Medicines from the Spice Rack:

Herbal Medicine in the home

I am writing this as an introductory guide to the use of household herbs and spices for common illnesses that can easily be treated at home. Many common ailments can be overcome without recourse to strong drugs such as antibiotics and painkillers, using medicines that promote health rather than suppressing symptoms. This is not about first aid- that is a different subject, concerned with looking after people in an emergency until healthcare is available. Instead, I am writing about conditions for which, often, no specialist is needed, just rest and good food, in which recovery can be hastened with the use of safe, household remedies- many of which you might not think of as medicines. For more complex or chronic complaints, it is worth seeing a trained herbalist, who can unravel the various causes, and prescribe a blend of herbs precisely tailored to each case.

I’ll give a brief history of domestic herbal medicine, then I’ll list some of the most commonly encountered illnesses that lend themselves to home treatment, and describe some of the simplest means of treating them. I’ll also include a list of home remedies that most people will have in their cupboards or spice racks, and a few which I suggest any home herbalist should keep in their medicine cabinet.

Introduction

I think that many people today have become rather disempowered about their personal healthcare- it is easy to leave it in the hands of NHS doctors, whose services are freely available, or just to take a few painkillers when we are a bit off colour, and try to ignore it. Many people are under a lot of pressure not to miss even a day’s work, to get over an infection, or nurse their children when they are ill, but are offered a variety of over the counter products, heavily marketed as an instant fix. A look at the ingredients usually reveals a variety of painkillers, and sometimes painkillers with caffeine, just to make sure we can still go to work. Alternatively, we can choose from a range of dietary supplements, such as vitamin C and various herbal extracts and tablets (often containing very little of the herb). A visit to the doctor can be just as unhelpful- overworked, they have little time for minor complaints, nor appropriate drugs to treat them. Doctors often feel pressured to give some kind of medicine, so may give a drug that is ineffective, and possibly harmful, such as antibiotics for a viral infection, to please the patient.

The government’s campaigns to promote our health tend to be somewhat blinkered, such as the one to reduce salt intake, or the 5 a day campaign. These are applicable as generalisations, but do not consider important factors such as the differences between salt from which many minerals have been removed, and whole salt, or the importance of freshness and agricultural methods in determining the nutritional value and potential chemical toxicity of produce. Furthermore, they can promote the idea that if you don’t put salt on your food at the table, and eat 5 a day, you have done your bit for your health, and nothing more can be done. This, in my examples, could not be further from the truth- the vast majority of the salt in the average western diet is already added to the food when it is processed, and there is of course plenty more ways of improving a diet than ensuring it contains five portions of fruit and veg- which could be canned, irradiated, gas ripened, or made into “fruit juice drink”.

Historically, most people took care of their health, and treated their illnesses at home, often with the help of a relative who had some knowledge of herbs. Herbal preparations called “simples” were popular- strong infusions of one herb with a reputation to work for a condition. This tradition of home treatments was sporadically attacked by the university trained medical profession of the time, who tried to have it legislated against. However, as it became obvious that the poor would otherwise have no access to healthcare, Henry VIII passed a law called the Herbalists Charter, protecting the right to practice of their herbalists. Culpepper continued the campaign for people’s right to healthcare, by writing a herbal, and translating many pharmacopoeias and other medical texts from Latin into English- much to the fury of the physicians and apothecaries, who felt that their secrets were being made public. By the 19^th Century, the practice of basic medicine in the home as still very popular, and was encouraged by the Physiomedical herbalists coming from America. They taught a very simple form of emergency medicine, based on a philosophy that could be applied to many situations. Many books were published for people who were not professionally trained, such as “The Working Man’s Family Botanic Guide or Every Man His Own Doctor” by William Fox.

Unfortunately, in recent times, this knowledge has been forgotten, and it is a common misconception that herbal medicine is an expensive “luxury” treatment for those who can afford it. I hope to challenge this idea, and demonstrate that herbal medicine is an effective, low cost form of healthcare, accessible in its most basic form to anybody. Whoever is prepared to read up a bit on the subject, and take an active interest in their own and their friends and relatives health, has the makings of a home herbalist.

Conditions

Colds and Flu: The most popular treatment today is to take painkillers, and sometimes a megadose of vitamin C, and try to ignore it. Occasionally people demand antibiotics from their doctors, but this is useless as they are not active against viral infections (such as the common cold). Painkillers such as aspirin lower a fever, and numb the pain. However, this is counterproductive in the long run- the raised temperature is the body’s natural response, optimising conditions for the immune system, and making it harder for the virus to reproduce. The fever therefore allows the body to overcome the infection faster, leaving it stronger, and with no risk of developing the chronic “Post Viral Fatigue” syndrome. I suggest then that anybody suffering with a bad cold should take the day off, say in bed and keep warm, and drink plenty of hot drinks to fight it off sooner. Vitamin C is necessary for a healthy immune response, but in megadoses (over a 1000 mg) it can damp down symptoms, so I don’t see any need for supplementing it if enough is present in the diet.

My favourite tea to give in any fevers like this is the “gypsy cold and ‘flu tea”- a mix of Yarrow (Achillea millefolium), Elderflowers (Sambucus nigra) and Peppermint (Mentha piperita). It warms the body, helps circulation, boosts the immune system and promotes sweating- the important final stage of a fever whereby body temperature is brought back down, and metabolic toxins can be removed through the skin. Other remedies more often found in the spice rack include Cayenne (Capsicum anuum) and Ginger (Zingiber officinalis) both of which are excellent heating stimulants, a good addition to any hot drink when treating a cold. My only caution would be that when treating children, the extremely heating herbs such as Cayenne and Ginger are unnecessary, as children’s systems develop heat fast enough anyway, and they probably won’t like the taste. Give them mild infusions of Elderflowers and Peppermint instead, and keep their brows cool with a damp flannel, to make them more comfortable.

Sore Throats and Coughs: When deciding on a treatment for a cough, it is important first to determine whether or not it is productive. In the case of a dry cough, it is best to prevent coughing and soothe the throat- coughing will only dry and irritate the throat further. However, if it is productive, it should not be suppressed- it is necessary to clear the mucus. Yellow, thick mucus indicates the presence of infection, so antiseptic herbs such as Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) and Garlic (Allium sativum) are a good choice. Both will help thin the mucus and aid its clearance from the chest (expectoration). Thyme should be infused as you would tea, but in a covered vessel, to preserve the volatile oils (responsible for both its aroma and its antiseptic action). Garlic can be crushed and mixed with honey and cider vinegar to make a traditional (but extreme tasting) cough syrup. Or it can be included in food- uncooked to preserve its antiseptic qualities. Hummus is a good choice. But you need to be eating enough that you smell quite strongly of it, for it to be working unfortunately! In children, though, only a tiny dose is needed to help them clear a cough- a good method is to cut a clove in half, and rub gently it on their feet, using a little olive oil to lubricate. Plenty will be absorbed through their skin, and there is no risk of overdosing.

To reduce the cough reflex, Ginger is a good choice of herb, and Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) also works well. A good cough syrup can be made using Thyme and Liquorice- you can make it at home, using a strong infusion of herbs, and boiling it to a syrup with 1 pound of sugar per pint. Make it in covered pots, to keep the volatile oils in, and store it in the fridge.

If you suffer with a cough for a long time and cannot shift it, it is worth seeing a herbalist, who can use a variety of treatments to get at the root of the problem, or advise if you should see a doctor.

Heartburn: Many people today suffer with the discomfort of heartburn, yet the over the counter medicines can be counterproductive. Most are strong alkalis, which reduce the acidity. However, in the long run, the stomach either produces more, to compensate, or the digestion is weakened. Many contain aluminium salts, so seal up damage to the oesophagus, but I’d caution against this, given the association between aluminium in the body and Alzheimer’s disease. The main problem is that the sphincter at the top of the stomach is not closing properly, so stomach contents are leaking back into the oesophagus.

The problem can be lessened by avoiding highly fatty foods, or meals with a very high proportion of protein, both of which require a lot of acid to digest. The best herbal remedy to reduce the symptoms is Slippery elm (Ulmus fulva)- the powdered bark is mixed with warm water to make a slimy drink, which while unappetising, will soothe the pain almost instantly, and help heal the damage. If you suffer from heartburn, you should avoid Peppermint, as it relaxes the sphincter responsible, worsening symptoms. It is worth seeing a herbalist, if the problem is chronic- there are a number of herbs that can help tone the oesophageal sphincter and prevent reflux, as well as others which help heal up the damage to the mucus membranes.

Hayfever: There are many reasons why the immune system might overreact to pollen, so this is one condition best treated by a herbalist. However, one popular remedy worth trying is local honey- eating a lot of it throughout the year is reputed to reduce the symptoms and help prevent the immune overreaction responsible.

Hydration: A good indicator of hydration is the colour of the urine- one should pee clear and nearly colourless at least once a day. Hydration mixtures contain salts, to replace those lost in sweating, diarrhoea or vomiting, and a sugar content similar to blood, to ensure a fast uptake from the gut. A basic hydration mix can be made using a quarter of a teaspoon of salt (preferably unrefined) and a tablespoon of sugar in a pint of water. Isotonic sports drinks are more or less the same thing, but Lucozade is not. A hydration mix should be given to anyone with diarrhoea or vomiting, to replace fluids, and it is essential they be given to children with even mild diarrhoea.

If you are doing sports, in the heat and sweating a lot, you will need to drink a lot of water to replace lost fluids. In this case, a hydration mix is also recommended, as you will loose a lot of salt in your sweat, and pure water will upset your salt balance. It will also be absorbed slower. Beware when cycling, or doing another such sport with a breeze blowing over you

Vomiting: It is important in the treatment of somebody who is vomiting repeatedly, to ensure that they stay hydrated and that the salt balance of their blood remains as stable as possible. In the case of children, this can easily be a matter of life and death, with deterioration being very sudden. The best drink for them is a hydration mix, using a quarter of a teaspoon of salt and a tablespoon of sugar dissolved in hot water. This mix has the advantage of being very easily absorbed- faster in fact than water, so if they bring it up again, they will still have absorbed some of it. Give plenty, until some time after they have stopped vomiting.

Ginger can be very useful in preventing vomiting, for example from travel sickness or the morning sickness of pregnancy. For children, Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) has the same action, and will help calm them, and heal damage to the throat. Give bland foods that are easy on the stomach, and preferably that will not be too unpleasant to regurgitate if they have another bout of vomiting. Bananas are good, and contain plenty of potassium to help replace salts. Porridge is also a good choice.

Diarrhoea: As in vomiting, it is essential to ensure hydration, using a hydration mixture (see Hydration). I prefer to make it using an unrefined salt and sugar, both of which contain potassium and other trace minerals important in hydration. But any salt will do, even marmite! It can be a matter of life and death in children. They may show few symptoms, and a minor bout of diarrhoea is easily overlooked, but dehydration shows few symptoms at first, maybe just drowsiness- giving a hydration mix is essential.

It is important, before choosing a treatment, to try to work out whether the diarrhoea is atonic (relaxed) or spasmodic, Diarrhoea from a relaxed condition will not feature any cramping feelings, and could just seem like an unusually loose stool. Spasmodic diarrhoea will feature often painful cramps in the belly. Atonic diarrhoea is treated with astringents, drying herbs which help restore tone, such as tea (Camemilla sinensis) Raspberry leaves (Rubus idaeus) or Yarrow (Achillea millefolium). Spasmodic diarrhoea is treated with antispasmodics such as Ginger (Zingiber officinalis) Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) or Caraway (Carum carvi).

Constipation: Constipation is usually caused by inadequate dietary fibre or inadequate hydration, usually a combination of both. Many people today neglect to drink enough throughout the day- water must be reabsorbed from the contents of the colon to make up the deficit, resulting in hard stools that are difficult to pass. A simple indication of your state of hydration is the colour of your urine- it should be nearly colourless at least once during the day.

Constipation can be treated by adding fibre to the diet, but I advise avoiding refined bran- it absorbs vitamins and minerals, preventing the body from absorbing them. Whole grains should be enough, along with a diet rich in fruits, vegetable and pulses, and not too much meat. If additional fibre is needed, linseeds are a better choice- they contain a slimy mucilage that helps bulk and lubricate the stools. Herbs such as Ginger and Fennel work well to relax the gut, and bitter tasting foods such as bitter salads and liqueurs, help stimulate the liver, and the rest of the digestive tract, helping move its contents along normally. For children, a mild bitter such as dandelion root is often all that is needed to resolve constipation.

Piles: Piles are generally the result of a low fibre diet, combined with the unnatural sitting position on the toilet that is common in the west. In many tribal societies haemorrhoids are almost unknown, as their diet is high in fibre and they squat to defecate. The first cause can be addressed by a change of diet, and buying a footstool designed for your loo, to encourage a more supportive position, can lessen the second.

The treatment is focussed on promoting a large, soft, well lubricated stool- keeping well hydrated is the first thing to do (see Hydration), and linseeds can be of great help here. If the haemorrhoids are bleeding, itching or otherwise irritated, Plantain (Plantago major) is a useful simple- take copius amounts of a strong tea. A herbalist can do a lot here, providing a mixture of herbs that also support the veins, heal the damage and address the problem in several ways at the same time.

Insect bites and stings: Bicarbonate of soda for bee stings, vinegar for wasp stings, goes a long way toward neutralising the poison. A bee leaves it’s sting behind- do not pick it off between two fingers- this will squeeze a lot more poison in. Instead, scrape it off with a fingernail or credit card, in the direction it is hanging. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is good for reducing inflmation from a sting or bite- put a drop or two on neat. In the case of a sting that starts swelling up excessively, Plantain (Plantago major/ lanceolata) is an excellent hedgerow remedy, very useful when out walking- every walker and camper should know it. Simply chew up plenty of leaves to a green paste, apply liberally to the swollen area and about an inch around it, and bind it on with whatever comes to hand. I have seen this work a nearly complete cure in the space of an hour- it is very fast working medicine.

In the case of anaphylactic shock, the best thing to do is go to hospital as soon as possible. Keep the patient lying flat with their feet raised, and ensure the airway is free until an ambulance arrives.There are some restricted herbs in the dispensary of a professional herbalist which could perhaps serve if this was not available, but it is best left to the emergency services- intravenous adrenaline and antihistamines are extremely effective.

For nettle stings, the traditional dock leaves rubbed on it seem very useful for comforting children- and it may be more than just a placebo effect. Or try Plantain leaves (Plantago spp), another useful anti-inflammatory. I would advise adults not to worry too much- nettle stings (“Urtication”) are very effective in the treatment of arthritic pain, and their effectiveness has been shown in a number of trials. Those who use this treatment often report that its effects last for a very long time, so it is a small irritation to have for such a lasting benefit.

Asthma attack: If there is no other medicine available, an extremely strong cup of coffee can be effective, but it will cause side effects of jitteriness and fast heartbeats (tachycardia) that are not found in the more developed anti-asthmatic drugs. Herbalists use a variety of remedies depending on the apparent cause, to reduce the severity and frequency of attacks, so less use of an inhaler is required.

Headaches and migraines: These have a range of causes, from stress, lack of sleep and coffee withdrawal, to high blood pressure, sinusitis and sensitivity to fluorescent lights. If you can determine the cause, you can try to eliminate or avoid it, or choose the most suitable treatment.

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) or Peppermint (Mentha piperita) essential oil applied to the temples can give relief- dilute five drops in about a teaspoon of a suitable oil (almond or olive oils are good) and massage it on. Some people find a cup of strong coffee helps, as it is a mild painkiller, although this will become less effective if you are using it every day. A remedy that the brave and adventurous may want to try is a few grains of cayenne powder, snuffed up the nose. It does clear your head, and it does burn quite a lot too, but only for a few minutes! Just a few grains are all you need.

Cuts: An astringent will help dry and bind the wound- strong black tea is easily found in most households. A warm teabag can be held against a small cut to seal it up sooner.

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a very strong antiseptic- useful if you are worried it could get infected. It can be used in a strong tea to bathe the wound, and ground to a paste with just a splash of boiling water, to bind to it.

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) and Plantain (Plantago major) are the wayside remedies- chew them together to a paste and put it on the wound. It will dry like a green scab if exposed to the air, or can be bound on if you are moving the affected part a lot. Combined, they offer astringency, an anti-inflammatory effect, and some antiseptic qualities, and can help it heal up faster.

Honey dressings can be very useful on a variety of more serious wounds- they are now in use in many hospitals for ulcers, and a variety of wounds. I recommend using a heat treated honey, which will be sterile- certain bacteria can be dormant in honey, and could become active if it were diluted too much with suppuration or blood. Honey has a strong antiseptic effect, and by keeping the surface of a wound from drying out too soon, helps to draw out dirt, pus and other impurities.

Bruises: The common recommendation is an icepack- this will numb the area and reduce swelling. However, the swelling and heat is your body’s natural reaction, and I am not keen to see it suppressed. It brings greater blood flow to the area, to assist with repair, and also helps immobilise it to prevent it being used too soon. Instead of an icepack, I have found a warm soak effective- as hot as can be tolerated. This helps relax the area, and brings a slower, but more lasting relief from pain. It will help circulation around the damaged tissue, and you can add a few drops of lavender oil to make it even more soothing. Arnica cream is a good household remedy on bruises, and has been popular for some years with good reason. A gentle daily massage can help move out the clotted blood that causes the colour of a bruise- do it yourself, gently enough not to cause pain. Use a massage oil, arnica cream, or oil with a few drops of lavender oil to lubricate it.

Minor bruises and scrapes on children are common, and can be relieved with Witch Hazel water- if kept in the fridge they will find it very soothing, applied on cotton wool or a clean cloth. It can help seal up grazes a little quicker too.

In the case of very severe bruising, it can take a long time to heal, and the muscle can be damaged permanently if it is used too soon- I recommend getting the advise of a health professional as to the best course of action.

Sunburn (or other burns): If a burn, or even sunburn is very severe, you should seek professional advise before trying to treat it yourself. You will probably be able to tell if it is bad enough to warrant a trip to A&E- if it covers a very large area, or a lot of skin has been lost.

Burnt skin looses fluids quickly, more so the more skin has been damaged, so I recommend drinking a lot of water, and staying well hydrated (see Hydration).

Running a burn under cool water is good advise, although if it is icy cold, it can encourage it to blister.

An easy remedy for any type of burn is lavender oil. It can be used neat, but is best mixed into a “carrier” oil. Olive oil works well, or you can use a traditional English remedy for burns- linseed oil.

Aloe vera gel also works very well on burns- conveniently an Aloe vera plant grows very well with little maintenance on your kitchen windowsill. Just cut a leaf off from the base, slice it open and smear the gel over the affected part, it relieves it very quickly.

Arthritis: Stiff joints are almost inevitable with age- osteoarthritis is the result of ordinary wear and tear. No doubt a good diet and exercise can do a lot to maintain ones general health into old age, and help the body maintain itself better for longer, but a degree of stiffness is still likely at some point. A good remedy to help loosen them up is a warming embrocation, such as a cayenne (Capsicum anuum) infused oil- it should have enough chilli infused in it to produce a definite warming sensation when rubbed in- it will help the circulation around the area, bringing in more nutrients to the joint. Some Lavender oil can be added, to give it a pleasant smell and enhance it’s anti-inflammatory effects. Most herbalists have a personal recipe for heating liniments, which can include herbs such as Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) as a painkiller, and Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) as a further stimulant to the circulation.

Another traditional treatment that has performed very well in clinical trials is Urtication- the practice of stinging the affected area deliberately with nettles. It may sound like masochism, but it’s effects can be very long lasting, so those who use this treatment feel that overall it saves them a lot of pain.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a very different condition, and can occur at any age- it is a result of part of the immune system becoming unstable and attacking the bodies own joints. Orthodox medicine can offer a variety of treatments, some of which simply mask the symptoms, others can influence the course of the disease. Herbal medicines can often be taken simultaneously, both to support the general health and perhaps slow the progression of the disease. However, this is a very complex condition to treat, so it is worth consulting a professional.

Concentration, mental clarity: There are a range of herbs that one way or another improve alertness and concentration, and help the memory. Some work by improving circulation to the brain, others by a more stimulant action. Tea and Coffee are our best known, and found in most kitchens- they are very effective until one becomes dependant, at which point the dosage needed for a lift gets higher and higher. For those not habituated to a lot of tea or coffee, a strong coffee can be very useful in improving alertness and wakefulness for a few hours when needed.

A more reliable herb for this purpose is Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), which helps the memory quite well, and helps concentration, without any side effects of jitteriness. It is an excellent choice to help you through an exam- a fresh sprig of it can be chewed slowly, and brings a definite improvement in alertness.

Sage can be taken for a longer time, in a low dose every day, to improve memory- and has been found effective in the management of Alzheimers disease.

Sore eyes: Sore, bloodshot eyes can be relieved by the astringent action of a warm teabag- splash on a little boiling water, and be sure to let it cool enough before you put one on each eye, with the eye closed. Witch Hazel water on a cotton pad is equally effective- keep a bottle of Witch Hazel in the fridge for the purpose, it is a very versatile household remedy, especially in a house with children.

Sinusitis: This causes a severe frontal headache, distinguished by it’s getting much worse on leaning forward. Lavendar oil applied neat to the temples can give some relief, but the best remedy is to wash the sinuses out with salty water. Make it warm, it will dissolve a lot of the mucus and the salt will help inhibit the bacteria. A good teaspoon of salt should be dissolved in a mug of water, and it can be snorted up the nose from a spoon. By tipping the head back and to the sides, it is possible to wash out the sinuses quite well. Not a dignified nor particularly comfortable treatment, but it is safe and effective, and well worth it to help clear this painful condition. It can be repeated once or twice a day until the symptoms clear up.

Repeated bouts of sinusitis, or chronic sinusitis, indicate either an allergic reaction of some sort, or a stubborn infection. It is worth seeing a herbalist in this case- there are tricky to get to the bottom of, but lasting relief is possible with adequate treatment.

Household Remedies

Salt: Very useful, to make a saline solution to wash wounds or irrigate infected sinuses, or to make a hydration mixture (see Hydration). I recommend an unrefined salt, which still contains other minerals such as potassium and magnesium, and has not been treated with an anticaking agent. You will appreciate it in cooking too for its milder taste.

Honey: Local honey is found by some to reduce the symptoms of hayfever- besides this it is a nutritious food, and a natural sweetener containing a variety of vitamins and minerals. Honey is also a good wound dressing, in use now in some hospitals. For this purpose a heat treated honey should be used, which will be more sterile- most runny honeys are heat treated.

Garlic: Garlic is a useful natural “antibiotic” although to get this effect you need to eat enough raw that you really smell of it- taken like this it can reduce infections anywhere in or on the body, and seems not to damage the gut flora in the same way as synthetic antibiotics. Its other use is as an excellent means of promoting a healthy heart and circulation- it reduces cholesterol, and arterial deposits, and lowers the blood pressure. It is a great food and medicine, and should be eaten daily.

Rosemary: Rosemary stimulates the circulation, especially to the head, improving mental clarity and concentration.

Cayenne: A very potent, versatile medicine, a pinch of cayenne can be added to nearly any medicinal tea to make it more potent. A pinch on food helps the digestion, especially for the elderly, and it helps boost the circulation, keeping the extremities warm. Taken during a fever it stimulates the immune response and encourages sweating.

Ginger: Ginger has a similar benefit to the circulation as Cayenne, although it is a slightly milder herb. Ginger also reduces nausea, and the tendency to vomit, and suppresses the cough reflex. Another benefit is a carminative effect on the digestive tract- it reduces flatulence, and prevents griping.

Fennel: A strong carminative- fennel prevents griping and flatulence, and is a mild enough medicine to be suitable for children.

Caraway: A slightly stronger carminative than fennel, used for the same symptoms of colic and flatulence. It also improves the appetite and aids digestion.

Olive oil: Found in most households, virgin olive oil is not only a delicious food but a good base for massage oils too, and is very restorative to the skin. It is however more heavy than some oils used for this purpose, so it is best to use a little less. It is good on sunburn, especially mixed with Lavender essential oil.

Tea: Teabags have a good astringency- hydrated with a splash of boiling water, and allowed to cool a little, they can be applied to small cuts or grazes to help seal them, or placed over tired, itchy or bloodshot eyes. The tannins also help inhibit bacteria.

Coffee: Useful as a stimulant when needed, but it will not be so effective if you become dependant on it. It will also serve as a bronchodilator to treat an athsma attack, if nothing else is available- make it very strong, and expect it to make the pulse race and cause jitteriness. Coffee also has a slightly laxative effect, so sufferers of IBS are advised to avoid it.

Mustard: Hot mustard footbaths were once a very popular treatment for chest infections, although I’ve not yet tried this. Mustard applied to the skin for long enough will cause blistering.

Sage: Sage has a strong antifungal effect, caused by its essential oil. Sage is also found to be effective in the management of Alzheimers disease. Taken cold, sage tea helps reduce sweating, so it can be useful for those suffering menopausal hot flushes.

Thyme: Thyme has a strongly antiseptic effect, and helps thin down mucus in the lungs and throat, so it can be helpful in treating a chest infection. Brew a strong tea in a covered vessel, and sniff at the aroma as you drink it- what you are smelling is the active constituents.

Liquorice: Liquorice is very soothing to the throat, so it is a good ingredient of cough syrups. If a very large amount is taken over a long time, it can raise blood pressure- this has actually been reported in people who ate a huge amount of liquorice sweets for several years! However, for normal use, a course of liquorice while you have a cough, or liquorice sweets from time to time, is nothing to worry about. Liquorice sticks are a wonderful healthy sweet for children (and adults!) who can chew them for hours. A frayed liquorice stick works alright as a rudimentary toothbrush, too.

Cider vinegar: This is a very versatile household medicine, food, and even cleaning product! Taken internally, it helps increase satiety- the feeling of fullness, which can be helpful in those whose appetite is greater than their energy needs. It’s mild acidity helps the digestion, hence it’s use in many sauces and salad dressings. Some arthritis sufferers find that a spoonful of cider vinegar in water daily helps reduce their symptoms. Cider vinegar can be quite refreshing to sore feet, and applied daily, it helps toughen the skin up, making it a useful preparation to a hiking holiday. It contains a plethora of vitamins and minerals, making it a good addition to anyone’s diet. As a cleaning product, it is great for cleaning windows, and for scrubbing off limescale deposits. It also works as a fabric softener, or as a hair conditioner.

Natural Remedies for the Medicine Cabinet

Arnica cream: This has been popular as a treatment for bruising for some time now. It works by two mechanisms- part of the plant’s chemistry has a direct anti-inflammatory action, while another group of constituents dilate capillaries- improving circulation where it is applied to help flush out toxins and repair damaged tissues.

Lavender essential oil: This is a very versatile essential oil, useful in many situations. It is mild enough to apply neat to the skin, although this is still quite a strong medicine, so I wouldn’t advise doing this every day. For burns, lavender oil can have a good anti-inflammatory effect, and soothes the pain a little. Likewise it is helpful on insect bites and stings, and mixed with olive oil, helps ease the discomfort of sunburn. It repels mosquitoes a little, more so if mixed with a citrus scented oil. It is also a good addition to muscle and joint rubs.

Aloe vera/Houseleek plant: These grow well in a pot on your windowsill, so they are handy when you burn yourself in the kitchen. Just cut a leaf open and apply the juice to the burn- it is very soothing.

Peppermint essential oil: This should not be applied neat to the skin, but a few drops mixed into a carrier oil is very safe. Applied to the temples it can be very soothing for headaches. The smell clears the nasal passages quite well- Olbas oil is the traditional remedy for this, it includes eucalyptus oil to enhance the effect. In the treatment of spasmodic diarrhoea, two drops of peppermint oil shaken up in a bottle of water is very effective, as it relaxes the gut, preventing spasm. However, this is strong medicine, not suited to children, and peppermint in all forms should be avoided by sufferers of gastric reflux (heartburn) which it may worsen.

Linseeds: These are the safest fibre supplement, as they do not bind nutrients in the gut as bran does. They contain a soluble fibre, which helps bulk up the stools, and lubricates them. The seeds also contain plenty of omega 3 fatty acids, something many diets today are a little deficient in.

Olbas oil: This is a blend of oils, mostly peppermint and eucalyptus, with some wintergreen oil (a painkiller) and a few others in smaller proportions. It is best known as a decongestant- a job it does quite well- a few drops on a handkerchief or on the pillow helps keep the airways open. The oils will also have an antiseptic effect, which may help control the infection. For chest infections, it can be rubbed on the chest- some will be absorbed, and some will be inhaled, delivering a good dose through two different pathways. It may help relieve sinusitis, if applied to the temples, though this will make the eyes water! It is also a passable muscle and joint rub, improving circulation and numbing pain in the area it is applied to.

Conclusion

A revival of household herbalism is needed- it is easy and safe to use many herbal remedies to assist the body in healing itself. Most of the medicines I have described here are without any known side effects, as safe as foods, and their use helps foster a healthy immune system. Most over the synthetic over the counter medicines simply suppress symptoms, weakening the immune response and masking the illness. This is counterproductive and unnecessary- while some herbal preparations for example in the treatment of colds, may increase the symptoms for a short time, overall they shorten the course of the illness, and leave the body stronger, more energetic and better prepared to defend and repair itself.

I suggest that you grow herbs at home, if you can. The flavour when used in cooking will be much better, you will notice the difference. In the case of aromatic herbs, the aroma is produced by its most active constituents, so you can be sure that your home grown herb is stronger than any you could buy. Dry them, each time there is enough for a good harvest, then you will have some available all year, and can build up a good stock in case you need a lot all at once.

If the first herbal treatment you try doesn’t work, don’t give up- the actions of herbs are very predictable, but what is happening in the body is more complex- you may not have the right herb for the job. The study of herbal medicine is largely about being able to read the signs and symptoms and understand what is happening, in order to choose the most effective herbs. Try another approach if the first has failed, or if the condition is very complex, see a herbalist. We are trained to use various diagnostic techniques, and to plan more complex treatment strategies, to get right to the root of the problem- and also to know if a condition is beyond our expertise to treat.

Conditions

Household Remedies

Natural Remedies for the Medicine Cabinet

Conclusion

Further reading