Do you have cold hands and feet? Add some cayenne or ginger to your cooking! Both will increase your blood circulation and keep the flow going to your hands and feet. Otherwise, consider visiting a herbalist who may select herbs that support and tone the blood vessels to your limbs.
Do you suffer from seasonal allergies? Plan ahead for spring! It's never too late to start building immune system tolerance to allergens. Drinking Stinging Nettle tea throughout the year, and especially before and during allergy season, can significantly reduce your body's hypersensitive reaction. Stinging Nettles (Urtica dioica) provide the body with nutrients, increase its natural resistance and assist in the elimination of toxins from the body. Remember, if you are going to pick Stinging Nettles yourself this spring – ensure you identify them properly (or ask a herbalist or botanist), wear gloves (they sting!) and dry or boil them before touching or consuming.
Everyone experiences mild anxiety, but there are ways that lifestyle and herbs can help! Try reducing caffeine, alcohol and sugar, and eat a wholesome diet. You may also find it helpful to get regular exercise or to try breathing and relaxation exercises. Herbal teas that ease stress and anxiety include chamomile, lavender, lemon balm, and wood betony.
A bit of herbal history: Pedanius Dioscorides (circa 40-90CE) was a Greek physician, botanist and pharmacologist who contributed greatly to the practice of herbal medicine. He authored a five-volume encyclopedia of medicine and pharmacopeia of medicinal substances called De Materia Medica. It was translated to Latin and Arabic and was use until 1600CE.
A wesbite to check out: http://www.gardenweb.com/. They have a zone finder to help you plan your garden, as well as beautiful photos in their Garden Gallery.
Visit us in our clinic at Pacific Rim College. There is no charge for a herbal consultation. You only pay for the herbs, which are customized for you. We dispense a variety of organic tinctures, creams, dried herbs and tea.
Contributors to this edition: Lauren Truscott, Grace Szucs, and Lindsay Hounslow, students in the Diploma of Phytotherapy program @ Pacific Rim College
No comments:
Post a Comment