Natural Herbal Beauty

Minor stomach upsets with abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhoea and vomiting affect most of us at some time. They can often be associated with food poisoning, an excess of rich food or too much alcohol; in such cases soothing herbs like slippery elm and marshmallow can bring relief. Other stomach upsets are linked to chills, when warming herbs such as chili and ginger can be useful.

For some, the problem can be stress related, with any increase in nervous tension or anxiety levels usually accompanied by digestive problems; relaxing carminatives can be useful in these cases. The wide range of herbal relaxants offers plenty of choice depending on individual need and tastes, but a good mixture for nervous tummies is:

• 2 parts chamomile flowers
• 2 parts lemon balm herb
• I part lavender flowers
• Use 1-2 teaspoons of dried mixed herbs per cup of boiling water, infuse for 5 minutes, strain and drink. (more…)
   

Marshmallow is a soothing, healing demulcent, considered valuable for all lung ailments, including asthma. It has been used for centuries to soothe sore throats, ease a cough, and treat ulcers and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. It is particularly useful against irritations caused by diarrhea and dysentery. Marshmallow is also an excellent anti-inflammatory that helps relieve swollenand irritated joints.

DESCRIPTION AND PARTS USED

Many varieties of the mallow species grow well in home gardens and are a valuable addition to any herbal plot. The small-leafed mallow has long, slender stems, rounded toothed leaves, and small pale pink or lavender flowers. Its round fruits are known as “cheeses.” Country-bred children sometimes eat them when serving them to their dolls as a tea-party delicacy. (more…)