Medicine cabinet from nature - 10 essential herbs

Medicine cabinet from nature - 10 essential herbs

Nature holds so many secrets, especially when it comes to our health. At a time when people are increasingly looking for natural solutions, herbs from their own gardens or wild surroundings have come back into focus. These small plants can work wonders and complement your medicine cabinet in a completely natural way.

Are you wondering which herbs are essential for self-medication? In our article we look at the healing properties of the ten most important herbs that not only help with everyday ailments, but can also improve the quality of life. Learn how to safely use and dose these plants so they reach their full potential. We also shed light on what you should pay attention to when it comes to the quality and safety of the herbs used. Nature has a lot to offer - let's discover together how we can use it for our well-being!

The healing properties of the most important herbs for the medicine cabinet

Herbs have played a central role in traditional medical practice for centuries. Not only do they add flavor to our cuisine, but they also offer a variety of health benefits. Some of the most well-known herbs often used in home medicine cabinets include chamomile, peppermint, sage, thyme and St. John's wort.

• Kamille: Bekannt für ihre beruhigenden Eigenschaften, wird Kamille häufig bei Schlafstörungen und Magenbeschwerden verwendet.
• Pfefferminze: Besonders hilfreich bei Verdauungsstörungen und Kopfschmerzen. Die ätherischen Öle haben entspannende und schmerzlindernede Wirkungen.
• Salbei: Wirkt antiseptisch und entzündungshemmend. Ideal bei Halsschmerzen oder zur Mundspülung.
• Thymian: Neben seiner Verwendung als Gewürz wird Thymian auch zur Bekämpfung von Husten und Bronchitis eingesetzt.
• Johanniskraut: Bekannt für seine stimmungsaufhellenden Eigenschaften, kommt es oft bei leichten bis mäßigen Depressionen zum Einsatz.

Each of these herbs contains bioactive compounds that are responsible for their respective effects. For example, the essential oils in peppermint are responsible for the pain-relieving effect, while the flavonoids in chamomile contribute to relaxation. It is important to familiarize yourself with these properties in order to make the respective application effective and safe.

| herb | Main ingredients | Areas of application |
|————-|————————————|————————————————–|
| Chamomile | Flavonoids, essential oils | Sleep disorders, stomach problems |
| Peppermint| Menthol, essential oils | Indigestion, headaches |
| Sage | Rosmarinic acid, essential oils| Sore throat, inflammation |
| Thyme | Thymol, Carvacrol | cough, bronchitis |
| St. John's Wort| Hypericin, Hyperforin | Depression, anxiety |

The correct use of herbs is crucial. While many herbs are consumed as a tea or tincture, there are also ways to use them topically. However, when using herbs, quality should always be paid attention to in order to avoid possible risks due to contamination or incorrect identification. Sources like this National Institutes of Health provide extensive information about the effectiveness and safety of various herbs.

Use and dosage of natural herbs in self-medication

The use and dosage of herbs in self-medication requires a certain level of knowledge and care. Natural herbs can be effective remedies when used correctly. When using it, you should stick to proven recipes and dosage recommendations to avoid side effects.

A commonly used herb is chamomile. It is ideal for relieving stomach problems and can be taken in the form of tea. The typical dosage is one to two teaspoons of dried chamomile flowers in one cup of hot water. This tea can be consumed up to three times a day.

Another example is St. John's wort, which is often used to treat mild depressive moods. The usual dosage is 300-900 mg of St. John's wort extract daily, divided into several portions. However, it is important to be aware of drug interactions, as St. John's Wort can affect the effects of antidepressants and hormonal contraceptives.

To ensure the correct dosage, several factors must be taken into account, including:

• Alter
• Körpergewicht
• Allgemeiner Gesundheitszustand
• Begleitende Medikation

The dosage can vary depending on the form of preparation. For example, when using essential oils, a much lower dose is necessary because they are highly concentrated. Often 1-2 drops in a carrier oil dilution are sufficient.

The requirements for the quality and purity of the herbs are also essential for successful use and should not be neglected. Insufficiently cleaned or incorrectly stored herbs can contain harmful substances that impair their effectiveness or cause additional health risks. Pay attention to the certifications and research the sources of supply carefully.

A table showing the dosage and form of use of various herbs could look like this:

It is advisable to become fully informed or consult with a healthcare provider before using herbs in self-medication to ensure the safest and most effective use.

Safety and quality when using herbs from nature

The safety and quality of herbs are crucial for their therapeutic effect. When using herbal remedies, it is essential to pay attention to several factors that may affect safety. A main aspect is the origin of the herbs. It should be ensured that these come from certified, controlled growing areas to avoid contamination by pollutants, pesticides or heavy metals.

• Anbauweise: Bio-Anbau garantiert in der Regel, dass keine chemischen Düngemittel oder synthetischen Pestizide verwendet werden.
• Erntezeitpunkt: Die korrekte Erntezeit beeinflusst die Wirkstoffqualität der Kräuter.
• Trocknung und Lagerung: Eine unsachgemäße Trocknung kann zur Alterung der Wirkstoffe führen, während falsche Lagerbedingungen die Qualität weiter mindern können.

Another important point is identifying the plants. Risk of confusion with poisonous or undesirable species can pose health risks. It is advisable to purchase herbs from reputable suppliers and, if in doubt, to seek professional advice.

Table 1: Important safety aspects of herbs

Manufacturer quality standards also play a role. Compliance with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) and ISO standards signals that a company ensures high quality products. Consumers should pay attention to whether the products carry appropriate certificates.

Another safety measure is checking for possible interactions between herbs and other medications. Consultation with a doctor or pharmacist is recommended, especially if you have existing health conditions or are pregnant. This is crucial to avoid unwanted side effects that can arise from taking herbs in combination with other substances.

In summary, using natural herbs as an addition to your medicine cabinet is a promising way to support your own health. The ten essential herbs covered in this article offer a wide range of healing properties backed by scientific research. However, when using and dosing natural herbs, it is crucial to adhere to recommended practices and always keep personal safety in mind. High-quality and tested products are essential to achieve the desired health benefits without negative side effects. Ultimately, dealing with these herbal remedies not only opens up new perspectives for self-medication, but also promotes awareness of the valuable resources that nature offers us.

Sources and further literature

References

• Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung. (2021). „Heilkräuter und ihre Wirkung“.
• Wagner, H., & Böhm, S. (2019). „Nutzen und Risiken von Arzneikräutern in der Selbstmedikation“. Gesundheitsberichterstattung des Bundes.
• Wiesner, L. (2020). „Kräuter für die Gesundheit – Eine praxisorientierte Mustermappe“. Naturheilkunde Journal.

Studies

• Hölscher, D. (2018). „Die Wirkung von Heilkräutern auf chronische Entzündungen“. Journal of Ethnopharmacology.
• Schmidt, C., & Fuchs, H. (2022). „Evidenzbasierte Anwendung von Phytopharmaka bei Alltagsbeschwerden“. Deutsche Medizinische Wochenschrift.

Further reading

• Grimm, P. (2017). „Naturheilkunde für Jedermann: Hausmittel und Heilkräuter“.
• Brennecke, A. (2021). „Heilkraft der Kräuter: Ein praktischer Leitfaden“.