| Herbs are a necessity in the modern kitchen. You may | | | | the treatment of infectious diseases like leprosy and |
| be using fresh herbs, dry herbs or crushed herbs, | | | | syphilis in ancient times. Herbalists and naturalist also |
| depending on availability and season in your cooking. | | | | suggest this herb as a remedy for bad breath and |
| You may be astonished to learn that quite of few of | | | | other dental problems. Resin, gum and volatile oil form |
| the herbs can be used as a remedy for bad breath. If | | | | the three main constituents of myrrh. These contribute |
| you are willing to try alternative remedies, these are | | | | to its efficacy. It is also known for its astringent |
| the herbs that can help with halitosis. | | | | properties and it has a calming effect on inflamed |
| Eucalyptus: This herb was originally used by the | | | | tissues which may be present in the mouth and throat. |
| Australian aborigines who managed to get some liquid | | | | It is usually safe to use. |
| from the herbs by chewing them. It is common | | | | Bloodroot: This herb was used by Native Americans in |
| knowledge that the smell of eucalyptus oil helps when | | | | rituals and in medicines. Its color was used as body |
| you have any ailment like asthma, bronchitis, | | | | paint. Bloodroot was used to treat cough, sore throats, |
| emphysema and whooping cough. Eucalyptus contains | | | | rheumatic pains and even cancer. The main active |
| a volatile oil called eucalyptol. It works in a similar way | | | | compounds in this herb are alkaloids-primarily |
| as menthol, by opening nasal passages and acting on | | | | sanguinarine. Some toothpastes and other oral hygiene |
| receptors in the mucus, thus reducing the symptoms | | | | products may contain these because they are |
| of nasal congestion. | | | | supposed to hinder bacteria growth. |
| However, this herb is best avoided internally as it can | | | | Bloodroot should be used with caution because it can |
| cause diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. You should not | | | | cause nausea and vomiting if it is taken in large doses. |
| use the oil for infants under two years of age even | | | | Caraway: This herb has been used medically for |
| for inhalation purposes because there is a danger or | | | | centuries. Its seeds help in digestion and also aid in |
| airway spasm leading to stoppage of breathing, a | | | | easing colic pain, especially in children. It is a carminative; |
| potentially fatal consequence. Then again the oil may | | | | therefore it is used in helping gastrointestinal discomfort. |
| increase bronchial spasms in asthmatics and should | | | | It is generally safe for internal use when ingested. |
| not be ingested by people with severe liver disease or | | | | However, oil from caraway and other herbs in the |
| any inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract or kidney. | | | | Umbelliferrae family are volatile and may cause |
| Thyme: Found in the Mediterranean region and also | | | | irritation to the skin and mucous membranes. Do not |
| cultivated in the United States, this sweet smelling herb | | | | use the oil for children under two years. |
| is used in cooking. The dried or semi-dried leaves and | | | | Peppermint: This herb, too, is carminative. Its digestive |
| the flowering tops are also used for their medicinal | | | | properties are common knowledge and it widely used |
| properties. It has anti-tussive (cough treating), | | | | for indigestion and intestinal colic pains. |
| anti-spasmodic and expectorant (thinning the mucus) | | | | Though peppermint tea is usually considered safe for |
| actions which are of great help. Thyme can be used | | | | regular drinking, the same cannot be said for |
| along or blended with other herbs like sundew and it is | | | | peppermint oil which can cause burning and |
| often used in Europe for treating dry, spasmodic | | | | gastrointestinal upset in some people. |
| coughs and also whooping cough. Because the herb is | | | | Sage: It has historically been used as a culinary and |
| not toxic, it can be used safely with small children. | | | | medicinal herb for times immemorial. It has been used |
| Though it is a herb which is fairly safe to use, do keep | | | | externally to treat swelling, sprains, bleeding and ulcers |
| in mind that a heavy, spasmodic cough, specially in | | | | by herbalists. Tea from sage leaves has been used |
| young children, may be a precursor to a more | | | | for treating coughs and sore throat and even used as |
| dangerous medical condition, and so do consult a | | | | a gargle. |
| medical practitioner to check for the same. | | | | A word of caution: extremely high amounts of sage |
| Myrrh: The reddish-brown resin of myrrh was used for | | | | can be a causative factor in convulsions. |
| preserving mummies in olden times. It found its place in | | | | |