Essential oils and herbs for aches and pains

I am sure many of you know about the health benefits of herbs and essential oils.  In the years, before modern medicine, people relied on herbal- and natural medicines, to help them with pain and illnesses.  Natural medicines have been around for much, much longer than modern medicine.  As a Naturopath and user of natural medicines myself, I can attest to the long-term benefits.  The big difference between the 2 is that natural medicines (including homeopathic remedies), treat the origin of the illness, whereas modern medicines treat the symptoms.  For example, homeopathic- and other natural remedies, like tissue salts, treat the origin of the allergic reaction.  Histamine, on the other hand, treat the symptoms by subduing the origin, but it doesn’t stop you from getting an allergic reaction in the first place.

Here is a few examples of how essential oils and herbs, can help with aches and pains.  Many of these herbs you will find in kitchen cupboards, I’m sure!

Sage:  Sage tea and essential oils are excellent in treating respiratory illnesses and lung issues.  When you inhale it, it clears the sinuses and soothes lung problems.

Plantain Leaf:  it has powerful antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties in.  Plantain Leaf helps to soothe a dry cough, treats lung irritations and colds, and promotes mucus production in the lungs.

Thyme:  a common herb, used as medicine and in the kitchen, is used to fight chest congestions.  Thanks to its powerful antiseptic essential oils; it is a natural antibiotic and anti-fungal.  Drinking thyme tea can help to cleanse bacteria and viruses from the body, to help it fight infections.

Osha Root:  this is a root that is native to the Rocky mountain-area.  It contains camphor and other compounds, which support the lungs, boost circulation to the lungs and helps you to breathe more easily.

Peppermint:  peppermint if full of menthol, which eases breathing and relaxes the muscles of the respiratory system.  It fights congestion and is rich in antioxidants.  These antioxidants prevent numerous illnesses and, the stronger the body, the better it can fight off disease.

Mullein:  Mullein clears the lungs of excessive mucous, cleanses the bronchial tubes and soothes inflammation of the respiratory tract.  The leaves and flowers of the plant, are used in preparation of potent herbal extracts.

Oregano:  The Oregano plant is full of vitamins and nutrients, that strengthens the immune system.  It is high in carvacrol and Rosmarinus acid; natural decongestants, that reduce histamine.  Oregano supports the health of the respiratory tract and helps airflow through the nasal passage.

There are many other herbs that I can mention in this blog.  The above is just an introduction, so to speak, to the wonders of using herbs (in whichever form) as medicine.  If you are uncertain about using a particular essential oil or herb, as medicine, speak to the experts.  Essential oils and herbs are very versatile – used in cooking, baking, in medicine, beauty- and bath products, as well as cleaning the home, the uses are endless.  Just a tip, for those who use natural products for cleaning the home; make sure your pets are safe, as some can be toxic.