Herbal medicine today – a modern approach to health

Despite the advancement and development of the pharmaceutical industry, many preparations are based on herbs and plant extracts. Plants have many valuable properties that have a healing effect on the body. Our grandmothers knew this, and they had remedies for most ailments in their kitchens. Nowadays, herbal treatments are often an excellent complement to conventional medicine.

What is herbal medicine?

Herbal medicine, also known as phytotherapy, is one of the oldest branches of natural medicine, which involves treating ailments with plants and plant preparations. Various concoctions are prepared from herbs, such as infusions, tinctures, macerates, rinses and teas. Thanks to them, we can provide the body with many vitamins and minerals that will support its proper functioning. Modern herbal medicine uses various combinations of herbs and plants that complement each other's effects. Such herbal mixtures are mainly available in the form of drops or syrups.

How to supplement medicinal herbs?

Herbal supplementation allows us to provide many valuable ingredients and vitamins. Natural preparations can have a very strong effect, so we should not approach them lightly. Herbs used in excess can be harmful, so we should strictly follow the information provided on the packaging. Proper dosage is the key to reaping all the benefits of medicinal plants.

As with any supplement, regularity and consistency are the keys to success when it comes to herbs. A single dose of herbal mixtures will not bring the expected results. Another important thing is to perform an allergy test. Natural substances can be highly allergenic, so when using them for the first time, it is worth paying special attention to whether any side effects occur.

Properties of selected medicinal herbs

Although many medicinal herbs grow in Poland and can be collected even during a walk, it is only worth doing so when we are sure which herbs we are collecting. It is much safer to go to a pharmacy or herbal shop, where we can get professional help and advice on choosing herbs and preparations.

Medicinal plants contain many valuable substances and minerals. Vitamin A, B vitamins, macro- and microelements, and antibacterial phenols are just some of them. If we want to benefit from herbs, we should know the properties of specific herbs and plants.

• Common nettle
  Common nettle (Urtica dioica) is a plant found throughout Europe. This inconspicuous plant has extremely valuable properties for the human body. It has a diuretic effect, which supports the excretion of toxins from the body, supports metabolism, helps with stomach ailments and lowers cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Nettle contains substances such as vitamins C, A and K, magnesium, iron, silicon and essential oils. Nettle is also a plant often used in cosmetics – it inhibits hair loss and accelerates new hair growth, as well as alleviating dandruff and excessive sebum production on the scalp.

• Peppermint
  Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is a popular remedy for stomach problems, vomiting, digestive problems, liver and bile duct diseases. It has antibacterial properties and lowers blood pressure. To prepare the infusion, pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 tablespoon of dried mint leaves and drink 3 times a day. In addition to vitamins, mint also contains phytosterols and flavonoids.

• Small-leaved lime
  Small-leaved lime (Tilia cordata) is a species of tree found throughout Europe. In herbal medicine, linden flowers are used, and their infusion has many beneficial properties. It has a diaphoretic effect and reduces temperature, so it is commonly used for colds and respiratory diseases. In addition, linden flowers have a soothing effect on the stomach, regulate its function and inhibit vomiting.

• St. John's wort
  St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a plant commonly found in forests, along roadsides and in meadows. It has a wide range of applications in herbal medicine and has a beneficial effect on the liver, intestines, uterus, stomach and blood vessels, among other things. It acts on the nervous system and has calming properties. It is also used for headaches and migraines. St. John's wort infusion is prepared from about 15-20g of the herb and 2 cups of boiling water and is drunk 2-3 times a day.

• Dandelion
  Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is often treated as a weed, but it is a valuable medicinal raw material. It stimulates the liver to produce bile, improves the functioning of the bile ducts and prevents bile stagnation in the gallbladder. It has an extremely beneficial effect on the pancreas, thus supporting the entire digestive process. In addition to dandelion infusion, syrup is also often made from its flowers, commonly known as dandelion honey. This syrup helps treat colds, sore throats and coughs.

It is impossible to list all the properties of herbs and medicinal plants. Their effects are extremely varied, but the most important properties include: antitussive and expectorant, diuretic, choleretic, sedative, soothing and antiemetic effects.

In what forms can we use the properties of herbs?

Using medicinal herbs is extremely simple! In most cases, all we need is dried herbs and hot water to make an infusion, which we then drink several times a day as recommended.

In addition to aromatic infusions, we also use herbs to make macerates, for example. To make a macerate, we need a selected base oil, such as rapeseed or sunflower oil, and herbs. The herbs should be covered with oil and left in a sunny place for 2-3 weeks. Shake the jar daily to ensure that the herbs are constantly covered with oil! These ready-made herbal oils can be used directly on the skin or added to creams, lotions, ointments and homemade soaps.

Herbs are also used to produce hydrolates, otherwise known as floral waters. These are a by-product of the extraction of essential oils and have similar properties, but in lower concentrations. Hydrolates are ideal for use as facial toners, hair rinses or body mists.

Another common herbal product is tinctures. These are essences of selected herbs dissolved in alcohol. They are not suitable for direct consumption and must be diluted according to the manufacturer's instructions. Such tinctures are effective for skin diseases and infections, but also as a mouthwash solution.

Did you know... - interesting facts about herbs

Herbs have many properties that are widely known. In every home, mint tea was used for stomach ache or nausea. However, herbs have many interesting properties that not everyone knows about, for example:

• Chewing mint leaves stops hiccups.

• A bath with sage added inhibits excessive sweating.

• Fresh basil planted in a pot repels flies and moths.

• The name thyme comes from the Greek ‘thymos’ and means courage.

• Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world. A kilogram can cost as much as £40,000!

Herbal medicine, although known for thousands of years, is still appreciated in pharmaceuticals. If you want to take care of your health naturally and support your body's functioning, try medicinal herbs. They will be an invaluable support to conventional treatment.

Bibliography

‘Herbs Work Wonders’, Andrzej Skarżyński, Healthy Man Library Publishing House, 1994.

‘Herbs for Everyone’, Piotr and Dorota Metera, Trade Union Publishing Institute, 1990.