Using Herbs to Heal

There are wonderful healing herbs available free for the picking, in your yard and neighborhood, all you need to do is look around. Wild herbs have been used for centuries to heal and keep your body healthy. (Just make sure you pick plants that haven’t been walked on by people or peed on by the local dogs)

Here are a few herbs that are readily found and easy to use:

Dandelions-  These beauties grow everywhere.With dandelions, you can use the whole plant. The leaves and flowers can be used in fresh salads or blended up in a morning smoothie. The roots can be set out to dry and used for tea. This plant is a great liver tonic, helping cleanse your body and giving you beautiful skin.

Horse tail- You find this tall slim plant near water ways. Horse tail is great for the skin, joints, and tendons. Pick yourself some and let it dry, then add it to a tea. I like to add some oat straw for added bone strengthening action.

Yerba Mansa- This is one of my local plants which grows near water. It’s as magical as ginseng. Research shows it has healing effects for all sorts of maladies, including skin cancer. This entire plant too can be used as a tea.

If you are not as adventuresome and want to find your herbs, let’s say at a grocery store, here are some great ways to use culinary herbs for better health:

Parsley & Cilantro- are both great body cleansers. Add both or either to your morning smoothie for more detoxing benefits.

Ginger- a great herb for stimulating digestion. Add a small section to some hot water and drink prior to eating. This herb has a heating effect that will get your digestion going, helping you to more fully digest your food. This helps with weight loss, better vitamin absorption, and boosting immunity.

Onion- For a great detoxing trick, slice an onion and place it to the bottoms of your feet prior to bed. The onion pulls toxins out while you sleep. You can use plastic wrap to secure the onion then slip a sock over your foot to help hold it into place.

I could go on and on. The healing powers of our plants is awesome and most have little to no side effects. All it takes is a little knowledge. With spring here and summer nearing, check to see if there are any local herb walks available in your area. Most of these are free or a small cost. This is a great way to find what is growing in your area> then you too, can use the power of local herbs to heal your body.