Mint Is A Favorite Among
Herbalists
Mint is one of the herbalist's best friends: there appears
to be at least thirty species of mint, and all can be used in a
number of herbal remedies that are safe and effective.
Mint has become so common that some people even forget its
history as an herbal remedy. Up until the 17th century,
herbalists used most varieties of mint in more or less the same
way. But now herbalists have expressed definite preferences
toward some kinds of mint.
Today it appears that peppermint has gained favor with most
herbalists. Peppermint is indeed the preferred mint variety in
the West, but in China it appears that field mint has prevailed
in popularity.
Another popular mint is garden mint, which is sometimes also
referred to as spearmint. Although spearmint can be used in
much the same way as peppermint, it is mostly recommended for
children.
The aerial parts of the min plant are used to create herbal
remedies. The leaves and other aerial plants of mint plants are
well known for their ability to relax the muscles and stimulate
bile flow in the digestive tract. Mint is well known for its
ability to help treat digestive ailments.
Mint is often used to treat indigestion, colic, flatulence,
and other similar conditions. Min is also thought to help
reduce the feeling of nausea and can be taken to treat motion
sickness. Min can also be used to promote sweating in
individuals suffering from fevers and influenza.
In traditional Chinese medicine, mint is known as bo
he. It is thought of as a cooling remedy for the flu and
head colds. It can also be used to treat headaches, eye
inflammations, and a sore throat.
In traditional Chinese medicine, mint is also used as an
herbal remedy to treat digestive complaints or liver
stagnation.
An Interesting Herb Fact
Antioxidant Rich Milk Thistle Herbal Remedies
The plant milk thistle got its name because it has traditionally been used to stimulate milk flow from nursing mothers. The plant's scientific name is Silybum marianus and it has been used to make healing herbal remedies since the Middle Ages. The leaves of the milk thistle plant are distinctive for their white streaks, and they are said to symbolize milk. Milk thistle was also once used as a highly versatile vegetable, and today the plant is highly regarded by herbalists as an important...
One of the most popular ways to take mint is as an essential
oil. Peppermint oil, for instance, is known to contain large
amounts of menthol. Taken in large doses, peppermint oil is
well known for its cooling, calming and analgesic
properties.
It is also thought to be a good herbal remedy
for treating fevers, skin complaints, migraines and headaches.
Peppermint essential oil is also believed to be antibacterial,
and it is often used to help combat minor infections.
Peppermint oil can also be uses to inhale by
patients suffering from severe nasal congestion. However,
patients should take care to avoid the prolonged use of
peppermint oil as an inhalant.
If breathed in for too long, mint has been
known to irritate the mucous membranes. It should not be given
to very young children directly. Peppermint has also been known
to reduce the flow of milk, so nursing mothers should use extra
caution when dealing with mint.
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Herbalists traditionally describe the
actions of Goldenseal as astringent, a
digestive and bile stimulant, a tonic, and a
laxative.
Goldenseal has also been used to reduce
phlegm, to heal gastric mucous membranes, and
to raise blood pressure.
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The aerial parts of any type of mint plant can
be used to create an infusion, tincture, compress soak, or
inhalation. An infusion of mint leaves can be used to create a
hot tea.
Mint tea is one of the best and easiest way to
consume this helpful herb. It can be used to treat nausea,
indigestion, colic, flatulence, migraines, and fevers.
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