Healing Herbs
The following herbs are thought to help in boosting the immune system and fighting different infections within the body. However we recommend that you contact a qualified medical herbalist for individual dosage and usage. Useful contacts include:
- The General Council and Register Of Medical Herbalists
- 32 King Edwards Rd
- Swansea SA1 4LL
- Tel 01792 655886
- National Institute Of Medical Herbalists
- 56 Longbrook St
- Exeter
- Devon EX4 6AH
- Tel 01392 426022
If you are ill or have a medical condition please consult your GP.
Most of these herbs are NOT suitable for use during pregnancy.
ALOE VERA
Often used externally for healing wounds, burns etc., but can be used internally as an intestinal cleaner and healer.
ASTRAGALUS
This is a Chinese herb which stimulates the immune system and increases the activity of white blood cells. It also helps prevent colds and treats common bronchial infections.
BURDOCK ROOT
This herb possesses anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and also helps strengthen the immune system. It is also beneficial in skin disorders.
CAT'S CLAW
A Peruvian herb that helps fight or prevent infection by boosting the immune system.
CAYENNE
A popular herb for cleansing the body of germs by killing bacteria in illnesses such as colds. It also aids in the treatment of sore throats and feverishness by warming the body and inducing beneficial sweating.
CHLORELLA
A green micro-algae so not strictly a herb, but a powerful detoxifier, intestinal deodoriser and healer.
CRANBERRY BERRY
Useful for urinary tract infections e.g. cystitis, it prevents harmful bacteria living in the walls of the urinary tract.
ECHINACEA
Possibly the first choice for stimulating the immune system, increasing white blood cell production and activity and stimulating antibody production. This reduces the ability of harmful bacteria and virus to spread. It is commonly taken to help prevent or speed the recovery from colds, flu and many other infections.
FENNEL
This common herb possesses anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti inflammatory properties and is also an excellent tonic for the digestive system.
FENUGREEK
Used in the treatment of sore throats and to loosen and expel mucus.
FEVERFEW
This herb reduces fevers and is excellent in reducing the severity of migraines and headaches.
GARLIC
The most popular of all herbs with anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-parasitic properties which make it the perfect choice for any colds, flu or common infections.
GINSENG
there are 3 types of this - American, Korean and Siberian - and they all help to aid recovery from illness, fight fatigue and strengthen the central nervous system.
GOLDEN SEAL ROOT
This kills many disease causing organisms e.g. bacteria, yeasts, fungi and parasites and also helps to boost the immune system by toning the blood and enhancing spleen activity. Golden seal helps everything from cystitis to respiratory infections.
GREEN TEA
A powerful anti-oxidant that can be drunk to protect the gastro-intestinal system.
JUNIPER BERRY
A useful diuretic and antiseptic helping fluid retention and urinary tract infections.
LICORICE
One of the most widely used Chinese herbs. It has strong anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties and therefore it is useful in the treatment of colds and flu.
OREGANO LEAF
This herb is commonly used in cooking and is very popular for dry, chesty coughs, bronchitis and asthma. The oil has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties.
PAU d' ARCO
This can be taken internally or used externally for treating infections such as thrush or any yeast/fungal overgrowth. It is also effective against some intestinal parasites.
RED CLOVER
An excellent expectorant and antispasmodic for coughs.
ST JOHN'S WORT
As well as helping depression this herb possesses anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties
SARSAPARILLA
This herb cleanses and detoxifies the blood by its apparent ability to bind toxins. It is also good for skin complaints especially psoriasis.
SPIRULINA
This almost microscopic freshwater plant is not a herb but deserves a mention here because it contains many anti oxidants and minerals that help boost and protect the immune system.
Although it is extremely encouraging that herbal medicine is on the increase, the downside is that we are in danger of gathering some herbs to extinction. About 90% of all herbs used in medicines are not farmed but gathered from the wild. An example of this is that Goldenseal, used for immune deficiency problems, is now listed by CITES (Convention on Trade in Endangered Species) as the fifth most endangered species on the planet.
Therefore it is up to the consumer to check the herbal medicines they buy and ask their manufacturers for their policy on sustainability and support for the National Medicines Society Herbal Campaign. Their address is: PO Box 232, East Molesey KT8 1YF.
There have been several international conferences on conservation and herbs and the consumer really has the power to force manufacturers to harvest and grow sustainably by boycotting herbal companies that gather from the wild.