|
|
The
medicinal and culinary values of various herbs have been
recognized and appreciated by the people of almost every
culture from almost every part of the globe since time
immemorial. Because of their healing attributes some herbs
have come to be known as medicinal herbs but before using
herbs or medicines that offer the herbal alternative to
treat medical conditions it is important for one to verify
the herb description and medicinal use by referring to
accurate literature on the subject of natural herbs that
heal. There are many different forms of literature that
are available on the subject like one can use an herb
dictionary, for instance to identify herbs as they may
have different names in different languages.
If you are interested in growing herbs, or maintaining
an herb garden, it would be wise to first decide on which
herbs you would like to grow. You can shortlist herbs
after taking several factors into account. You should
for instance ensure that factors like the weather are
conducive to the growth of those particular herbs before
planting the herb seeds. One should also consider whether
they plan to grow herbs for medicinal uses or culinary
uses.
Chinese herbs and herbal preparations are commonly used
in modern Western medicines and such medicines have been
seen to be so effective that the use of these medicines
is common in hospitals around the world. Most Chinese
herbal medicines employ the use of a combination of four
or more herb plants. This is because the medicines are
also meant to target any associated or complimentary symptoms
that the patient may experience. The concoction is also
prepared with a view to be free from side-effects and
the have the effect of boosting the patient's overall
immune system to help his or her body to combat the illness.
Each Chinese herbal medicine is therefore prepared with
one main herb which must have the strongest effect on
the patient, a secondary herb which must accentuate the
effect of the first herb and finally with other herbs
that must serve one of three purposes - to accentuate
the effect of the main ingredient further, to prevent
side-effects or to help all the other ingredients find
their mark.
In recent years organic herbs have become popular, especially
in the Western world. The term organic implies that such
herbs are naturally grown. For herbs to grow well, one
must ensure that they are planted in soils that offer
good drainage. Compost and manure work well as natural
fertilizers. But right at the start, when you are choosing
herbs to buy, be on the lookout for healthy plants and
especially look for plants that do not show signs of insect
infestation or disease. And should you want to maintain
an insect-free plant, use insecticidal soaps rather than
chemical insecticides on culinary herbs. This is a healthier
alternative. Once you have your grown herbs, you can cut
and store these easily. Herbs are not difficult to preserve
and one can use many ways to preserve them like freeze
drying, drying, freezing etc.
|
|
|
 |
