Home Herbals with Jacinta

I had a request this month to write about simple home remedies so I asked the team of naturopaths at Mullum Herbals for their favourites and added them to mine for this list:

Herbs – can be used as teas or in foods fresh from your garden or dried from us, or other organic herb suppliers. Can also be used as liquid tinctures, glycetracts (which are sweeter so can be easier for the kids to take), capsules or tablets.

Peppermint – aids digestion, can lift energy levels, soothes tummy after rich foods

Chamomile – reduces stress, can help sleep, and soothe colic and digestion

Fennel Seed – aids digestion, reduces spasms and gas, reduces congestion and phlegm

Licorice (herb not the lolly!) –  balances blood sugars, lifts tiredness and supports adrenals

Comfrey – the root heals bones and tissues, powerful tonic for lungs and respiratory system   - the leaves are anti-inflammatory and astringent, highly nutritious (try in soup)

Rosemary – helps memory and mind, soothes headaches, also great for skin and hair

Lavender – Reduces stress, calms and soothes, aids sleep, soothes burns and bites

Lemon Balm – reduces stress and anxiety, soothes the nervous system, calms the heart

Tumeric – never use raw as its too hard on the liver, add to cooking or simmer and then add to other things when cool. Reduces inflammation, is a great anti-oxidant and general healer

Nettle – a good digestible source of iron, calcium, copper and vitamin A. Heals burns and stings, and also benefits the skin, liver, and hair. (Easy to grow but watch the sting!)

Cinnamon – aids circulation, promotes digestion, strengthens, warms the kidneys

Slippery Elm – healing and soothing for the whole gastro-intestinal tract. Mix with a yummy tasting liquid like apple juice. Great for stomach pain, gas, constipation, nausea

Triphala (Three ayurvedic fruits so not in your garden but is so amazing I had to include it) - heals all sorts of digestive problems and helps in absorbing. Best taken before meals and/or supplements, helps the liver so great after a big night out, high in vitamin C, great anti-oxidant, helps us absorb iron and B vitamins from our food

Oregano – reduces worms and parasites, helps dizziness, tonic for hair, scalp and cramps

Gotu Kola – aids memory, tissue rejuvenator, heals joints, reduces arthritis

Cumin seeds – aids digestion, reduces flatulence

For more info or questions contact Jacinta.

---