Modern medicine is based on herbal medicine. The practitioners are licensed and clinically trained to diagnose, prescribe, and use restricted herbal materials to make their medicines. They can give sick notes, just as GPs, and have at least 5 years of training before they can practice. The Irish folk memory of cures is strong. Nearly every family will have known a remedy for a particular ailment. Many gardens have mature herbs that were once used for medicinal purposes. They are now used for their scent or as corner-fillers. My herb garden room is filled with historical imports, but I would like to see what we could use from our gardens that are native to Ireland.
Ireland Herbs
Carrageen moss, Nettles and Dandelions; Shepherd’s Purse, Comfrey and Wotzel; Yarrow, Dock and Clivers, Elder, Ground ivy, Hawthorn, Couchgrass, and Broom are just a few of the many medicinal plants that grow in our gardens, hedgerows, and fields. I can categorize them into four groups based on their use: heart medicine, blood coagulants to stem bleeding and digestive tonics, as well as infection treatments. Although it is not a comprehensive report on each plant’s use, it does provide a general overview that allows you to see the plants and trees that you see in your garden studio every day. Heart actions. Broom is a diuretic that aids in ventricular fibrillation and atrial fibrillation. It also reduces the rate of the beat.
Hawthorn increases the strength of the heart muscle, without increasing the pressure or beating. It improves circulation and is useful in moderate hypertension, arteriosclerosis, and angina. Ground Ivy is also diuretic and supportive of kidney disease. Dandelion, which is able to lower high blood pressure and oedema caused by congestive heart failure, is a frequent addition. Blood coagulants. The unique ability of the Nettles to deal with iron deficiency, gout and chronic skin conditions like kidney disease, gout, gout, and renal disease is a testament to their versatility. They can stop bleeding in the stomach and bowel, lung, womb, and bowel.
Urinary Tract
Shepherd’s Purse can effectively stop bleeding from the digestive or urinary tracts. Comfrey is best known for its ability to knit bone, but it can also reduce blood-clotting time (practitioner-led treatment only) and externally. Witch Hazel is a cooling agent that can be used to treat bruises, cuts, and varicosities. Yarrow prevents blood from leaking from wounds, varicose veins and nosebleeds. Digestive tonics. The nutrients and tonic properties of Dock, Dandelion and Nettles, as well as carrageen moss, are conducive to the healing of a damaged digestive system. The quantities in a medical mixture will depend on the symptoms and the desired results. Infection treatments.
The nutritious tonic Irish moss contains many trace minerals and vitamins. It has a clear affinity for the lungs, digestive and urinary systems and can be used to treat infection and irritability. Yellow Dock root can be used for many purposes, including dry-itchy skin conditions and shingles. The addition of Clivers to anti-infectious medications to cleanse and push through lymphatic system is a great idea, especially for problems with the urinary tract. Elderflowers are great for the common cold, flu, tonsillitis, and fever. However the cold tea can be laxative. Couchgrass is a soothing demulcent for urinary infections and an important part of any antiseptic treatment. While you enjoy the view from your new Irish garden, don’t forget that many of the trees and plants you can see are valuable medicinal treatments. Herbal prescriptions are not meant to be used in isolation. They are a combination of plants that are selected for their ability to balance one another and are tailored to the needs each patient. Visit the NIMH website to find a local herbalist.
Herbal Benefits
It is easy to find herbs and herbal supplements. But it can be difficult to choose the right ones if you don’t do your research. This is partly due to false information and hearsay. There are some herbs that are not recommended for use and can cause serious health problems. Apricot Kernels: Some schools use the seeds of apricots in shop class to harden metal. They contain cyanide, which is great to use for that purpose but not for humans. There have been reports of deaths. It is a popular remedy. It is believed to prevent cancer. It is believed to be true because you are more likely than not to die from cyanide poisoning if your eat them. Echinacea: When used correctly, this herb is very useful. Echinacea may boost your immune system if you have been exposed.
However, it should not be used for more than ten to two weeks at once. Avoid echinacea if you have a problem with your immune system (e.g., a transplant patient, or someone with auto-immune disease). It can cause side effects, and may interact with other herbs.
Take Note
- Ginseng: Because of the time it takes to grow ginseng, and the harsh conditions in which it grows, this herb can be very expensive. It can fetch up to four hundred dollars per pound. It is used to improve mental function, especially in dementia patients. Some diabetics may also use American ginseng to lower their blood sugar levels. Ginseng can make rheumatoid or bronchitis worse. It can also interact with diabetic medications.
- Goldenseal: This herb has two problems. It is commonly believed that it is used to boost immunity. It is a digestive herb that has no effect on the immune system. A serious drug/herb interaction is the second problem. Goldenseal can cause severe muscle damage and kidney failure if you are taking any statin. If you are taking statins, Oregon grape root is a better option.
- Licorice: People with high blood pressure and diabetics should avoid this herb. It is high in sugar and can raise blood pressure. DGL may be beneficial for diabetics because it has the sugars removed. Marshmallow could be an alternative.
- St. John’s Wort. St. John’s Wort may help mild to moderate depression. However, you should still consult a doctor before using it. It isn’t strong enough to treat major depression. This herb may make bipolar disorder worse. Talk to your pharmacist if you are taking any medication. There are serious herb/drug interactions.
- Willow Bark: Willow isn’t used as often as we have aspirin now. Before that, if you had headaches, you could take the willow. It is chemically similar in composition to aspirin so if you have an allergy to it, don’t use it. Gout sufferers should avoid this herb as it can cause flareups. Although herbal remedies may be the best option for you, it is important that you consult your doctor, pharmacist, and preferably a qualified herbal practitioner to ensure that you are getting the best results. Tell your doctor about any medical conditions you have and any supplements or medications you are taking.