunctivitis and sore eyes, as well as a mouthwash for any
inflammations. Chamomile is also an excellent hair rinse, particularly
for light hair in which it brings out natural highlights.
Catnip
The upper one third of the plant, preferably when flowering, is
the part used medicinally. Cut the herb when it reaches at least
a foot high leaving about 3 inches of plant still above the ground.
Hang herb upside down and let it dry before using. Catnip has been
traditionally used as herb for colds and flus. Its diaphoretic (induces
sweating) action helps to break fevers and is gentle enough to use
for children. This herb is also helpful for digestive upset such
as common stomach aches, colic in babies, indigestion, diarrhea,
and flatulence. Many women have used catnip for delayed or painful
menstruation. In times of stress catnip calms the nerves and aids
in bouts of insomnia.
Echinacea
The flowers and/or roots are used medicinally. Echinacea is widely
known for its immune enhancing properties. It's useful in treating
and warding off viral and bacterial infections such as colds and
flus. It's a natural antibiotic. Echinacea is also a lymphatic tonic,
helpful in treating infections of the respiratory systems, eases
symptoms related to allergies, and used as a mouthwash for treatment
of inflammations in the mouth. Echinacea can be used externally
for infected sores, ulcers, insect stings and bites. Native Americans
used this herb for snake bites as well.
Lavender
Flowers and leaves are the medicinal parts used. Lavender is used
to ease stress headaches. It can be used internally and externally
for this. It's an effective nervine (calms the nervous system) for
anxiety, nervous stomach, and tension. Lavender is also used to
lift the spirits for bouts with depression and grief. This plant
is good for the digestive system and is used as a stomach tonic
for indigestion, colic, stomach cramps, flatulence, and loss of
appetite.
Lemon Balm
The leaves are the part used medicinally. Cut leaves no more that
3 inches from the ground when harvesting so that the plant can continue
to thrive. Lemon balm has been used throughout history as an important
nervine (tonic for the nervous system). Helpful for calming the
nerves from bouts of anxiety, heart palpitations, insomnia due to
stress, digestive upsets and headaches. Lemon balm is also used
for depression. It's cooling actions makes it useful for breaking
fevers. This plant is used for colds and flus or any kind of virus
because of its antiviral properties. Lemon balm is a mild, yet effective
herb and can be given to children and the elderly. Women use lemon
balm to bring on their menstrual periods and to help with menstrual
cramping.
Peppermint
The aerial part is used medicinally. Peppermint is best known for
its digestive properties. Peppermint is helpful for the relief of
indigestion, colic, flatulence, and nausea. It's also a good remedy
for tension headaches, nervousness and anxiety. Being a mild, yet
effective herb, it can be safely given to children and the elderly.
Peppermint is a cooling herb and is used to lower fevers. Women
have found it helpful for relieving menstrual cramps. As a steam
it can be used to break up congestion. Peppermint is also used as
a flavoring.
Spearmint
The aerial part is used medicinally. Spearmint has properties similar
to peppermint. It’s been used for treating stomach upsets,
nausea, heartburn, and mild indigestion. Spearmint is milder than
peppermint and is sometimes preferred over peppermint for children.
Spearmint is also a popular flavoring agent.
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