Herbal remedies may be taken in capsule form as well as by teas or tinctures. Often, capsules are more convenient to take during the day while we are at work, or while away from home for an extended length of time. There are many reasons that you would want to take capsules instead of a tea or tincture. If the treatment you are seeking is long term, such as for high blood pressure, then you would definitely want to try the capsules.

You can purchase the empty gelatin capsules at your local health food store or druggist’s. There are many different sizes of capsules, but you probably would use the #00 capsules the most. To fill the capsules, simply take them apart and fill the largest end of the capsules, replacing the top to close it. The leafy herbs can be powdered in your food processor if necessary, but the root herbs must be purchased in powdered form.

The dosage would be the same as if you were taking an infusion, which is a tea remedy. If the infusion calls for 3 cups a day, then you would take 1 capsule three times a day with water.

Herbal BeautyWe will start with the blood pressure capsules. If you are already on a medication or need to take a medication to control your blood pressure, please do not substitute these capsules for your regularly prescribed medication.

Blood Pressure Capsules: Mix together in the blender or food processor 1 tablespoon of each of the following dried herbs: stinging nettle, spearmint, elder flowers, powdered valerian root, lobelia, chamomile, and yarrow.

This makes enough capsules to last about 1-1 /2 months if taken on a daily basis. The reasons for using these herbs in this recipe are listed in the following paragraphs.

Stinging nettle has been used extensively as a weight reduction herb. It helps to dispel toxins and water from the body. The signature of the plant is the stinging hair that covers the entire herb. Other uses include treating any stitching pain, such as in arthritis, or in any pain that causes that “pins and needles” feeling. It has also been used as a remedy to stimulate hair growth.

Spearmint prefers to grow in moist ground and this is the signature of the plant. It is used as a diuretic in this recipe. Treatments for high blood pressure generally remove excess water from the system and this is why you need to use diuretics. Spearmint can be used in any recipe that is used to treat inflammatory problems of the bladder and kidneys. It is also a stimulant, and can be used in recipes calling for a stimulant.

Elder is also called boretree. It is found in low, moist ground and has the yellowish-gray bark that is part of its signature. The fresh stems can be made fully hollow by pushing out the soft pith. This hollowing represents the herb’s healing properties, as it effectively helps to push out the mucous deposits from the bronchial tubes. Because of this, it is a natural choice for remedies designed to treat colds, coughs, and chest complaints.

The freshly dried leaves and flowers can be used to prepare ointments and creams to help the healing of skin disorders and itching. An infusion of the flowers in vinegar is a good, healing ointment to keep on hand for skin problems. It is in this recipe because it is also a diuretic and helps to clear the body of toxins.

Valerian’s fine, delicate root system is thought to resemble the human brain structure. It has an outstanding influence on the cerebospinal system and is an easily tolerated calmative. It also acts as a stimulant and diuretic for the kidneys, and so you could use it to treat kidney problems.

Lobelia affects the central nervous system and is a good muscle relaxant. When used with care, this can be a good treatment for high blood pressure because it depresses the central nervous system and lowers the blood pressure. Caution: Do not use more than the recipe calls for, as it can be harmful if used in too large of a dose, lowering the blood pressure too drastically and too fast.

Chamomile’s signature is the head-shaped flowers. It is a calmative and sedative, which is why it was chosen for this recipe. One of the ways to lower the blood pressure is to keep the patient as calm as possible. Caution: Do not use this herb if you suffer from ragweed allergies, as chamomile is a member of the ragweed family. Use one of the other herbs that have sedative properties, such as hops, violets, or any of the nervines.

Yarrow is used because it contains potassium. It is a good blood cleanser and it fortifies the blood with necessary minerals. Anyone taking any type of blood pressure treatment should take a potassium supplement, as the diuretics flush the potassium from the body. It needs to be replaced so the heart is not affected adversely.

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Preparing Capsules