THE HEALING POWER HERBS
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The Healing Power Of Herbs
Traditional cures from plants and herbs have been used by herbalists and apothecaries throughout the centuries. Herbs do more than simply adding flavour and colour to your favourite dishes, their healing and restorative powers are pretty impressive too...
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According to the UK's leading organic herb grower Jekka McVicar the healing power of herbs is grossly underestimated: "We are what we eat. We don't doubt that fruits and vegetables, seeds and nuts contain a range of vitamins, minerals and cancer-fighting properties, yet the nutrient content and medicinal properties of herbs are often overlooked."
With that in mind, here's the lowdown on herbs and how they may help...
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To help prevent tumours Some herbs contain phytochemicals called terpenoids which are potent antioxidants, thought to inhibit the growth of tumours. |
Caraway, spearmint, dill, coriander, lavender, rosemary, sage, thyme, lemongrass, chamomile, basil, rosemary, mint, cardamom, celery seed, fennel and peppermint. |
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As natural antiseptics There is anecdotal evidence to suggest that some herbs have antiseptic qualities. Jekka McVicar says: "Before refrigerators were invented, large households stored cold meats in their cellars, covered in salt and wrapped in fresh sage leaves to preserve it. After shooting, fresh game was left to hang to tenderise along with bunches of fresh thyme, not only to add flavour, but also because thyme's antiseptic properties helped prevent stomach upsets when the game was eaten." |
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To boost the immune system Herbs high in flavonoids may also have mild anti-inflammatory properties. Garlic is known to be good for the immune system and may stimulate cells which attack invading organisms. Echinacea is the best-known herb thought to have immune boosting qualities. It stimulates the immune system promoting the activity of lymphocytes - types of cells which circulate in the body ready to eliminate foreign 'invaders' such as viruses. |
Onions, rosemary, sage, thyme, chamomile, dandelion, ginkgo, green tea and milk thistle
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To promote heart health Garlic, like onions, is not normally thought of as a herb but according to Jekka McVicar it is one. Research suggests garlic may protect against heart attacks and strokes because it helps lower bad cholesterol. Substances called catechins have also been shown to have cholesterol-reducing properties.
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garlic, green tea Reduce cholesterol |
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Some herbs contain anthocyanins - the pigments responsible for the red, pink, purple, and blue shades of some fruit and flowers. Anthocyanins can also help reduce the formation of harmful cholesterol, so they may provide some protection. |
rosehip tea
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Herbs which may heal Many herbs are reputed to have healing qualities. Jekka McVicar keeps a pot of aloe vera on her kitchen windowsill as she's prone to burning herself when cooking. She just breaks off a leaf and rubs the glutinous gel on the burn to help prevent blistering. Jekka suggests making your own teas with one teaspoon of dried or two teaspoons of fresh herbs per cup of freshly boiled water. |
Chamomile for insomnia; dill or peppermint for indigestion; elderflower for relief from a cold; lemon balm for tension and headaches; rosemary to improve concentration and bad breath. |
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Take care
Some herbs should not be used if you are pregnant, trying to conceive or if you suffer from certain medical complaints. Excessive use of some herbs (such as rosemary, sage, sorrel and thyme) may be harmful to health. Consult a professional medical herbalist for more information. To find a qualified medical herbalist, call the National Institute of Medical Herbalists.
All health content is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. If you have any concerns about your general health, you should contact your local health care provider.