Why everyone is using herbs and essential oils, and what you need to know
By Suzanne Teachey, owner, Nectar Apothecary
The use of herbal remedies has become tremendously popular. While it may seem like the latest trend, people have been using plant medicine for thousands of years. The earliest herbal texts are more than 2,000 years old. But what accounts for this seemingly modern trend? And even though your friends and family are using herbal remedies, are they right for you and your family?
Let’s explore why herbal remedies have become so popular.
Your friends and family who are using herbal remedies, may be drinking herbal teas or using herbs in capsules or liquid extracts. They may also be using essential oils, another potent form of plant-based remedies.
There are many factors drawing people to use these safe and effective remedies. Some want more energy and vitality. Others are seeking alternatives to common over-the-counter drugs. Some are even using herbal remedies as an effective alternative to certain prescription medications. Most are seeking to live a healthier, more natural lifestyle, reducing the chemical burden present in many skincare, body care, and household cleaning products.
Herbs for Optimal Energy and Vitality
Many people take herbs, not because they are sick, but rather to optimize their energy and vitality and to promote longevity. Perhaps you’ve have heard of an herb called Ginseng, a root used for thousands of years in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is one of the most studied herbs in the modern herbal apothecary. As ancient practitioners knew, Ginseng improves stamina and helps reduce mental and physical fatigue. It is stimulating even without caffeine.
In modern times Ginseng is used for adrenal fatigue and to balance to cortisol levels elevated by chronic stress. It is also an immune tonic. There are many herbs similar to Ginseng that also help the body adapt to the stress of modern life. Known as adaptogens and including Ashwagandha, Astraglaus, Eleuthero, Maca, and Rhodiola among others. People working long hours, students, athletes, and others experiencing difficult times are finding support and relief from stress with these herbal remedies.
Herbs for Common Ailments
A desire to avoid the risky side effects of some over-the-counter and prescription drugs motivates some people, who use herbal remedies as effective alternatives. They keep their home medicine chests stocked with herbs for simple, self-limiting conditions like indigestion, heartburn, the common cold, allergies, headaches, muscle aches and pains, and even occasional sleeplessness.
Where these these household herbal remedies really excels is in restoring balance (unlike over-the-counter drugs, which often provide temporary relief but do little to bring the body back into balance). Not only do herbal remedies help you feel better, they can speed recovery and promote healthy function and tissue repair. Marshmallow root is a good example. It is often recommended to cool and soothe hot, irritated tissue in the digestive tract, relieving heartburn and promoting tissue repair. Turmeric is another good example. Many people use Turmeric to avoid the risks associated with over-the-counter NSAIDs (non-steroid all anti-inflammatory drugs), which are responsible for thousands of deaths in the United States annually and more than 100,000 hospitalizations. Turmeric helps reduce inflammation in the body and can relieve joint pain caused by years of overuse. Unlike NSAIDS, it can also help improve gut health and digestive function. It’s a win-win.
The recipe for Golden Milk (see page XX) is an enjoyable way to get your daily dose of turmeric.
Dissatisfaction with the pharmaceutical model is leading many people to seek herbal alternatives to over-the-counter-drugs and prescription medications. Researchers have performed clinical trials on the effectiveness of herbal remedies compared with that of prescription medications, with outstanding results and fewer side effects. If this is something that appeals to you, it is best to consult with your medical practitioner before making any changes.
Herbs in Skincare, Body Care and Household Cleaning Products
Many people are seeking natural alternatives to chemically-laden skincare and body care products, as well as household cleaning products. Sadly, in the last half century, we have discovered that the slogan “Better Living through Chemistry” did not fully live up to its promise.
From green tea and Calendula flowers to Rosehip Seed oil and Frankincense essential oil, there are many herbs and essential oils that can be safely used topically to promote healthy, radiant skin. The Anti-Aging Matcha Green Tea mask is an excellent way to tone and enliven your skin with an infusion of antioxidants.
Essential oils are also popular in gentle but effective household cleaning products.
The interest in clean natural skin care and safer household cleaning products has also driven a popular “do-it-yourself” movement among people who enjoy creating their own natural skin care and cleaning products at a fraction of the cost of store-bought items.
The Importance of Informed Decisions
If you use herbal remedies, do your best to make an informed decision. Just because something is helpful for your sister or aunt, it isn’t necessarily right for you. If you do take prescription medications, evaluate the possibility of herb-drug interactions, first. Start with your medical practitioner or pharmacist. If you have a chronic or serious condition seek out a naturopathic doctor or licensed acupuncturist for advice. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, make sure the herbs are approved for pregnancy and breastfeeding. It’s also important not to self-diagnose and to see your medical practitioner when appropriate. Most of us are comfortable taking care of a cold, occasional headache or simple indigestion on our own without seeking medical attention. Let your body and common sense guide you.
Nectar Apothecary, at 219 W. Gurley Street in Prescott, is a modern herbal apothecary with a goal of connecting people with the resources to make herbal medicine an integral part of a healthier, happier lifestyle. The apothecary offers high quality organic herbal products, consultations, and classes. For more information visit www.nectarapothecary.com or call 928.445.4565.
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Golden Milk Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of plant-based milk (almond, coconut, etc.)
- 2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 pinch of black pepper
- Raw honey or maple syrup to taste
- Optional: A pinch of powdered ginger, cardamom, anise
Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into a small sauce pan and heat for 3-4 minutes stirring frequently. Allow to cool to a comfortable temperature. Drink daily and enjoy!
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Anti-Aging Matcha Green Tea Mask
Ingredients:
1 tsp matcha green tea powder
1 tsp French green clay
raw honey
Directions:
Combine the matcha green tea powder and French green clay in a small bowl. Slowly stir in enough honey to make a thick paste. Gently spread the paste on clean, freshly washed skin. This mask is great for your face, but can be used on your chest, back, or anywhere you want to maintain healthy, younger looking skin. Relax and allow the mask to set for at least 15 minutes. Gently remove the mask with warm water and a washcloth. Pat your skin dry and then apply a toner or hydrosol.