During the fight everyday illnesses you and your family will meet, it's good to know that a trusted ally no further than your backyard drugs. Below is a list of useful plants and things that can help you fight.
Echinacea: This works its wonders through helping to boost your white blood cell count, which helps fight disease. Take Echinacea at the first sign of 'bug' (cold or flu), or at the beginning of any kind of infection.
Melissa:. Characterized as a mild relaxant and helps beat the virus usually responsible for cold sores
feverfew:. It should be in the 'Arsenal' of those who are in the process of healing and trying to prevent the onset of migraine headaches
of the nettle: are suffering from hay fever? Then, keep the nettles, tested allergy fighter, close at hand.
white willow bark: Contains salicin, the precursor of aspirin. It works geat deal slower and much gentler than a pure full-strength aspirin you get in the drugstore. This makes it likely to cause an upset stomach. Willow bark can be worn with a mild fever and other aches and pains.
St. John's wort: This is found to be as tough as a normal medicine when it comes to combating mild to moderate depression
.Valerian: It was near perfect for delivering a good night's sleep, especially when used along with lemon balm, passionflower and, surprisingly enough, hops
Wild indigo: Remember our old friend Echinacea? It helps to form a dynamic duo with indigo to battle those pesky sinuses. Indigo other strength is its' effectiveness against upper respiratory infections.
Slippery elm: This aids in coating and relax the throat and intestines. This is a great cough and sore throat, and can also fight diarrhea and most other digestion problems.
Peppermint spirits: This is a 2-headed 'friends', for it helps to prevent headaches and soothe upset stomachs. Do you have headaches? Dribble a small amount of peppermint on a folded tissue or hanky, then rub it across your forehead, your temples and the back of your neck. How to calm an upset stomach, place a few drops of water, then swallow. Do not give this internally, however, for very young children, such as May cause problems with their very tender tummies.
of chamomile tea: This is a tried and true mild relaxant, useful against the occasional cramps and an upset stomach. It is safe to give to their children as well. Chamomile tea bags can be used on the eyes to conjunctivitis (pink eye). Place tea bags in a small amount of boiling water. When you're cold, but they are still warm to the touch, put them on your eyes closed, and then lie back to relax. Repeat this ritual for 15 minutes 2 or 3 times a day.
It's great to know that in this fast-paced, technological society we live in today, there are "old school" remedies that can help us as a powerful and sometimes more effective than over-the-counter medications. Grandma and Grampa were not far from the truth when they told you that help is sometimes just a step or two outside the back door, or in the shade of an old drug.