"I've tried herbs and I don't know if they work for me."
Have you ever said this or had this experience with herbal medicine? There are a lot of misconceptions about herbal remedies and I'm here to clear up some of the major ones that greatly impact the efficacy of your herbal experience.
Its quite possible that with a few tweaks you may find that herbal remedies do in fact work even better than you thought.
Here are some common misconceptions about herbal remedies and some tips on how to adjust your herbal wellness practice.
1. We expect them to work instantly like pharmaceuticals.
This is just not the case. Some herbs can work quickly, but a majority of herbs are best used consistently and on a daily basis as part of a wellness practice, not for quick relief or instant change. When used consistently they can have incredible medicinal benefits in supporting our wellness from the inside out.
2. The herbal remedies you're using may be of poor quality or too weak of a dosage to be effective.
A lot of time we sip an herbal tea and assume we are receiving some medicinal benefits from that herb, but generally speaking herbal teas (the way they are commonly used) are used more for pleasure and do not have much in the way of medicinal benefits. This is because there is not enough of the dried herb (a standard tea bag has 1-2 teaspoons of dried herb) and they are steeped only for a short period of time (generally 3-5 minutes).
How about herbal capsules - this is another common way to ingest herbs, but not always the most effective route. When an herb is ground up it can loose it's potency by up to half - (thats a lot!) making capsules a far less potent and effective method. Capsules also range in the bioavailability in the body making them more difficult to properly digest and absorb into our bodies properly for the herb to work.
3. The herbs youre using may not be meant for you - this is a BIG ONE!
We are each so incredibly unique with different constitutions, doshas, planetary & elemental influences. And each herb has different elements, planets and properties associated with them even if they serve a similar function.
Plant to Person matchmaking from a Clinical Herbalist trained in Medical Astrology, a Naturopath or Ayurvedic Practitioner are all great resources to start learning what herbs work best your specific constitution.
Another example is using an herb commonly known but not understanding how it actually works in the body. For instance not all immune boosting herbs function the same. Astragalus Root for example is an excellent herbal remedy for boosting the immune system, but not so great if you're already sick and may not be of benefit and could even potentially prolong illness. However Echinacea, Elder or Ginger can be used before or during illness to support the immune system.
What are the most effective methods of using herbs?
1. Herbal Infusion
These are similar to your tradtional herbal tea method, but with more dried herb used and steeped for a longer period of time.
Standard Recipe for a Herbal Water Infusion
1-2 tablespoons of dried herb or herbal blend
8 ounces of hot water
Let steep for a minimum of 15 minutes or up to overnight for maximum herbal benefits. (Steep time can vary depending on herbs and parts of plant used)
2. Tincture or Oxymel
Tinctures or Oxymels are great methods for ingesting herbs. They are highly concentrated with alcohol, glycerin and/or vinegar and are super easy to use on the go. Typically only having to use 1 dropper 1-3 times a day which can either be added to a beverage of choice or taken directly. I'm a little partial to Oxymels, personally, as I enjoy the added benefit of Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey and feel they are far more palatable than a standard tincture.
3. BATH!
Yup! You heard me right - bath! Pretty much any herb you can ingest can also be absorbed through the skin to receive their benefits. Pretty cool! There are exceptions of course like stinging nettles or anything too astringent which can cause some skin irritation and/or burning sensation.
How to prepare a bath tea:
1. Boil 6 cups of water
2. Remove from heat.
3. Add 1 cup herb of choice or herbal blend.
4. Let steep for 20 minutes.
5. Strain. Add tea to bath and Enjoy!
Comment below and let me know what herbal remedies you most enjoy.