Even before ancient times, people used various spices – in ritual acts, in the kitchen and in the art of healing. Today, the healing effects of certain spices have been scientifically studied and confirmed. Thus, the dried medicinal plants are an important part of modern herbal medicine. We introduce you to various medicinal plants and reveal what ailments they can help with.
What parts of the plant are used?
- Flowers: Flores (often abbreviated Flor. ), e.g. chamomile.
- Leaves: Folia (Fol. ), e.g. sage.
- Herb: leaves and flowers = Herba (Herb. ), eg thyme.
- Root: Radix (Rad. ), e.g. gentian root.
- Seed: Semen (Sem. ), e.g. linseed
- Bark: Cortex (Cort. ), e.g. oak bark.
- Fruits: Fructus (Fruct. ), e.g. caraway, anise, juniper.
Preparation of tea
Infusions: Infusions are usually made from leaves, flowers, fruits and herbs. The usual dose for the preparation of herbal teas is one to two teaspoons of drug (equivalent to about 5 g) to a cup of 250 ml of water. Tip: Squeeze or bump fruits to allow the essential oils to develop better. Decoctions: Plant parts whose active ingredients are not so easily released from the drug are prepared as follows: first prepare the required amount (about 5 g or a teaspoon) with the prescribed amount of water (usually 250 ml) cold. Then heat the mixture to boiling point, boil for 5-10 minutes and strain. This form of preparation is used, for example, for teas from woods, barks or roots. Maceration – cold extract: If the active ingredients of a medicinal plant would be destroyed by intense heat, a cold extract is prepared. For this purpose, the plant is doused with cold water and left to stand for up to 12 hours, filtered through a sieve the next morning. This preparation is used, for example, for drugs containing mucilage (marshmallow root, linseed, etc.). In addition, cold extracts are made when no undesirable accompanying substances should get into the extract, for example, tannins that irritate the stomach.
Specifications for the label
However, not every tea may call itself medicinal or medicinal tea, even if it contains proven medicinal plants such as chamomile, fennel or peppermint. To protect consumers, advertising a product’s health effects is strictly regulated – and that includes a tea. It is not officially a drug until certain health effects are printed on the label. But these may only be printed on the label if the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices has given its permission. The prerequisite is that the quality, efficacy and safety of the product have been proven in a regulated approval procedure. The package label must provide information on the composition, preparation, dosage and method of use. Information on interactions with other remedies and on possible contraindications or side effects is also mandatory. Who buys a medicinal tea with this information from the pharmacy, can therefore be sure that:
- It contains the amounts of active ingredients prescribed by law.
- The herbs have been cut in accordance with the regulations (degree of comminution)
- The right part of the plant was used
- The quantities are correct, such as number of flowers or amount of leaves.
Anise against flatulence
Anise tea is highly recommended for flatulence and abdominal cramps – even in infants and young children. The essential oils relieve cramps and regulate the flow of digestive juices. Anise is therefore an integral part of many digestive teas. In addition, the scent of anise also promotes sleep in children. For herbal therapy for flatulence, in addition to anise, fennel and caraway are also suitable – they are also called carminatives.
Clove against toothache
Their germicidal effect unfolds particularly well in inflammation of the mouth and throat. Cloves have proven effective against toothache and infections in the oral cavity. In acute pain, chew one to two cloves for a few minutes – this has a disinfecting and analgesic effect.
Garlic against arteriosclerosis
Garlic is one of the most valuable natural-based medicines today. As problematic as the smell is – its health-promoting effect is undisputed.Garlic has antibacterial, antifungal (mycosis = fungal disease) and lipid-lowering effects; it also promotes the dissolution of aggregated platelets and thus improves the flow properties of the blood. Due to these properties, garlic is used to lower cholesterol and prevent arteriosclerosis. It is important to take a standardized garlic preparation regularly over a long period of time.
Rosemary – new impetus for the circulatory system.
Rosemary is used in rubs for its circulation-enhancing and anti-inflammatory properties for rheumatic complaints, nerve pain or sore muscles. Rosemary also stimulates the cardiovascular system – a tea or full bath with rosemary leaves gets the circulation going. In preparations for oral and dental care, the germicidal and disinfecting effect of the essential oils is appreciated. Taken internally, it promotes appetite and is effective against digestive complaints such as flatulence and bloating. Warning: during pregnancy should not be used preparations of rosemary leaves because of possible toxic effects of the essential oil!
Thyme against cough
The antispasmodic effect of thyme helps especially in acute or chronic bronchitis and whooping cough. Thyme extract loosens phlegm and promotes the expectoration of tough mucus. Thyme also has an antibacterial effect and makes many foods more digestible due to its digestion-regulating properties.
Juniper to rinse
Juniper berries have a diuretic effect, thus boosting the body’s fluid excretion. In pharmacological studies confirmed this diuretic effect, as well as increased blood flow to the kidneys. Therefore, juniper berries should not be used during pregnancy, kidney problems, as well as in continuous use! Juniper berries also have antiflatulent, antispasmodic and weak disinfectant effects. That is why people like to use juniper berries to flavor foods that are difficult to digest.
Sage for oral hygiene
Sage is traditionally used against coughs and sore throats, for oral hygiene and digestive support. Particularly proven the extract of sage leaves as a gargle or rinse for inflammation of the throat, pharynx, oral mucosa, gums. Preparation: for gargling, pour 1/4 liter of boiling water over 1 – 2 heaped teaspoons, cover and steep for 10 minutes.
Digestive gentian
One likes to take a “gentian” to aid digestion after a heavy meal. How does the effect come about? Because of the bitter substances contained in the gentian root, the secretion of saliva and gastric juice is stimulated. Preparations with gentian root are therefore used not only for digestive problems, but also for bloating, flatulence and loss of appetite. Caution: do not use in case of gastric or duodenal ulcers!
Chili relieves pain
The ingredient – capsaicin – on the one hand stimulates the heat receptors in the skin and on the other hand temporarily disables the pain-conducting nerve pathways. Thus, the active ingredient promotes blood circulation and has an analgesic effect. Rubs or heat patches with capsaicin are ideal for tension or joint pain.
