To avoid popping pills for every ache and pain think about using some of the home and Herbal Remedies our grandmother’s used to use.  Not only can you eliminate some of the side effects of taking prescription drugs but these remedies can eliminate symptoms and help your body to heal naturally.

In addition to this the ingredients of many Home Remedies are easily accessible and easy to prepare when you have the know-how.  Here are some guidelines on how to prepare herbs either as a compress, a tincture, for steam inhalation or as an infusion:

Compress

Compresses are useful for easing painful muscles and joints and soothing rashes and skin outbreaks.  To make a compress simply take a piece of clean cloth and soak it in a bowl that contain either hot or cold herbal extract.  A compresses are used externally you can use many of the widely available herbs.  Arnica for example is great for bruising and aching muscles and whereas Calendula can help to stem bleeding and sooth cuts.

Tincture

Herbal tinctures are made by taking fresh or dried herbs and adding then to a distilled water/alcohol solution.  The alcohol acts as a preservative.  A tincture is an alcoholic extract, in this case using an herb. Tinctures can then be used externally or where appropriately indicated can be added to water and sipped.

Steam Inhalation

Steam inhalations are great for respiratory tract infections and problematic chests.  You can add an infusion of herbs or a few drops of essential oil to a bowl of hot water.  Lean over the bowl whilst draping a towel over your head to keep the stem in.  Inhale deeply for several minutes.  Eucalyptus oil is very effective for chest infection used in this way.

Infusion

An infusion or tea can be made from dried or fresh herbs.  Steep the herbs in teapot of hot water for about 10 minutes.  Use a tea strainer and pour into a cup.  Some herbs have an acquired taste so use honey or sugar if required.