Herb Basics
From angelicas to St. John's wort, learn the basic herbs that useful.
By Benjamin Disraeli
January/February 2004
A Place to Start
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Angelicas: Healing Herbal Cousins
More than 50 species of angelicas spread across the globe. Several have longstanding reputations as prized healers, and different species have widely varying uses. In many cases, all parts of these medicinal angelicas — roots, stems, leaves and seeds — carry healing chemicals.
Angelica archangelica: Angelica. The plant’s roots and leaves are used medicinally for ailments ranging from colic and indigestion to bronchitis and debilitating chest conditions. It’s also used in candies and to flavor liqueurs.
A. sinensis: Chinese angelica, or dong quai. This sweet, pungent herb is the main tonic in Traditional Chinese Medicine for regulating menstruation and strengthening the female reproductive system.
A. atropurpurea: American angelica. This herb has similar properties to A. sinensis, but it’s less aromatic.
A. dahurica: Fragrant angelica, or bai zhi. A Chinese herb used for headaches and aching eyes, nasal congestion and toothaches.
Make your own natural salve
Herbal salves are excellent remedies for cuts, scrapes and minor burns. They’re also fun and easy to make at home. This recipe makes about 3 ounces of salve. You can find the ingredients listed below, plus 1-ounce glass salve jars with lids, at health-food stores and herb shops.
3 ounces herb-infused oil, such as St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) or calendula (Calendula officinalis) oil
1/2 ounce pure beeswax
15 drops pure essential oil (try lavender, tea tree or a combination)
3 (1-ounce) salve jars
Slowly heat herbal oil in a saucepan to about 100 degrees. Chop or grate beeswax and gradually stir it into the hot oil. Remove from heat and stir in essential oil. Pour hot salve into jars and let cool. Cap jars and store at room temperature.
Clear your sinuses with helpful herbs
For sinus congestion, try a tea made from 1 teaspoon each of yarrow flowers (Achillea millefolium), elder flowers (Sambucus nigra), peppermint leaves (Mentha Ypiperita) and elecampane root (Inula helenium). Place herbs in a covered container with 1 quart of boiling water. Steep for 20 minutes, strain and drink 1 cup three times daily; drink more when severely congested.
Another good remedy for clogged sinuses is to include cayenne (Capsicum annuum) in your diet. The spice helps dry up mucus, opens nasal passages and stimulates healthy immune functioning.