All About Herbs

As people seek out alternatives to Western medicine, the use of herbs continues to grow. But using herbs to ease health conditions and improve one’s quality of life is not without its caveats.  There’s a great deal to know about herbs, if you want to use them safely.

My dear friend Pippa is my “go to” for herbs.  She’s had extensive training in the field and never ceases to amaze me with her knowledge.  I asked her to share some of her herb smarts with you in a recent interview. Here, Pippa shares simple tips for buying herbs and using them safely to enhance your life.

Enjoy!

-Meredith 

P.S. - If you’re herb shy, fear not. Pippa will gladly whip up a batch of custom tea for you or put together a soothing body scrub or bath salt… All geared to your specific needs. These also make amazing gifts…so start your holiday shopping early!

#1 Herbs can have tremendous health benefits. What are your favorite herbs and what are their applications?

Every day I have a new favorite herb, depending on what I intend to use it for...so this is a tricky question! Here are some of my favorites:

Good old LAVENDER!

One very close to my heart...reminds me of my birth home and childhood. So, it begins its healing effect with just a thought, which is what healing is all about...working on not just the physical level, but also the mental and emotional level. Lavender comes out tops, because it truly is a panacea...from calming stress and tension, combatting insomnia, easing menstrual cramps and aiding recovery from childbirth. It can also be used as an insect repellent. The buds can be steeped for tea and the essential oil makes a relaxing bath or serves to treat minor burns.

My next favorite is NETTLE LEAF. It has many uses, but is especially good for easing hay fever and arthritis. Drink it as a tea or consume freeze dried capsules to tone the entire system, especially the liver.

ELDERBERRIES. When used as a syrup, elderberries make one of the best formulas for colds, flu and upper respiratory tract infections. Plus, it tastes delicious, so even kids will take it! I make this to order!

FENNEL: Great for Digestion! An ingredient in baby gripe water, it’s also great for athletes when used as a tonic for muscular energy. Fennel can be  used to make tea, as well and reduces eye puffiness when used as a compress.

LEMON BALM: One of the most calming herbs, lemon balm is both antiviral and antiseptic. It’s excellent for exhaustion and insomnia and can be applied topically as a cream great for minor wounds.

ROSEHIPS: Full of Vitamin C, this herb is great for colds and flu. It’s very gentle and should be used as a tea.

DANDELION: Dandelion is restorative and rejuvenating. It also serves as a diuretic. This herb can be used as both a food and a medicine. It tones the kidneys. Use fresh dandelion leaves in your salad or dried dandelion as a tea.

#2 Do you have any tips for purchasing herbs? Are all products the same?

When purchasing herbs, make sure you find a reputable and ethical company who has been in business for some time. Make sure that the herbs are packed and sealed properly with their date of packing clearly labeled.

#3 What's the difference between dried herbs, fresh herbs and essential oils?

In terms of dried herbs versus fresh herbs, fresh is usually best, but not always possible. Remember that you need to use more of a dried herb than the fresh. Keep dried herbs away from sunlight and use within a year or they will lose some of their health benefits.

Essential Oils are different from herbs. Oils are NOT herbs and are more potent. They should not be taken internally, because herbal preparations contain totally different chemicals from the oils, with different actions.

#4 Do you need special training to use herbs safely? How did you learn so much about the field?

Many herbs are safe to use BUT, like anything, can cause problems if used incorrectly. Using herbs exclusively as a medicine is very different from using them as a support system to one's general health. ALWAYS consult a professional herbalist if taking herbs for a specific illness.

I learned about herbs from a very young age. My great-grandmother was a herbalist, as was my grandmother. I gained basic training back home in the UK during my holistic studies and continue to learn every day. Many people in the UK use herbs to help with issues like headaches, insomnia, digestive troubles, etc., instead of immediately turning to a pill. Having said that, some herbs interact with medications. So, you should ALWAYS check with your doctor first if on certain medication, etc.

#5 What are some safe applications that people can use to improve their health and everyday life? 

There are many ways of using both herbs and oils safely at home:

• For cleaning surfaces, palmarosa oil is both antiseptic and antiviral (as are many other oils)
• Some oils may be used in the bath for relaxation or detoxification
• A couple of drops added to the laundry wash
• A drop of tea tree oil (better diluted than direct application) to a pimple or for athlete's foot
• A drop of peppermint oil on each temple (or lavender) for a headache.

#6 Is there anything else you want to share about herbs?

Oils and herbs are generally very safe, BUT there is a lot of misguided information out there. Take a reputable workshop (I offer these) on the basic uses for essential oils and herbal applications for every day use (I am a UK trained Aromatherapist). And, most important of all, always consult your doctor before taking ANYTHING internally, especially if you’re already on certain medications.