Herbs for Common Ailments H - Z
There are many ways of treating minor ailments herbally, homeopathically
and by looking at the ailment from a nutritional angle. The following
suggestions are given and where possible stick to using the herbs and
remedies mentioned in Ten
Herbs for the Home and Natural
First Aid Kit.
See also:
Where there is an astersk * please see a herbalist, homeopath
or your doctor for further medical advice and treatment.
Plenty of fluids. Rest. Dandelion root coffee with a pinch of ginger or
Elderflower, Peppermint and Yarrow tea. Milk Thistle capsules work well
with dandelion for hangovers (take before as well as after drinking).
Headaches have many different causes, if persistant, severe or unusual
*. Most commonly headaches are due to stress and dehydration. Take peppermint
tea, increase intake of water. Other herbs to try are skullcap or vervain
for tension headaches. Massage neck and shoulders with lavender oil in
base oil. Inhale peppermint oil from a hanky or using steam.
Neat lavender oil and aloe vera gel directly on the bite. Eat garlic and
wear lavender oil to prevent further attack.
Cut out all caffeine after lunchtime. Cut out junk food, television and
computer games. Eat oats. Take Chamomile, skullcap or passionflower teas.
Try the the following ready mixed tinctures from the Dispensary: Sleep
Mix with WIld Lettuce, Sleep Mix with Valerian.
If persistent *
Cut out all junk food, drink chamomile or nettle tea with ginger, or ginger
cordial. If persistent * See Pregnancy.
Rest and increase whole grain and vegetable intake. Sage and marigold
mouth gargle. Myrrh powder dabbed on the sore (do not swallow). A clove
held in the mouth is also helpful.
Hot bath with lavender and peppermint oils, then massage affected parts
with lavender and peppermint in base oil. Or take arnica tablets. If persistent
or unexplained *.
Avoid caffeine. Breathing deeply into the belly for 5 minutes 3 times
a day is helpful. Chamomile is good, but also try vervain or the stronger
valerian tea. If persistent *.
Apply cold compress to the back of the neck and give tea made with equal
parts of marigold, yarrow and nettle. In adults, may be a sign of high
blood pressure*
Sitz bath with cypress essential oil (not in pregnancy). If you are sure
you are not suffering from dehydration ( a common cause of constipation
and piles) take 2 teaspoons of psyllium
husks with at least 2 litres of water to soften bowel movements. Follow
a whole food diet.
Sage tea or lemon juice in warm water - gargle and drink. Liquorice can
be added to soothe a dry sore throat. Take Echinacea. See Cold
Season Remedies.
Hold a clove next to the infected area. Rinse mouth regularly with hot
salt water or sage tea. Take Echinacea.*
Fresh sap of dandelion stems squeezed on and left to dry, twice a day.
Or cut a clove of garlic to size of wart and use a plaster to secure in
place each night. Continue for 3 weeks.
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| Recommended Reading:
An Encyclopaedia of Herbal Medicine, Thomas Bartram,
(Grace Publishers; 1995)
The New Holistic Herbal, David Hoffman, (Element; 1999) |
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