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People everywhere are hungry for clear, practical, scientifically-validated information about how to make safe and simple use of herbs in their day to day lives. I too was once hungry for this kind of information. I discovered that working (and playing) with herbs did not need to be complex and confusing. It could be sheer pleasure. For me it was like walking down a path where a wonderful surprise is revealed at every turn. |
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For ease of reference here is my beginner’s guide to herbal remedies.
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USING HERBS A beginner's guide to herbal remedies for ease of reference...
Essential Oils Many herbs contain remarkable essential oils that can exert immediate effects on mind and body. NEVER take them internally, for even a very small amount of some of these essences can be poisonous. The best essential oils you can buy have been made using complex distillation processes to ensure the oils are as pure as possible. They can be said to contain the 'life force', or 'essence' of the plant. Essential oils are always used sparingly. A few drops will do the trick, any more can be overwhelming, even dangerous. You can add 3 or 4 drops to your bath, put a few drops in an essential oil diffuser to fill your room with delicious calming or invigorating scents, or make a delicious massage oil. Each oil has its own physical and psychological effects. |
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To make a simple massage oil use 1 drop of essential oil to each teaspoon (5ml) of a pure vegetable oil such as almond or apricot oil. A capsule of vitamin E squeezed into the oil when you mix it helps keep it fresh longer. You can make soothing massage oils with lavender, geranium or chamomile. Uplifting oils would be made from cinnamon, bergamot, patchouli or jasmine. Lavender or rosemary are good for mild aches and pains. |
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The classic definition of a herb is a non-woody plant which dies down to its roots each winter. This definition is far too limiting. It was probably made up by 19th Century European botanists who had never seen the rainforest in which, of course there is no winter to die back in. Neither had they ever heard of woody trees and shrubs such as hawthorn and ginko and elder which are some of the best selling herbs on the market these days. I define a herb as a medicinal plant. It can come from any climate and be a leaf, a bark, a flower or a root. It can be home-grown or wild, a weed, a spice, a plant which is used for its healing or culinary or beautifying properties. Once you discover the power of herbs it is easy to become so enthusiastic about them you go overboard trying to use them for everything. It is not wise to take lots of different plants all at the same time. Or you might start to think that since a small amount of something is good for you, taking twice or three times that amount will be even better. It isn’t. If you want safe and sane herbal help here are a few guidelines to follow:
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