Phytotherapy is a well known for centuries method of treatment by using herbs. Herbs should not only be found in every kitchen, but also in all folk medicine. They assist in the treatment of all human body systems, however, improperly used, can cause a lot of damage. We present a small handbook of herbs and a description of the way they work.
Elderberry - flowers of elderberry have diuretic, diaphoretic and antipyretic effect on human body. They strengthen blood vessels. It is used to for eyes and throat inflammations. Fruits act mildly laxative, diuretic, diaphoretic, analgesic, and detoxicating. Elderberry is often used to fight the cold.
St John's Wort- it has calming effect on the nervous system, relieves depression, relaxes and reduces tension, improves mood, and is used to treat nerve pain or nerve damage (eg. in case of shingles or sciatica). It also has diuretic properties, helps in removing toxins from the body. In addition, it has expectorant properties, good for the liver, increases immunity, prevents colds and influenza, is used to relieve symptoms of arthritis, helps heal burns, wounds, chafes, ulcers, also alleviates any kind of inflammation. Relieves symptoms of menopause.
Willow bark - is useful for colds, fever and inflammation , is used in rheumatic diseases.
Yarrow – anti-inflamatory, antihemorrhagical, bacteriostatic and slight antispasmodic. It stimulates the digestive system functions and helps with gastro-intestinal disorders manifested by lack of appetite, bloating, intestinal spasms, dyspepsia and peptic ulcer. It soothes inflammations of the skin and mucous membranes, and accelerates wound healing.
Linden blossom - an infusion of linden flowers is used for therapeutic purposes , which is diaphoretic, has anti- fever effect, is a diuretic, as well as calming and antispasmodic. Relieves cough symptoms.
Burdock - is recommended as a medicine in the states of gastritis, poor metabolism. Used as a secondary diuretic. Due to healing processes acceleration and anti-inflammatory effect is used in the treatment of skin diseases: boils, seborrhea, acne and adolescence.
Peppermint – in digestive system diseases, is used as a carminative medicine and enhancing the secretion of digestive juice. It is helpfull in the liver and biliary tract. Peppermint oil has a calming effect, and is also a disinfectant. It is used in rhinitis and inhaled for throat infections and bronchitis.
Dandelion – has a diuretic efffect and helps in diseases of bile ducts and biliary calculi. It lowers cholesterol, helps in the treatment of atherosclerosis, early diabetes, obesity, arthritis and rheumatism. It is applied in all liver problems. Helps with digestive problems. Improves immunity. It is also recommended for skin diseases.
Nettle - is used to treat diabetes, acts as an auxiliary to the process of metabolism, and is used for skin and hair care products.
Propolis - perfect remedy used in colds, periodontitis, diseases of the digestive system, has a strong bactericidal effect. Promotes healing, soothes burns, has the property that helps regenerating tissues.
Rosemary - has primarily antibacterial and stimulant effects. It is also used as a way of facilitating memorization and strengthening memory.
Chamomile – has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effect on gastrointestinal. It is used in intestines and stomach problems. Combats skin inflammations, skin ulcers, hemorrhoids, rash, sunburn and thermal burn of first and second degree. It also has antiallergic effect.
Horsetail - is primarily anti-inflammatory and has diuretic properties, prevents the formation of urinary stones and atherosclerosis, improves the condition of the mucous membranes in the digestive system.
Sage - has extensive medical application. Supports the activity of the digestive system, lowers blood sugar levels. It weakens the effects of depression, fatigue and exhaustion. It is used to rinse the mouth, throat, purulent inflammation of the gums, the tonsillitis, thrush due to the strong bactericidal action. Infusions of sage soothe dermatitis, idifficult to heal wounds, varicose legs, and rashes. Has mild antifungal and antitussive effect.
Thyme – it works bactericidal and fungicidal, and is expectorant. Also exhibits antioxidant effects.