A Pharmacy in Your Kitchen

Did you know you have a pharmacy in your kitchen? Most pharmaceuticals began as a plant and with a little knowledge, we can treat out own families with differing success at home.

Unlike many herbalists, I do not exclude or diminish the importance of modern medicine. I believe that traditional and modern medicine work synergistically to improve and maximize health benefits. At the first sign of illness, we treat herbally and we use herbs for maintaining and long term health improvements. With an illness that increases in severity rapidly or one that doesn't start improving in 4 days we call a physician. Serious and urgent health emergencies always require a doctor's evaluation and treatment.

If you want to start experimenting and trying some herbal medicine and are not sure where to start, I suggest you start in your kitchen. Here are a few suggestions:


Garlic-

Antibiotic

Lowers blood pressure

Blood thinner (stop taking 5-7 days prior to planned surgery)


Ginger-

Fights nausea

Anti-inflammatory (good for arthritis)

Pain relief

Fights flu and colds

Antibiotic

Oregano-

Antibiotic

Anti-spasmodic

Pain reliever

Basil-

Digestive Aid

Anti-gas

Cloves-

Tooth ache

Nausea

Burns and wounds (stops bleeding and pain)

Respiratory problems (an inhalation of steam)

Cinnamon-

Sore throats

Stabilizes Blood sugars

Lowers blood pressure

Inhibits bacterial and fungal growth

Reduces Cholestrol

Cayenne (or any hot peppers)-

Stops bleeding in cuts

Improves circulation

Stimulates digestion

Stops heart attacks in progress (CPR should be done if a person has stopped breathing. After resuscitation, a teaspoon of capsaicin or cayenne pepper mixed with warm water can be administered every fifteen minutes. This will stimulate the central nervous system, improving heart function by calling for increased blood flow. Cayenne pepper and its derivative, capsaicin extract, also strengthen the heart over time and keeps the blood thin, reducing the possibility of blood clots forming.) Always call 911 in a medical emergency!!

Treats colds/fevers

Alleviates muscle and joint pain

Thyme-

Expectorant

Boosts immune system

Anti-parisitical (internal or external)

Pain relief (externally)

Sage-

Mosquito repellant

Improves & enhances memory

Anti-inflammatory

Regulates menstruation

Mouth and throat soreness

Rosemary-

Anti-depressant

Headaches

Flea & Tick repellant