Sunday, May 11, 2008

Using Herbal Medicines As Common Household Remedies

Asia is quite famous for being knowledgeable about household remedies for common illnesses and health problems. Using only the natural quality of herbal plants, these individuals have been using herbal medicines as an alternative to expensive synthetic drugs.

Modern medical experts agree that compounds found in plants have medicinal qualities that can remedy common ailments, and can be used as supplements for treating major ones.

Household Remedies Found In Your Own Backyard

You don’t have to look for herbal medicines in the forest or some remote jungle in far off continents. In truth, some of these are growing right out in the backyard, or can be purchased in local supermarkets and vegetable shops.

1. Garlic. A common ingredient in many recipes, garlic contains chemicals that can reduce the cholesterol and control blood pressure in the human body.

2. Guava Leaf. Rural areas in Asian countries use the antiseptic quality of guava leaves in cleaning wounds. It can also be used as a mouthwash to treat gum infections and tooth decay.

3. Peppermint. This is used as relief for minor aches and pains in the human body. It can be internally taken or can be pounded and applied directly on afflicted areas.

4. Chinese Honey Suckle. The dried matured seeds of this plant are perfect for eliminating intestinal worms, especially among kids. Crack and ingest around 5 to 7 of dried seeds at least two hours before meals. One dose is enough, but can be repeated after a week if it does not eliminate the problem.

5. Ringworm Bush. Perfect for treating ringworms and other skin fungal infections.

6. Bitter Gourd. Sometimes called bitter melon, this vegetable is known to treat diabetes mellitus for non-insulin dependent patients.

Preparing Herbal Medicines

Before using herbal medicines to cure common illnesses, it is best to know how to prepare them to maximize its effect. For starters, you need to make sure that the herbs are grown naturally without the use of pesticides and other chemicals. It is very important that you pick out mature ones only, since they contain most quantities of curative substances and nutrients. When drying them out, its best to sun-dry or air-dry them above the ground, and never on the floor.

When boiling herbs, it is a common rule to use only earthen, glass or enameled utensils to avoid any chemical reactions to metals. Also, keep the pot open to let the harmful substances evaporate out of the pot, leaving only the medicinal qualities in its pure form.

It is best to consult your doctor or physician before taking in herbal medicines to avoid allergic reactions. You may also want to inquire experts in herbal medicines on how to prepare them to maximize its effect.

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