Herbs For Health: A New Series
Herbs For Health: A New Series
Most everyone has heard of herbs in one context or another. Most of us use herbs when we cook. It may be Basil, Sage, Rosemary, Cayenne or even Garlic. Yeah, I am a big fan of Garlic.
What you may not be aware of, unless you use them yourself, is that herbs can also be medicinal. Herbs have proven their worth to me many times over the years so I am an advocate.
Most of you are aware that I am a breast cancer survivor. Traditional medicine saved my life. It is a wonderful thing. Does this mean that my advocacy of herbal medicine stands in contradiction of this? No. It means that I use both natural and traditional medicine together to be the healthiest I can be. The two are not contradictory but rather they are complimentary to each other when used together properly.
Photo Credit: Wikipedia
Per Wikipedia: …the use of herbs to treat disease is almost universal in non-industrialized nations. “…according to the World Health Organisation, approximately 25% of modern drugs used in the United States have been derived from plants.”
I realize that Wikipedia is not necessarily considered to be a credible and reliable source. Do the research yourself. Believe me I did mine when I first started my journey in to the world of herbal medicine thirty years ago.
Right about now you are probably asking why we are even discussing this subject. I am in process of writing a book on herbs as medicine. In the tradition of my ‘Letters From Grandma: Before You Were Born‘ book, this one will also be handed down to future generations as a family resource and heirloom.
Since the birth of my grandson I have given considerable thought to those things, the knowledge, I want to pass on to him. The first book was a collection of letters with heartfelt values that are timeless. This next book will contain information that will help him stay healthy and strong throughout his life. His parents are already giving him a great start by minimizing the use of chemicals in their home. His mother makes natural toothpaste, baby wipes and even deodorant. It warms my heart to know they are employing this way of living.
This blog utilizes categories on the Home Page. You will now see one called ‘Herbs For Health’. You will receive ‘sneak peaks’ on a regular basis, providing you a window into what this book will look like once it’s finished. Perhaps you will become an advocate of herbs and want a copy of my book for yourself and / or family and friends.
Do you use herbs when cooking? Do you use them for maintaining your health? Why or why not?
Filed in: Herbs For Health
I'd like to have an herb garden along with my veggie garden next year. I think I'd really enjoy cooking with fresh herbs.
That sounds lovely! Cooking with fresh herbs, there's nothing like it. 🙂
I love this new feature, Cheryl! I grow a selection of herbs myself and take only supplements — no meds! I firmly believe that natural is the way to go if at all possible, plus adding fresh herbs to cooking/food prep making it taste SO much better. Cheers!
So glad you are an advocate as well! 🙂
When you use herbs in cooking you can kill two birds with one stone.
Not only does the food taste great they have a positive impact on your health as well.
Personally use a lot of garlic, thyme, oregano and basil. But there are a multitude of other herbs that are good for your health. Apart from the ones you mention, ginger and turmeric come to mind.
Using herbs in cooking is a great way to consume them. I love all of those you mentioned. 🙂
I tried to grow my own herbs this summer with tragic results. (I'm too much of an indoor enthusiast.) But I deeply admire people who garden successfully. And I don't mind paying for fresh herbs now and then. And I am an avid herbal tea drinker. I'm grateful for people who have expertise in this area. I remember seeing a medicinal herbal garden at Monticello, Jefferson's estate. It was impressive. Rock on, Cheryl!
Yeah, I am still working on those gardening skills myself. I also purchase herbs.
Your body tends to build a resistance to meds over time. Because of that we tend to look for herbal cures first. Stuff like painkillers do you no good if your body rejects them.
I agree. I truly believe that's why traditional meds fail us sometimes. Our bodies become resistant to them.
Herbs have been recognized for centrifuges as having medicinal properties. Over time that fact has been discounted for the almighty pill. The fact that they are now being seen again for the amazing things they can do in a healthy way is an awesome thing. 🙂
It is awesome! 🙂
Do mint mojitos count? 😉
I do use other herbs from my garden and from the grocery store, and I'll be looking forward to more in this series!
The mint certainly qualifies! LOL
I can cook with herbs – just can't grow them. Try as I might, they die on me. Luckily, our local fruit & vegetable store sells them cheap! Ever try guacamole without cilantro? Echk.
Yeah, many people cannot grow them. Buying them works just as well, especially if you have a farmers market nearby.
Great idea for a new feature, and one I'll look forward to. I've only grown basil and rosemary on a regular basis, but I'm hoping to branch out. Bring on the herbs!
careful… herbs can be habit forming. 🙂
I was delighted to find that sage tea was as relaxing as chamomile. I always have fresh sage growing. Great new category.
Thanks Carol. 🙂
Cheryl- I am also a breast cancer survivor and I am big on what you eat is so important. I have an Aero garden and I grow all my own herbs all year long. I also eat an alkaline diet as diseases do not like to grow in an alkaline body. I do not take any prescriptions or over the counter medicine. I basically use Chinese herbs or fresh herbs. Good luck with your book
That is fantastic! Perhaps there is something you would like to contribute to this series? Just sayin…. 🙂