Applying Herbal Medicine

​Our society has been indoctrinated to see “medicine” in pill and syrup forms, taken or injected to treat illnesses, infections and all manner of ailments. But what did people do BEFORE big pharma?! Our ancestors, from every walk of life, were learned in using what nature provided to treat their maladies. There was no hospital, just a handful of people who were a bit weird and seemed to always be touching and talking to plants; they were the people who looked up at sunny skies and proclaimed rian was on the way before a downpour only hours later. If you have ever wanted to tap into your inner herbalist, then treating minor injuries and illnesses is a great way to start! Here are a few quick tips for deciding HOW to treat yourself using herbal
medicine.

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​​1. Determine the source. No matter if you are dealing with a bruise or a sore throat, first and foremost you should follow the discomfort as far back as you can. Say for example you have a headache. Maybe a day ago you started feeling your shoulders or lower back tense and spasm. As you acknowledge the pain you feel in your head, you can also relate the preceding symptoms and treat beyond the headache to the TRUE source.

2. Choose your medicine. I have quite a few books about which herbs are appropriate for different cases. I will list a few for your reference, but feel free to research any and all herbs you have within reach to find out their healing properties!
● Mint: soothes upset stomach, repels insects, relieves headache and muscle
tension.
● Lavender: use on skin conditions; to alleviate symptoms of depression
● Lemongrass: speed acne healing, repel insects, boost mood.
● Rosemary: anti-bacterial, antiseptic oil can be used to treat many topical ailments. I like to use rosemary in salves because of its multipurpose uses.
● Lemon Balm: digestive problems, pain, headache, toothache and boosts mood.
● Sage: for toothache, make a mouthwash by making a sage and clove infusion,
then use to reduce pain and infection.
● Ginger: soothes upset stomach and aids smooth digestion.
● Garlic: relieves toothache by cutting a chunk to fit on painful tooth. For yeast infections, insert one bulb each night for 5 nights; remove in the morning.

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​3. Application of your herbal medicine. There are many ways to use herbs in medicine, but not all work for each situation. If you tried to use a compress of peppermint on a sore throat, rather than an infusion, there might be a delay in the effectiveness of the treatment.
● Infusion: pretty much this is the same process as making tea - heat water, pour over herbs and allow to steep for about 5 minutes
● Compress: add herbs to washcloth, then wrap it so they don’t fall out. Soak the washcloth in warm water for a minute, wring out and apply topically.
● Slave: this one is a bit more complicated, and involves using essential oils or infused oils, then mixed with some beeswax and used when needed. Add vitamin E oil to preserve longer and add nourishing quality to skin.


​Personally, I live in a fusion of holistic and modern medicine. For anything I KNOW I can treat, I definitely do, but if there is even a seed of doubt, I seek out the professionals (typically, whatever they find can then be treated holistically, but better safe than sorry!) If you have pre-existing conditions, consult your doctor or healthcare provider before treating yourself with herbal medicine, as some herbs have adverse reaction to medications, etc.
Do you use holistic healing methods? What are some you would like to try?

Author: Ariella Upton of Silfren Circle

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