Healing Naturally...Applications Of Herbs Part 1

Many people would like to use herbs as a natural alte
ative to allopathic medicine, but have no idea how or where to get started.
Using herbs to heal is safe and easy if done with care. Here are a few ways you can get started using herbs to treat you and your family.

Compress
Compresses are used by soaking a clean cotton cloth in a herbal solution. It would be applied directly to the injured part of the body.

DecoctionsnA decoction is a tea made from using roots, seeds, berries or bark of the herb. A decoction would be simmered for about 30 minutes but not boiled.

Essential Oils
Essential oils are the volatile oils that are distilled from plants. They are usually mixed with oil for massage oils, or other skin care and aromatherapy products. You can use essential oils as an inhalant for colds, or stress.

Ointment
An ointment is usually made from soaking the herb in a carrier oil, and then has beeswax added to it to solidify it. You can also make an ointment by adding powdered herb to a plain salve.

PouliticenA poultice is a hot, moist, soft mass of herbs, sped on a muslin cloth and applied to the injured area for one to eight hours. It helps relieve pain and inflammation. Ground or granulated herbs work best.