Ginger Decreases nausea, boosts the Use 2 teaspoons of powdered or grated
immune system, lowers blood root per cup of boiling water. Steep 20
pressure. minutes, strain; add juice from half a
lemon and honey to taste. Drink hot up to
3 cups a day. Dilute ginger infusion to
treat infant colic. If you buy whole root,
refrigerate it.
Mint Relaxes the digestive tract; For an infusion, use 1 teaspoon of fresh
used to treat colds, coughs, herb or 2 teaspoons of dried leaves per
and fevers. cup of boiling water. Steep 10 minutes,
strain, and drink up to 3 cups a day.
Peppermint has a sharper taste than
spearmint and feels cooler in the mouth.
For a relaxing herbal bath, fill a cloth bag
with a few handfuls of dried or fresh
leaves and let the water run over it.
Rosemary Stimulates circulation and For tired, sore feet, make a footbath by
relaxes tired and sore muscles. adding 10 drops of essential oil to a basin
of hot water large enough to hold both
feet. Stir the oil into the water with your
handPutting Herbs in Perspective.
Because herbs are marketed as “natural” or promoted as foods, consumers may
assume incorrectly that herbs are safe and without side effects. It is important that
you remember that natural remedies should be approached with respect. They work
because they have strong pharmacological activity. And while herbs are generally
much safer than prescription drugs, if you abuse or overuse them, they can cause
harm.
Although herbs can be quite effective, it is also important to not become fanatical. If
you have a life-threatening illness such as asthma, experience chest pain, or you
notice more benign symptoms that persist for longer than a few days, you must seek
medical attention. While it may be healthy to take echinacea if you feel a cold com-
ing on, any serious ailment should be diagnosed by a health care practitioner before
undertaking an herbal cure.
Self-diagnosis and self-care are by nature subject to limits. Conventional medicine is
best used in crisis situations, and herbs are best used in noncrisis situations.94 ABSOLUTE BEGINNER’S GUIDE TOALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
Table 6.3 Continued
Herb Uses Preparations