Selecting Your Herbs
When it comes to selecting herbs for your remedies, knowledge is power.
First, decide what are you looking to support.
Know the properties and effects of the herbs, including potential interactions and contraindications.
Source high quality organic herbs to ensure purity and potency. Pay attention to the part of the plant that should be used (leaves, roots, flower) as they often have distinct active compounds.
Always talk with your doctor or healthcare professional before adding or removing any supplements.
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Basic Herbalism Terms
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The practice of using plants for medicinal purposes, encompassing traditional and modern approaches.
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Plants that help the body adapt to stress and maintain balance.
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Acts by relieveing pain.
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Gentle stimulant to digestion, and mild laxative action.
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Promotes the expulsion of gas.
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Promotes the flow of urine.
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Stimulates nutrition by improving assimilation, improves systemic tone, increased vigor and strength to the tissues of body organs.
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Gradually restores health and vitality to the body by helping the body assimilate nutrients, eliminate waste, and restore proper function.
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Herbs that support and nourish specific organs or systems in the body, promoting their overall health and function.
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Biologically active compounds in plants that contribute to their health benefits.
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Herb or substance that causes contraction of tissues, often used for skin or digestive issues.
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Compounds that help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, found in many herbs.
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Gelatinous substance in certain plants, often used for its soothing properties.
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Aromatic compounds in herbs that contribute to their fragrance and therapeutic properties.
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Substances that soothe and protect mucous membranes, commonly found in certain herbs.
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Refers to the liquid used to extract medicinal compounds from herbs, commonly alcohol, vinegar, or oil.
Typical Herbal Preparations
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Herbal extracts made by steeping herbs in alcohol, preserving their medicinal properties.
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The process of steeping herbs in hot water, typically for teas or topical use.
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Extracting medicinal compounds by boiling plant material in water, suitable for tougher plant parts like roots or bark.
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Extracting herbal properties by soaking plant material in oil or another liquid, commonly used for making herbal oils.
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A healing ointment made by combining herbal-infused oils with beeswax.
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A soft, moist mass of plant material applied externally to relieve inflammation or promote healing.
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Soaking a cloth in an herbal infusion or decoction and applying it to the skin for various therapeutic purposes.
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A sweet liquid infused with herbs, often used for respiratory or immune support.
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Encapsulating powdered herbs for convenient oral consumption.
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Ground herbal material, used in capsules, smoothies, or added to food for ingestion.