All seasons, and especially summer, give us the opportunity to use medicines, the existence of which we often do not suspect. They have every reason to firmly settle … in our kitchen.
Archaeological excavations (for example, in ancient Egypt) confirm that even more than 6000 years ago, people used local plants to maintain health. “The ancient medical systems of India, China, Tibet are inconceivable without the use of plants, the components of thousands of medicines,” says phytotherapeutist Elena Korsun. “The methods of using and prescribing recipes for herbal remedies are incredibly diverse and repeatedly tested by experience, because behind each recipe there is the life of many generations, entire nations.”
In the 50s, pharmaceutical companies began to produce synthetic drugs, and researchers began to look for active molecules with the desired medicinal effect. Natural remedies faded into the background, and even declared “unscientific”, “superstitious”. But now the attitude towards them is changing, and pharmaceutical companies are adopting some plant-based recipes. “We have found that some herbs are in some cases more effective than drugs, with significantly fewer side effects,” said Dr. Jen Tan, medical director of herbal medicine company Bioforce. “Unlike synthetic drugs that contain only one active ingredient, plant extracts include hundreds of different substances that work in synergy. Some of them prevent or mitigate the possible side effects of others, while others fight inflammation, soothe or fight infection. In this way one plant can produce the effect of several medicines.” This unique property of plants to compensate and soften the action of the substances contained in them is used in folk healing systems – for example, in traditional Chinese medicine or Ayurveda.
Our consultants
- Anastasia Stephens, specialist in holistic medicine;
- Elena Korsun, Associate Professor, Department of Phytotherapy, Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia;
- Tatyana Krylova, phytotherapist.
Read more:
- How can phytotherapy help you lose weight?
Universal herbal remedies recommended by our experts are in the arsenal of almost every housewife. They can be grown in your garden, at home in a pot, bought in the market or even in the spice section of any supermarket.
Ginger
Blood circulationGinger contains molecules that improve blood flow to all body tissues. Herbalists usually prescribe it for circulation problems, cramps, and pain attacks. It is used as an anti-nausea agent, stimulates the secretion of digestive enzymes and improves the absorption of nutrients.
Application To improve digestion and blood circulation, cut fresh ginger into thin strips, blanch and add to ready meals. To increase immunity, fight against colds, drink tea with freshly grated ginger and honey.
Chile
Fat burnerCapsaicin, the chemical that gives pepper its heat, is thermogenic, so chili warms the body. Canadian scientists have discovered that by warming the body, chili speeds up all chemical reactions, including metabolism*. In addition, chili is an anti-inflammatory agent that helps fight infections. Thanks to the warming properties of chili, it perfectly removes excess mucus, helping to cope with coughs, runny nose, etc.
Application Care must be taken: capsaicin can burn the skin and mucous membranes. The best indicator of your individual therapeutic dose is taste – the level of spiciness should be well tolerated, pleasant.
Thyme
Throat and respiratory tract infectionsThyme contains two main oils, thymol and carvacol, which provide its powerful antibacterial properties. These ingredients have been found to kill bacteria that cause respiratory tract infections, promote coughing, and help clear the lungs. If your gums often become inflamed, thyme tea or mouthwash with infusion will help. Since thyme phytoncides (that is, its essential oils) have antibacterial properties, you can simply rub fresh leaves in your hands and inhale the outgoing aroma.
Application Brew two or three young shoots with boiling water, leave for three to five minutes – drink with respiratory tract infections. For a decoction, boil three teaspoons of thyme in 500 ml of water for 10 minutes and rinse your mouth with it. It is best to use fresh thyme. If dry thyme has lost its smell, then the essential oils have evaporated from it, and with them the benefits.
Sage
Fatigue and hot flashesSage helps reduce hot flashes during menopause, an effect likely due to its phytoestrogens content. In addition, it has an astringent effect and contains antimicrobial oils: gargling with fresh sage tea at the first sign of illness will help stop the spread of the infection. Herbalist Anastasia Stephens believes that sage helps with mental fatigue, improves concentration and memory. This gives the best results.
Application You can drink sage tea or take it in capsules. To prepare the infusion, you need to pour one or two tablespoons of fresh sage leaves with hot water and leave for 10 minutes. For hot flashes, drink cold three times a day. With a sore throat and cough, it is better to prepare a decoction: boil two teaspoons of the leaves in 200 ml of water for 15 minutes and gargle for three minutes several times a day. Sage should not be used during pregnancy and lactation: it is a strong uterine stimulant and also stops lactation.
Cinnamon
Blood sugar levelCinnamon lowers cholesterol levels, perfectly cleansing blood vessels. Even a small amount of cinnamon helps balance sugar levels. Research at the Maryland Human Nutrition Center (BHNRC, USA) has proven that just half a teaspoon of cinnamon a day can significantly reduce blood sugar levels: the active molecule (MHCP) mimics the action of insulin, helping diabetics control their condition.
Application Half a teaspoon of cinnamon is enough to lower blood sugar levels and improve digestion. It can be added to muesli, coffee. Try putting a cinnamon stick in your tea while brewing.
Peppermint
Nervous and digestive systemsPeppermint helps with headaches and improves brain function. Researchers at the National University Hospital, Department of Neurology at Keil University Hospital in Germany found that applying a few drops of peppermint oil to the forehead helps relieve headaches. In addition, mint reduces muscle tension, relieves anxiety and improves mood. Experiments at the Center for Human Nutrition in Maryland have shown that peppermint enhances the effects of chemotherapy drugs.
Application To improve digestion, you can add peppermint leaves to tea. To get rid of nervous tension, anxiety, improve sleep, you need to wrap fresh mint leaves in a thin cotton cloth, slightly wrinkle in your hands and put at the head of the bed.
Turmeric
Anti-inflammatoryTurmeric contains powerful antioxidants that neutralize free radicals, unstable particles that attack and destroy cells. It is not for nothing that in India for many centuries it has been considered a means of preserving youth and beauty. Gregory Cole, a professor of neurology at the University of California, claims that turmeric can have a positive effect on Alzheimer’s disease and reduce swelling in arthritis. Research from the University of Texas shows that turmeric can block the development of skin cancer and prevent the spread of breast cancer**. It can be used as an anti-inflammatory agent for problematic skin.
Application Adding half a spoonful of dry turmeric to a serving of soup, stew, or curry is a therapeutic dose for arthritis and tumor prevention. For local use (acne, micro-inflammation on the skin), mix with water to a paste and apply pointwise to the skin. Care must be taken to remove the paste at the first sign of irritation.
Koriandr
Digestion and AppetiteEssential oils contained in coriander leaves increase appetite and improve digestion by stimulating the secretion of gastric juice. Flavonoids improve blood circulation, so coriander is useful for those who often fly by plane. Coriander seeds are diuretic and help remove excess water from the body.
Application To improve digestion and circulation, sprinkle fresh leaves on stews or rice dishes, or add to salads. To get rid of water retention in the body, you need to grind one to two teaspoons of seeds and boil in 200 ml of water for three minutes; drink coriander tea three times a day.
* Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, 1999, june.** Mouse studies at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, www.mdanderson.org