By Anthony Urso
There is an abundance of natural remedies available to us in the wild. In addition to being a food source, many plants can be used as a source of healing and to boost overall wellness. Some common benefits of medicinal plants and herbs include soothing skin rashes and swelling, decreasing inflammation in the joints to reduce or eliminate arthritis pain, boosting immune system to fight off colds and other viruses, addressing symptoms of diarrhea, calming migraines and addressing many other ailments.
All over the globe, cultures have been relying on medicinal herbs and plants to treat a variety of ailments for centuries. Prior to the invention of conventional medication, these natural remedies were the only treatment available and they worked for many, many conditions. Medicinal herbs and plants are plentiful in many areas, and in order to be able to use them for healing purposes, you must first know where they grow and understand what properties they contain.
Althea Officinalis
Althea Officinalis, also known as marshmallow, is often found growing in the wild. It can often be found growing along the roadside, by the river banks and along hedges. Althea enjoys heavy sun and can easily be incorporated into a home garden. The roots, leaves and entire plant can be used if picked before the plant flowers. The roots are high in polysaccharides and flavonoids. The leaf and flower also contain flavonoids and caffeic acid. This plant is used for skin irritations, sore throats and ulcers.
Althea Officinalis, also known as marshmallow, is often found growing in the wild. It can often be found growing along the roadside, by the river banks and along hedges. Althea enjoys heavy sun and can easily be incorporated into a home garden. The roots, leaves and entire plant can be used if picked before the plant flowers. The roots are high in polysaccharides and flavonoids. The leaf and flower also contain flavonoids and caffeic acid. This plant is used for skin irritations, sore throats and ulcers.
Image by food-info.net
American Ginseng
American Ginseng is a gnarled root that is beige or light tan in color. It resembles the body of a human with stringy shoots that resemble arms and legs. In the center of the plant, greenish-yellow flowers form that yield red berries. It grows in American forests that shed their leaves each year, primarily in the Ozark and Appalachian regions. American Ginseng was used for centuries by Native Americans to help boost the immune system and to calm inflammation. Modern research points to evidence that American Ginseng may boost the immune system, reduce the risk of cancer, boost overall well being, calm inflammation and improve mental performance. Many studies demonstrate that it is an effective antioxidant.
American Ginseng is a gnarled root that is beige or light tan in color. It resembles the body of a human with stringy shoots that resemble arms and legs. In the center of the plant, greenish-yellow flowers form that yield red berries. It grows in American forests that shed their leaves each year, primarily in the Ozark and Appalachian regions. American Ginseng was used for centuries by Native Americans to help boost the immune system and to calm inflammation. Modern research points to evidence that American Ginseng may boost the immune system, reduce the risk of cancer, boost overall well being, calm inflammation and improve mental performance. Many studies demonstrate that it is an effective antioxidant.
Image by fws.gov
Barberry
Barberry, a thorny shrub that can reach heights up to 9 feet tall, bears yellow flowers that produce either red or blue blackberries. Both the fresh and dried fruits, the roots, the stem and root bark, have all been used to fight infection, treat skin conditions,ward off diseases and to keep wounds free of infections. Recent studies have shown that this herb can be effective in killing organisms that cause diarrhea, dysentery, giardiasis, wound infections, vaginal yeast infections and urinary tract infections. Barberry works by stimulating the immune system by boosting white blood cells.
Barberry, a thorny shrub that can reach heights up to 9 feet tall, bears yellow flowers that produce either red or blue blackberries. Both the fresh and dried fruits, the roots, the stem and root bark, have all been used to fight infection, treat skin conditions,ward off diseases and to keep wounds free of infections. Recent studies have shown that this herb can be effective in killing organisms that cause diarrhea, dysentery, giardiasis, wound infections, vaginal yeast infections and urinary tract infections. Barberry works by stimulating the immune system by boosting white blood cells.
Image by bio.brandeis.edu
Billberry
Billberry, a small but hardy shrub with droopy red flowers that yield small dark blue berries, is a close relative to the blueberry. Billberry contains powerful antioxidants that help to improve the condition of red blood cells, strengthen blood vessels, lower cholesterol and blood pressure, and strengthen tendons and other collagen tissues. This plant grows in acidic soil that is generally nutrient deficient. These plants are difficult to grow and the fruits mostly come from plants found already growing in the wild in various regions of the world.
Billberry, a small but hardy shrub with droopy red flowers that yield small dark blue berries, is a close relative to the blueberry. Billberry contains powerful antioxidants that help to improve the condition of red blood cells, strengthen blood vessels, lower cholesterol and blood pressure, and strengthen tendons and other collagen tissues. This plant grows in acidic soil that is generally nutrient deficient. These plants are difficult to grow and the fruits mostly come from plants found already growing in the wild in various regions of the world.
Image by futureceuticals.com
Borage
Borage, also referred to as star flower, is a herbaceous plant with hairy leaves that yields bright blue flowers. This herb has an abundance of essential fatty acids, calcium and iron. Borage helps improve adrenal function, improve energy, calm the mind, treat depression, eliminate mood swings and calm eczema and dermatitis. It is very easy to grow the Borage plant forms seeds, and it will readily self-seed each year. Borage grows best in full sun and soil that is moderately moist.
Borage, also referred to as star flower, is a herbaceous plant with hairy leaves that yields bright blue flowers. This herb has an abundance of essential fatty acids, calcium and iron. Borage helps improve adrenal function, improve energy, calm the mind, treat depression, eliminate mood swings and calm eczema and dermatitis. It is very easy to grow the Borage plant forms seeds, and it will readily self-seed each year. Borage grows best in full sun and soil that is moderately moist.
Image by treefrogfarm.com
Catnip
Catnip, a member of the mint family, is used to treat cold symptoms, reduce fever, decrease swelling, soothe migraines and ease stomach upset. when applied topically it can help stop bleeding. This perennial can be found growing in many regions. Young leaves can be eaten raw, while older leaves can be used to flavor soups and other cooked foods. The flowers, both fresh and dried, can be used to make a hot tea that can help with digestive discomfort.
Catnip, a member of the mint family, is used to treat cold symptoms, reduce fever, decrease swelling, soothe migraines and ease stomach upset. when applied topically it can help stop bleeding. This perennial can be found growing in many regions. Young leaves can be eaten raw, while older leaves can be used to flavor soups and other cooked foods. The flowers, both fresh and dried, can be used to make a hot tea that can help with digestive discomfort.
Image by medicalhealthguide.com
About the Author
Anthony Urso is a professional firefighter and the author of "Surviving Disaster - A Family's Guide to Emergency Preparedness". Anthony consults in the areas of emergency preparedness, homesteading and promotes self-reliance. He also writes for a number of publications including The American Preppers Network.
"As a firefighter, I see every day how an emergency can affect a family. I strive on helping people with their emergency and survival plans while continuing the course on my own preparedness journey."
You can follow Anthony on his blog HomesteadandPrepper.com
"As a firefighter, I see every day how an emergency can affect a family. I strive on helping people with their emergency and survival plans while continuing the course on my own preparedness journey."
You can follow Anthony on his blog HomesteadandPrepper.com
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