Know Thy Self

Botanicals are not a new way of thinking or a part of any New Age Philosophy. People have used botanicals to heal themselves and others for 100's of years. Once the thinking of using pharmaceuticals (Man-made Medicine) came to be, perhaps we had forgotten about the use of plants for healing that are provided by nature. Sometimes, it is nice to know how we can be proactive with our own health and have access to two different sources of medication. This would be called Intergrative Medicine: combination of conventional and alternative medicine.

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List of Safe and Effective Botanicals

By: Dr. Andrew Weil

Andrew Weil,  M.D. has degrees in biology and medicine from Harvard University. He is also, Clinical Professor of Medicine and Director of the Program in Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona in Tucson. Andrew Weil, M.D. is the best-selling author of ten books.

Aloe - Aloe vera plant from Africa. Superior home remedy for burns; sun and thermal. To use the fresh plant, cut off a lower leaf near the center stalk, cut off any spines along the edge, split the leaf length-wise, score the gel with the point of your knife, and apply it directly to the burn. Aloe vera juice - help heal ulcers and other irritationsof the gastrointestinal tract.

Arnica - Daisylike genus Arnica plant. Excellent external remedy for bruises, sprains and sore muscles and joints. (Do not use it in broken skin) It is made by crushing whole plants and soaking them in alcohol. Then, gently rub over the area. Both the plant and tincture have a characteristic, pleasant smell. Never take arnica or arnica tea internally, the plant is toxic.

Chamomile - is the dried flowers of a low-growing plant of the daisy family. The plant smells, applelike. Chamomile tea is excellent for upset stomachs. (heartburn, indigestion and colic and is completely harmless) As long as the tea bags have a strong fragrance, they are fine to use.

Comfrey - external application is a remarkably effective treatment for wounds that do not heal. Use the root of the plant, which you can buy dried in bulk from many herb suppliers. Grind it to a powder in a blender, and mix the amount you need with water - or with aloe vera gel - to make a paste. Gently pack it into the wound and cover with a bandage. Change daily.

Dong quai - Chinese herbel remedy from the root of Angelica sinensis, a large plant from the carrot family. General tonic for women and the female reproductive system. ( Irregular or difficult menstruation, PMS, Menopausal symptoms, and weakness following childbirth ) A usual dose is one to two capsules two to three times a day. Give it a two-month trial to see how it affects you.

Echinacea - Obtained from the roots of several species of that genus. A natural antibiotic and immune-system enhancer from the native american herbal traditions. (Antiviral, antibacterial and Immunity-enhancing properties) Can buy as tinctures, capsules, tablets and extracts of echinacea. It loses its efficacy when taken continually. It is better to take it for ten days at a time, with two weeks off.

Eleautherococcus - Siberian ginseng. The root of eleutherococcus senticosus plant. Many people in Russia use this to increase endurance and resistance to stress. For people who are run-down, weak, lacking in energy and resistance or suffering from chronic illness) Buy only standardized extracts that state the contect of eletherosides (the active components) and the higher the percentage, the better.

Garlic - Raw garlic is a potent antibiotic, and anitviral; useful also, against fungal infections. Eating raw garlic does not appeal to everyone, but garlic loses its antibiotic porperties when you cook or dry it. (Lowers cholesterol and reduces the clotting tendency of the blood) For ear infections, put a few drops of warm garlic oil in the ear canal, then plug the ear loosely with a piece of cotton. To make garlic oil, crush a few cloves of garlic into some olive oil, let it sit a few days at room temperature, and strain it. keep the oil in a container in the refrigerator and warm it, as needed.

Honey - Use for the treatment of indigestion, coughs and colds, insomnia, headaches and skin wounds. Insomnia- 2oz. in a glass with 5 drops of lavender oil. Then, add this to your bath water. Wounds- Applied externally, honey is useful for healing minor (contains inhibine to heal and prevent infection) Spread honey directly to the wound and cover with a bandage. Coughs, colds and headaches- Mix 1 tsp. of finely chopped thyme in a little honey. Take orally as needed. Hay Fever- Eat local honey. Over time, it may have a desensitizing effect.

Olive Oil - Use to treat hair loss, ear complaints, lower blood cholesterol levels, constipation among others. The vitamin E in Olive oil is an antioxidant. Also, monounsaturated fatty acids are less easily damaged by oxygen than other types of fat. Use only oil labeled "Extra virgin" it guarantees that the oil has been cold-pressed from freshly harvested olives and does not contain chemicals. Hair loss- Massage the scalp with oil every evening for eight days. Let it work overnight and wash out in the morning. Cholesterol- at least 15 percent of daily calories should come from monounsaturated fatty acids. Digestive tract- Take 1 tbsp. of oil on an empty stomach to stimulate digestive and relieve upset stomach, flatulence and heartburn.

http://takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/therapies/botanical/resources  Botanical Medicine Resources - Taking Change of your Health

http://www.botanical.com/  Botanical.com - hearbal Information

http://www.3sistersbotanicals.com/  3 Sisters All Natural Botanicals

http://www.home-remedies-for-you.com/  Home Remedies and Natural Cures

http://www.herbal-home-remedies.org/  Natural, Herbal Home Remedies for common Diseases