Common Herbs for Common Ailments
By Katie Browning CH
Below are some common herbs used in herbal medicine. The use of each herb stretches far beyond the descriptions given; however, these short lists can give you a basic idea for how to begin using some of our common plant allies!
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla): a wonderfully gentle herb, traditionally known as safe for children. Chamomile is great for calming and soothing nervous or anxious conditions. This herb is also wonderful for soothing an irritated digestive system.
Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia or purpurea): a powerful immune herb! Echinacea really shines in its use for infected wounds, snake and spider bites, and septic conditions. This herb can also be helpful in boosting the immune system during acute infectious illness.
Elder flowers and berries (Sambucus nigra): this beautiful tree gives us some of the most powerful and gentle medicine around! The flowers of the Elder tree are wonderful for helping reduce fevers and soothing the body during respiratory infections, colds and flu. The berries are a wonderful addition to any tea during viral infections. Their nutritive content gives the body a vital boost.
Lavender (Lavendula officinalis): this herb is most known for its ability to relax and sooth nervous conditions. Drinking tea with a little pinch of lavender can be extremely relaxing during stressful times. Even smelling the flowers can calm the nerves and help with relaxation! The oil of lavender can sooth and heal burns, skin inflammations or bug bites.
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis): lovingly known to some as Melissa, this herb is a great aide for digestive issues with cramping and bloating. Melissa is a wonderful herb for soothing the nervous system and brightening energy and moods!
Nettles (Urtica diocia): one of the premier nourishing herbs! Nettles are rich in minerals and can give a vital boost to your energy by giving your body some much needed nourishment. When the body is given its basic tools through nutrition it is extremely skilled at healing and cleansing!
Osha (Ligusticum porteri): this powerful mountain plant is wonderful when used for ailments of the respiratory system. Osha is useful for moving congestion out of the lungs, opening the lungs for deeper breathing and soothing inflamed tissues in the throat. Osha can also stimulate and improve digestion. The harvesting pressures on Osha make it extremely important to obtain these roots from reputable source!
Raspberry (Rhubus sp.): the leaves from this well known plant are extremely nourishing to our bodies! Raspberry leaves are rich with minerals, making them a wonderful addition to a variety of herbal formulas. This plant also has a rich history in women’s health, helping to strengthen reproductive organs.
Roses (Rosa sp.): these beautiful flowers have many uses in herbal medicine! Their astringent nature is helpful for clearing heat and swelling throughout the body. The flowers are wonderful for soothing an aching heart and bringing a calm, relaxed state. The fruit of the rose, rosehips, are rich in vitamin c and other nutrients.
Yarrow (Achellia millifolium): this is a plant with a rich magical history! Stories of its use date back to the times of Achilles, who reportedly used the herb to heal his soldier’s battle wounds. Yarrow is cooling and can assist in bringing relief from fever. Also a great first aide herb, yarrow can help astringe bleeding wounds.