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