Five Fabulous Herbs

Super herb for gas and bloating: Dill [ Anethum graveolens ]

A certain amount of gas is normal, but at times excess gas can be embarrassing. Dill with its soothing and calming action on the digestive system is the preferred herb to curb excess gas. Dill’s essential oil is responsible for reducing excess bloating.

Dosage: Grind 1 tablespoon of dill seed to a fine powder to release the oil. Add the ground seed to 1 cup of boiling water. You can drink up to 3 cups each day to relieve bloating. Or you may use 1 tablespoon of fresh dill, finely chopped. Prepare it the same as you would the ground seed.

Super herb for nausea: Peppermint [ Mentha x piperita ]. Nothing like a 24-hour stomach bug or a bout of car-sickness to make you feel miserable. When this happens reach for the peppermint. Peppermint works great for nausea, churning sensations in the stomach, and gas pains in the lower bowel. Peppermint’s anti- spasmodic actions work on the gastrointestinal tract, relieving bloat, dizziness and gas pains.

Dosage: Add 15 drops of peppermint tincture to 10 ounces of water, or infuse 1 teaspoon of fresh or dried peppermint leaves in 8 ounces of boiling water. Steep the mixture about 3 minutes, strain out the herb and drink.

Super herb for fatigue: Siberian ginseng [ Elentherococcus senticosus ]. If you find your energy levels lower than usual, a stimulating herbal pick-me-up may be helpful. Siberian ginseng is a stimulating herb for people who are tired and run-down from daily stress. This herb is traditionally used to help build up energy levels during a recovery period from illness, surgery, injury, or an emotional crisis. For sufferers of chronic fatigue syndrome, Siberian ginseng may prove beneficial when taken on a daily basis.

Dosage: Take commercially prepared Siberian ginseng tablets according to manufacturer’s instructions. Use for a period of up to 6 weeks.

Terrific Turmeric: Turmeric [ Curcuma longo ]. Turmeric is an Ayurvedic anti-inflammatory herb and has been used for centuries as a topical treatment for psoriasis and other skin disorders.. Turmeric is a well – documented antioxidant, anti-flammatory as well as an immune stimulator. A bright yellow pigment called curcumin gives turmeric its color. Turmeric is also a liver and gall bladder tonic that cleanses the body of toxins.

Dosage: Mix 1/2 teaspoon of powdered turmeric in a glass of water and drink 2 or 3 times daily for up to 4 weeks. For topical use: 2 tablespoons of turmeric and 1 tablespoon of baking soda, add enough hot water to make a thick paste. Apply to rough, dry, scaly skin and allow the mixture to dry. Rinse the area well and allow it air dry. Daily applications of the turmeric/baking soda mixture will result in a significant reduction of dry patches and raised areas from psoriasis.

Help for insomia: Losing out on a good night’s sleep can be enough to ruin your whole day. The right herb and correct dosage may prevent this from happening. Valerian [ Valeriana officinalis]. Clinically proven herbal sedative. Quite a few clinical studies support valerian’s reputation as a sedative herb. It helps insomia sufferers to fall asleep quicker and stay asleep through the night. Unlike over the counter sedatives, valerian very rarely produces side effects.

Dosage: Valerian can be purchased in capsule or dried root form from GNC and other health food stores. Valerian is not habit forming, and works best when taken every night for over a period of several weeks.

Always consult with a health care professional or primary care physician before taking any herbal supplements.

~ Meadow Walker