EXTRACTS FROM HERBAL HEALERS

INTRODUCTION
The wild plants and herbs of our land have long been used for their medical
properties. They are our inherent connection to nature and aid our own
effective ability and power to help ourselves when we are ill, instead of
relying on costly, harsh, chemically produced drugs, which often have
harmful side effects. Herbal remedies have been verified by modern
scientific methods to have effective and deep acting properties.

Working with herbs is a participatory process from growing the herbs in your
garden, or collecting herbs from the wild, to drying the herbs and making
herbal preparations. Gardening takes on a new dimension as you harvest your
‘weeds’ for future medication, add helpful herbs to salads, or concoct your
own herb teas. You can, of course, buy the ready dried herbs and herbal
preparations from your local health shop.

I have chosen familiar, common and easy to recognise herbs, which can be
used safely for a variety of common ailments and First Aid situations.
Choose to work with the herbs you are naturally drawn towards, tuning into
the plant and its subtle energy. Knowledge will grow as you use the herbs
as a system and as you try things out and observe the results for yourself.
However, should the symptoms persist or worsen, a trained medical herbalist
or doctor should be consulted.
Derbyshire 2002

THYME
Also known as Garden Thyme, Mother of Thyme, Thymus (from old Greek, meaning
courage and also ‘to fumigate’). Harvest the leaves together with the
purple flowers from June to September.

The calming antiseptic qualities of Thyme make it a valuable tonic for the
whole system. Make an infusion of the leaves for all digestive complaints
including inflammation of the liver, nervous indigestion, flatulence, bad
breath and hangovers. It is particularly good for kidney infections,
stimulating white blood cell production to resist infection. An
anti-fungal, use regularly for candida and thrush.

Thyme helps expel mucus from the lungs, purging the body of phlegm. Use for
bronchitis, tonsillitis, pleurisy, septic sore throats, ear infections and
dry irritating coughs. Used internally as well as externally it promotes
perspiration in fevers, lowers the temperature and quickly cleanses the
body. It will relieve insomnia and calm night fears. Add to the bath to
throw off lethargy and chills.

Externally use a hot fomentation for abscesses, boils and all swellings.
Use in the bath to alleviate the pains of rheumatism and all muscular pain.
Use as a lotion for itchy skin and hives.
Thyme brings courage, inner strength and a stronger purpose. Use to attract
good health and remove all sorrows from the past.
Antiseptic - Lungs - Liver - Kidneys - Digestive tonic
Candida - Sore throats - Ear infections - Fevers
Abscesses - Muscular pain

ROSEMARY
Other names for Rosemary include Polar Plant, Compass Weed, Rosmarine (rose of the sea), Incensier, Romero and The Pilgrims Flower. The small purple
flowers can be collected and used with the dark needly leaves from May to
September.
Rosemary leaves strengthen the heart and increase circulation. Drink the
infusion as a preventative against hardening of the arteries. It helps with
cold limbs, poor circulation and chilblains. It will raise low blood
pressure.

Use as a stimulant for the whole system, when the body is sluggish or
lethargic, and when there is a lack of concentration and a poor memory due
to feeling cold. It is good for all nervous tensions and for headaches due
to gastric disturbances and general debility. It is a liver and digestive
remedy, relieving flatulence, colic and indigestion, and will help the body
digest fatty or rich foods. Externally it may be used to ease muscular
pains, neuralgia, on wounds, bites and stings, as an insecticide and as a
hair rinse.

Rosemary lets joy and love into the heart, dispelling grief, anger, hatred
and bitterness. It strengthens, warms and stimulates. A symbol of love and
loyalty which also enhances creativity.
Warning: Do not take during pregnancy with high blood pressure.
Nervous system - Heart and circulation
Digestion and liver - Muscle pains - Blood pressure
Headaches - Wounds - Hair tonic - Insecticide

 

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