subject: Choosing The Herbal Treatment That Works For You [print this page] Herbal remedies have been around for many generations. The Chinese have used herbs for treating ailments and disorders of all types. Specific herbs have specific uses. These herbal remedies have been passed down through the years generation to generation.
Below we are going to talk about the forms of topical herbal treatments used for external use.
1. Salve
Salves are healing treatments that are applied to the skin. Salves normally consist of thick creams , capable of lasting a long time. Salves are also used in protecting your skin from the sun and wind. The more well-liked herbs being used are Calendula, St. John's Wart and Comfrey.
2. Poultice
A poultice is a treatment using fresh or dried whole herbs. The herbs need to be mashed into a pasty form and then applied directly to the affected area. In many cases in treating different problems, the herbs can be heated and dampened, then applied to the skin. Back in the day when our Great Grandparents and Grandparents were living this was the way of treating many things. For instance, applying herbs to a wounds, to burns, rashes and much more.
3. Compress
Not that much different from a Poultice, the compress consists of using mashed fresh and dried herbs, making a paste. This paste in then bundled together in fabric, and held against the affected area.
4. Oils
We make infused oils by adding herbs to oil. The most common oil used is extra virgin olive oil. We then heat the oil and herbs, mixing well. The mixture is then steeped for a minimum of two weeks. Once the steeping process is complete we then strain and put into jars or bottles. These oils are often used as a massage oil and work really good with skin irritations.
5. Ointment
Very similar to salves, ointments are thicker in consistency. They are used topically on the skin and are very good for minor skin irritations, such as scrapes and burns.
6. Syrup
Syrups are very much like Tinctures, exception of being a little thicker liquid, and are commonly used alone as a remedy. For the most part syrups have a higher level of concentrates from the herb, and directions should be followed closely.
7. Tea
The Chinese have been using herbal teas for thousands of years. Herbal teas are readily available everywhere you look. Grocery stores, drug stores, health food stores, just about anywhere. There are many herbal teas that are used to manage and cure different ailments and sicknesses.
8. Tablets - Capsules
Other than infusions, capsules are the most common way of using herbs, tablet form is also very popular. Herbal supplements are taken in the same manner as an aspirin. They dissolve in the stomach, dispensing the herbal supplement and begin doing their job.
When you are choosing herbal products there are some things to keep in mind...
First you need to identify your problem and find what product is best to relieve symptoms. Sometimes there are additional ingredients that may be unnecessary for
your ailment. Always choose a product that most closely identifies to the symptoms you are experiencing.
Always know what you are taking and why. Some herbal products can cause reactions you weren't expecting. It's also a good idea to consult with your doctor before giving herbal supplements a go.
