Five powerful healing medicines you already have in your kitchen.
As Hippocrates said: Let food be thy medicine.
Herbal medicine doesn’t have to involve weird named herbs that can only be found in shops that remind you of Harry Potter (although if that floats your boat then have at it), in fact, originally we would have only had access to the local plants growing in our neighbourhood. These days we can get all sorts of herbs with our weekly shop. You probably even use a number of powerful herbs already in your day to day cooking, so why not also use them as medicine?
There is generally no harm or contraindication to using medicinal herbs, but you should always check that they wont interact with any of your regular medication or affect any pre-existing conditions you may have. For example, those with high blood pressure shouldn’t eat too much liquorice. This is because it contains a chemical called Glycyrrhetic acid, which increases sodium reabsorption in the kidneys, therefore increasing blood pressure.
I’ve been playing with the herbs in my kitchen recently, getting to know them in a different light, so here are a few for you to try at home.
Mint (Mentha) - is well known for its benefits to the digestive system, particularly Peppermint. If you have any indigestion, bloating or cramping after meals it is perfect. Simply pop a teaspoon of dried, or 3 tsp freshly chopped leaves to a teapot, allow to infuse for 3-5 minutes and drink as a herbal tea infusion. The active compounds in the mint work to reduce spasms and relax the muscles of the digestive tract, therefore reducing the symptoms. It is also an antiemetic, so sipping on peppermint tea if you are nauseous is a brilliantly simple and easy remedy. Avoid using if you have a hiatus hernia.
Sage (Salvia Officinalis) - is one of my favourite herb scents, for which reason I have kept it growing in the house rather than move it outside with the others. It is antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory, meaning it is a germ fighting powerhouse. It can be used as an infusion (tea), toothpaste, scalp tonic and gargle to soothe sore throats. To make a warm gargle the process is essentially as you would make a herbal tea, steep the dried or fresh leaves in hot water for 5-10 minutes, strain and ensure it is cool enough to gargle before using. Be aware that very high doses of sage can cause tachycardia and dizziness so take care to keep doses low unless prescribed by a qualified medical herbalist.
Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris) - not only goes fantastically with tomatoes, potatoes and various meats, it is an antispasmodic expectorant, meaning it is great for dry coughs and sinus congestion, as well as period pain, IBS and circulation. To combat sinus or respiratory infections; add a no more than 3 drops of thyme essential oil or a tablespoon of dried/fresh thyme to a bowl of hot water and use as a steam inhalation, which allows the volatile oils to reach deep into the respiratory system. Not to be taken in medicinal doses during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) - is often added to a healing kitchari recipe, and honestly? It’s not my favourite flavour - a little too aniseed for my taste, but it IS a great herb for treating diarrhoea, indigestion, bloating and gas. It is even safe for young children and is said to increase breast milk supply. To make an infusion, crush a tablespoon of seeds and steep in 90ml of not quite boiling water. For adults this can be drunk up to 3 times daily, but for children just give a teaspoon. For infants it is best to consult your GP. Fennel is a natural emmenagogue, meaning it stimulates or increases menstrual flow, so should be avoided in large doses during pregnancy.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus Officinalis) - is my absolute favourite herb for great roast potatoes, but it is also an antiinflammatory, circulatory stimulant and expectorant. Drink an infusion up to three times daily to combat headache, migraines, brain fog, digestive inflammation and respiratory infection. Please be aware that large doses of Rosemary are contraindicated in pregnancy.
I hope this has given you a fresh look at the herbs in your kitchen cupboard and a few ideas to expand the way you use your herbs.
Rebecca.
Nb//Always remember to exercise caution when using herbs medicinally and when possible, consult a qualified practitioner or your pharmacist if you are taking any regular medication as many herbs (and foods) can affect the rate at which the body absorbs a medicine.