Three Really Versatile Herbs To Keep In Your Medicine Cabinet
People have been using herbs as medicine for thousands of years — maybe even longer! There are herbs that can treat headaches, herbs that can alleviate anxiety, and herbs that can cause an uneasy stomach. Over time, as you learn more about herbal medicine, your collection of herbs is sure to grow. However, it can be helpful to start off with just a few of the most versatile herbs. These three herbs below can be used for all sorts of different purposes.
Turmeric
Turmeric is an orange powder that actually starts off as a root, similar to ginger or taro. It is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. As you may know, many health problems are caused or made worse by inflammation. This means that taking turmeric can help manage many different conditions by reducing the inflammation associated with those conditions. Health problems you can manage with turmeric include:
- Arthritis pain and other joint pain
- Skin conditions like psoriasis and acne
- Headaches
Some people believe turmeric can also help prevent cancer if you take it regularly.
Lavender
Lavender is an aromatic plant that can grow almost anywhere. It can be taken orally, but some people also use it for aromatherapy. Lavender seems to work primarily by relieving stress, which is at the heart of many health conditions. It's a good choice for both mental and physical issues, such as the following:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Stress headaches
- Stress-related gastrointestinal problems
- High blood pressure
- Migraines
- Insomnia
Lavender may impact your hormone levels if you take it often. So, if you have ever been prone to hormonal imbalances before, check in with your doctor before using lavender.
Ginger
Ginger is an herb you might already have in your cabinet! Not only is it a delicious and versatile cooking ingredient, but it's also a versatile herbal treatment. Ginger reduces inflammation, has antioxidant properties, and can help raise your metabolism. Conditions that people often manage with ginger include:
- Upset stomach
- Arthritis pain
- Diabetes and high blood sugar
- Heartburn
- Menstrual pain
- High cholesterol
Ginger tends to work best when taken daily, and not just when your health problems flare up. An easy way to consume it is by drinking ginger tea, although you can certainly take ginger capsules if preferred.
As you can see, these herbal medicines can be used for various purposes. Even with just these three herbs in your cabinet, you'll be prepared to take better care of your health in a natural way.