Ten Herbs for the Home

• Introduction
• Chamomile
• Marigold
• Peppermint
• Elderflowers /Elderberry
• Sage
• Dandelion
• Nettle
• Yarrow
• Liquorice
• Ginger
  
  
  See also:
• How to use loose herbs
• Herbs for common ailments A - G
• Herbs for Common Ailments H -Z
• Natural First Aid Kit

Introduction to loose herbs
Using dried herbs is an ideal way of getting to know about the properties of herbs and their uses. Loose herbs are generally less potent than tinctures and tend to be used for minor ailments. They are generally very safe, effective and suitable for long-term use. If your condition does not respond favourably after about a week of using loose herbs, there may be an underlying imbalance that is holding back your body’s ability to heal itself naturally. In this case, see a herbalist who may prescribe you stronger herbal tinctures. The teas mentioned are all safe enough to take alongside self-prescribed medication for minor illness, in the dosages given, but if in doubt always consult a herbalist.

Chamomile
Matricaria recutita
If you have tried only one herbal tea, it will usually be chamomile. The flower heads of German Chamomile look like little daisies and smell like honey, avoid Roman Chamomile which has a similar action but is bitter in flavour.
Chamomile is traditionally used for digestive problems, particularly when linked to nervous tension. It is ideal for children and adults alike who are irritable, over-excited or “highly strung.” It will help insomnia, although some people will need stronger sedatives such as passionflower, vervain or valerian. It will also help to alleviate cramps, indigestion, acidity, bloating and mild IBS.

Dosage:
1 tablespoon (three teaspoons) to each cup, infuse for 10 minutes, 3 cups a day. For children and infants use in the bath or give 2 tablespoons – half a cup of a weak infusion (1 teaspoon per cup).

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Marigold
Calendula offinalis
Marigold is commonly used externally for speeding up the healing of injuries where the skin is broken. Uses include soothing dry chapped skin; grazed knees in children or sore nipples in nursing mothers. Use an alcoholic extract (tincture) diluted in water or an ointment for this purpose.
Marigold herbal baths (using the loose dried flowers) are incredibly soothing to those with sore, rough or dry skin (for instance eczema). After the bath apply marigold infused oil for lasting relief.
Used internally as a tea, marigold flower works as an anti-imflammatory, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial. Marigold tea can be taken for gum disease, nosebleeds, and to soothe inflammation in the digestive tract.

Dosage:
1-2 teaspoons flowers to each cup; infuse for 15 minutes; drink freely.

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Peppermint
Mentha piperata
Peppermint can be used fresh or dried. It is very effective for alleviating indigestion and wind, travel sickness, nausea and vomiting, poor appetite and mild headaches. It can have the effect of refreshing and lifting the spirits. The loose tea is often added to improve the flavour of herbal mixes. It is also traditionally used to ease the symptoms of colds and ‘flu.
Peppermint oil can be diluted in base oil and used for aching muscles, stiffness, cramps and spasms. The oil can also be inhaled with steam for headache and colds. The essential oil should not be taken internally, except in capsule form.

Dosage:
1-2 teaspoons of loose herb per cup; infuse 5-10 minutes; drink freely.
Contra Indications:
Not recommended for children under five, pregnant or breastfeeding women or any person who is excitable or nervous (even though it is a mild sedative). Instead take fennel seeds.

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Elderflowers / Elderberry
Sambucus nigra
Elderflowers and elderberries are the first remedy of choice for colds where there is a lot of catarrh. The flowers help to tone up the mucous membranes of the throat and improve resistance to infection, irritation and allergy. They are used to help relieve the symptoms of colds, coughs, sinusitis, flu, chronic upper respiratory tract catarrh, fevers and hayfever. The fresh flowers can be made into or bought as a cordial, which can be stronger than the dried flower.
Elderflower berries can purchased as herbal liquids and capsules and have a strong anti-viral action, they are rich in natural vitamin C and are excellent for shortening the life of colds and flu.

Dosage:
2 teaspoon of elderflowers to one cup; infuse 5 minutes; take 1 cup every two hours for acute conditions.
Elderberry - take as instructed on the label.

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Sage
Salvia officinalis
Sage is a versatile herb used in the past as a tonic to promote longevity. It is now principally used to treat mouth conditions such as sore throat and inflammation or ulceration of the mouth and gums. For these conditions you can make a gargle, but also drink the warm tea, holding it in the mouth for as long as is comfortable. Menopausal women have found that the cooling properties of sage help to reduce hot flushes and nighttime sweating. For this purpose it should be drunk cold. Sage can also be used to alleviate excessive wind, loss of appetite, and headaches. It is also ideal for helping to calm anxiety and nervousness in older people.

Dosage:
½ to 1 teaspoon to one cup; Infuse 15 minutes; ½ to 1 cup 3 times a day.
Contra-indications:
Not indicated in high blood pressure, kidney disease, epilepsy or pregnancy.

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Dandelion
Taraxacum officinalis
Dandelion is an excellent herb for detoxification. The leaf works to alleviate water retention – swollen ankles and puffy fingers. Your body tends to hold onto extra water in these areas when it is dehydrated, so replenish it with extra water in between cups of dandelion tea. Two teaspoon of crushed linseeds in the morning will help you to hold the water in your digestive tract where it is best utilized. Potassium rich dandelion offsets the loss of this nutrient often associated with using diuretics. Dandelion leaf also helps reduce abdominal bloating and it can gently aid slimming.
Dandelion root works strongly on the liver. If you can find roasted dandelion root: it has a much better flavour. Taken during a detox or after a night of partying, dandelion root will help the liver to cope with the extra burden. If you live or work in a polluted area, take it on a regular basis. Dandelion root is also a mild laxative. The bitter properties of dandelion aid the digestion and strengthen the appetite.

Dosage:
Leaf: 3-4 teaspoons to each cup; infuse 15 minutes. Take ½ to 1 cup 3 times a day (improve the bitter flavour with a pinch of ginger powder);
Root: 1 heaped teaspoon to each cup of water; simmer 15 minutes; Take ½ - 1 cup freely.
Contraindications:
If on medication, consult a herbalist if taking dandelion root frequently.

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Nettle
Urtica dioica
Nettles are predominantly used as a rich source of minerals, particularly iron. In order to get the mineral benefits, it is best to make a really strong brew of nettle tea and use the highest quality dried nettles. Look for dark green leaves, loosely chopped. The tea makes a great tonic for those who get tired due to iron deficiency. Nettle also strengthens the kidneys and has a detoxifying action on the blood. It is a useful tea for people who have any kind of skin problems such as eczema, acne or allergic rashes. Nettle is of value in treating hayfever, especially if young fresh nettles are used, lightly cooked into a soup (like spinach) and taken regularly in spring. You can also get the benefits of fresh nettle from Schonenberger Nettle Juice. Used as a hair rinse, the tea is said to slow down falling out and graying hair.

Dosage:
30g of herb to 1 pint of boiling water; infuse 15 minutes. Take this throughout the day.

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Yarrow
Achillea millefolium
Yarrow is included here, principally for its effectiveness in bringing down fevers, particularly where the skin of the person ill is hot and dry. Yarrow induces sweating, the natural mechanism that the body uses to cool itself down and let go of toxins. It is also a urinary antiseptic, helpful in cases of cystitis. A yarrow bath can help relieve pelvic pain, although additionally a doctor’s advice should be sought. Fresh yarrow may be used to help in the healing of open wounds. One fresh leaf can be pressed onto a shaving cut to allay the bleeding.

Dosage:
1-2- teaspoons of dried herb per cup; infuse 15 minutes. Adults can take one cup of hot tea hourly for fevers, or three times a day. Young children should take yarrow in a blend, it is quite bitter.

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Liquorice
Glycyrrhiza glabra
Liquorice is a sweet tasting root that has an anti-inflammatory action on the digestive and respiratory systems. It also helps to support the adrenals (which are overworked when we are stressed) and is recognized in Chinese medicine as a remedy that imparts strength and a long life. It can be used for asthma, bronchitis and dry coughs and also helps the expectoration of chronic catarrh. Liquorice can help to relieve chronic tiredness as well as aiding the hydration of the body (it regulates salt and water metabolism). It works as a gentle laxative. A small amount of the chopped root can be chewed to help the symptoms of heartburn.

Dosage:
½ to 1 teaspoon to each cup of water; decoct for 15 minutes; ½ - 1 cup 3 times a day before meals.
Contraindications:
Do not take in high blood pressure, and pregnancy or breastfeeding. Use only a pinch for children. If over-consumed may result in low potassium levels, high blood pressure and water retention. Stick to recommended dose.

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Ginger
Zingiber officinale
The main action of Ginger is on the digestive system. It is an excellent treatment for nausea of any kind, in particular morning and travel sickness. It is useful for cases of food poisoning, diarrhoea and IBS where there is no inflammation. Ginger is also used as a circulatory stimulant helping in cases of cold hands and feet, brain fatigue and general weakness. The dried powder has a stronger effect than the fresh root. Added to most mixtures, it will give a pleasant flavour and encourage better absorption and distribution of the active compounds.

Dosage:
A pinch – quarter of a tsp of the dried powder can be added to any herbal tea. A half cm thickness of fresh ginger can be sliced and decocted in a cup water for 5- 10 minutes.
Contraindications:
Do not take in cases of kidney problems or inflammation in the colon.

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