COMMON KITCHEN HERBS THAT HEAL What follows is a short list of herbs commonly found in kitchens, or easily found in most supermarkets. This list is alphabetical by herb. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Anise (Pimpinella ansium) Anise helps expel gas, relieves nausea and stomach pain caused by gas. To use: crush anise seeds into a powder. Put 1 teaspoon of the powder into 1 cup of warm water. Drink up to three times a day to relieve symptoms. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Basil (Ocimum basilicum) Basil is another anti-nauseant that also relieves gas, and promotes normal bowel function. To use: Make a strong tea using 1 teaspoon of the crushed dried herb in a half- cup of water. Drink as needed, not to exceed three cups a day. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Capsicum or Cayenne (Capsicum frutescens) Cayenne helps stimulate the appetite and acts as a milk stimulant. It may reduce discomfort from the common cold. To use: make a tea out of the dried herb, 1 teaspoon per cup of hot water. 2 cups per day only. Note: Cayenne irritates hemorrhoids and should never be used by people with stomach problems. Do not exceed recommended dosage as high doses can cause stomach and kidney problems. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Caraway (Carum carvi) Caraway works as an expectorant for coughs due to colds. It also improves the appetite and may increase breast milk in nursing mothers. To use: Chew some seeds three or four times a day. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dill (Aniethum graveolens) Dill eases indigestion and upset stomachs. To use: make a strong tea by steeping 2 teaspoons of dill seeds in 1 cup of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain and drink one half-cup 2 to 3 times daily. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fennel (Foeniculum velgare) Fennel is a digestive aid and is known to relieve cramps. The oil is used to relieve stiff joints. To use: 15 drops of extract in warm water with honey, one daily, as digestive aid. Rub oil directly on affected area for pain alleviation. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fenugreek (Trigonella graceum) Fenugreek relieves sore throats and is useful for treating irritations and other inflammations. To use: as a gargle for sore throat ñ mix 1 tablespoon of pulverized seed in 1 cup hot water. Let steep for 10 minutes and strain. Gargle 3 times a day, every 3-4 hours. As a poultice for skin irritations ñ pulverize enough seed so that when mixed with 8 ounces of water, it forms a thick paste. Apply paste to affected areas once a day. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Garlic (Allium satvum) Garlic helps fight infections, lowers blood pressure and may be able to destroy some cancer cells. To use: stir-fry cloves for a few minutes to cut down garlic-breath. Eat 2 or 3 a day for maximum effectiveness. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ginger (Zingiber officinalis) Ginger eases cold symptoms, soothes skin inflammations and minor burns, calms upset stomachs, and is a natural remedy for morning sickness. To use: for burn and inflammations ñ mash fresh ginger root, soak cotton ball and then rub juice on the affected area. For all else ñ add ginger extract to hot water, 10 drops per cup. This can be taken up to three times daily. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Parsley (Petroselinium sativum) Parsley settles stomachs after meals. If also helps clear congestion due to colds and is soothing for asthma. To use: make a strong tea using 1 teaspoon dried, ground parsley in 1 cup hot water. Let steep 10-15 minutes. Take once a day. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Peppermint (Mentha piperita) Mint is an anti-spasmodic and is excellent for relieving cramps and stomach pain. It also relieves gas and aids in digestion. It can help reduce the sick feeling associated with migraines. To use: drink one cup as a tea. Commercial teas are available. (Make sure it is only mint, not mint flavored.) Drink as needed. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) Rosemary is used for most head pains. To use: as tea, to relieve nervous tension, make a strong tea. Rub rosemary essential oil on the temples to relieve headaches. Mix essential oils or leaves with olive oil to make a dandruff treatment. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sage (Salvia officinalis) Sage reduces perspiration and can be used to ease sore gums. To use: to relieve perspiration, medium tea, one time daily. To ease gums, strong infusion, gargled, 3 times daily. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) Thyme is good for chronic respiratory problems, cold flu and sore throat. It is also an anti-fungal. To use: make a tea of the dried herb, drink daily. As an anti-fungal, rub extract on affected areas. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Turmeric (Curcuma longa) Turmeric promotes good liver function and helps prevent gallbladder disease. It also may help prevent over-clotting of blood cells, and may help relieve arthritis symptoms. To use: take 300mg up to 3 times daily. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------