Healing Herbs - Part 5

There are literally thousands of herbs that are used for healing around the world. Most herbs can be taken in capsule, tablet or liquid forms as well as in teas. Here are five more of some of the most popular healing herbs and instructions for using them. Of course, if you are pregnant or have serious health problems, be sure to talk to your doctor before using medicinal herbs.

1. Thyme:

Eases cough and upper respiratory infections.

Pour boiling water over 1 tsp. of dried herb and steep to make a tea.

2. Uva Ursi (bearberry):

Helps relieve fluid retention and fights inflammation in the urinary tract.

Pour cold water over 1 tsp. of coarsely powdered leaves and let stand for 12-24 hours to make a tea.

3. Valerian:

Good for insomnia.

Pour boiling water over 2 tsp. of finely cut root and steep to make a tea.

4. Willow Bark:

Helps ease pain, fever and headaches.

Pour boiling water over 1-2 tsp. of finely chopped bark and steep to make a tea.

5. Yarrow:

Good for indigestion and for stimulating the appetite.

Pour boiling water over 1 heaping tsp. of finely chopped herb and steep to make a tea.

Source: The Doctors Book of Food Remedies: The Newest Discoveries in the Power of Food to Treat and Prevent Health Problems-From Aging and Diabetes to Ulcers by Selene Yeager and the Editors of Prevention Health Books.