The Top 5 Essential Herbs and their Uses

A newcomer to the world of herbal healing might be overwhelmed by the sheer volume of herbs out there.  Over the ages, hundreds if not thousands of plants have been used for all sorts of ailments in traditional medicine and other practices: headaches, colds, skin afflictions, belly aches, you name it.
 
Today, a way of universally navigating that information is lost.  Modern medicine and mainstream research are only them just beginning to catch up on understanding herbalism, and to navigate this sea of useful botanical information in a way that can be grasped easily by all.
 
Even then, there is still controversy about the use of herbs and what they do exactly, which study today strives to clarify.  What ancient cultures’ herbal practitioners once documented and passed on is only known and kept by a few, and in a fragmented way that lacks the scientific approach.

Even after just scratching the surface of herbalism as a beginner, you realize that learning the art involves knowing all the facts of what each plant does—but where to begin without anything to guide you?
 
I’ll tell you, even a herb nut like me had to start somewhere!  But I’ll share with you. my little trick I used to gain footing in the herbal world—I learned the uses, effects, and powers of 5 herbs that were the most studied and widely supported for common ailments.
 
Even more, I selected 5 that would cover the widest range of ailments possible, so I only had to start with 5 for practically all my at-home uses.  I then perfected my knowledge and uses with each of them, and from there, used the first 5 to branch out to the rest of the herbal world!
 
With this I open up our next chapter: The Top 5 Essential Herbs and their Uses.  These are the first 5 herbs I studied when I started out.  I got acquainted with each intimately, learned all the many studies supporting them, as well as gleaned all the traditional information on their classical healing effects.
Now you too can use these 5 as a starting point.  If you’re bold enough and love herbs, you can then delve into our next section, which will explore the uses of so much more.

Ginger (Zingiber Officinalis)

Ginger (Zingiber Officinalis)

   
Your cold-fighter, stomach soother, and anti-inflammatory: Hailing from Asia, Ginger not only found it’s way into delicious ethnic cuisine—it was also used for its powerful healing effects. Consider Ginger a must-have to begin your at-home healing regimen. Even if it’s not in use for its effects—have it on hand to add a taste of the East to your meals!  Make sure to exercise caution and avoid using large amounts of Ginger daily with pregnant women, small children, and some with heartburn disorders.
 
Supports Colds and Flu – Chinese studies in-vitro showed compounds in Ginger being able to kill viruses.  Taking Ginger could help you or a loved one get through a cold all the quicker.  Indian studies revealed that Ginger can help ramp up the immune system in response to colds and flu.
 
Ginger is a powerful anti-inflammatory.  Consuming the root can help soothe inflammation of the sinuses, throat, lungs, and respiratory passageways in colds.
 
Digestive Aid – Ginger might be most famous for helping with nausea.  Even the National Cancer Institute observed Ginger in chemotherapy patients reducing nausea symptoms by another 40% with conventional medications!
 
As a powerful anti-inflammatory, Ginger can be used to allay pain and inflammation in the digestive tract due to heartburn or ulcers.  Ginger is also an anti-spasmodic.  It is approved in some European countries for stomach cramps and is even powerful enough for female complaints.

Anti-Inflammatory – This Asian root’s effects against inflammation are so strong, some arthritis and rheumatism journal studies have tested its influence on joint pain for most 0-arthritis.
 
Home Remedy Use: If experiencing any of the above ailments, try a Ginger tea or infusion.  1 Tbsp of Ginger powder or chopped root will do, a couple of times a day.
 
You can also store Ginger long-term for use in a tincture or vinegar.  Try applying a compress for joint pain and issues, or add Ginger to an oil or salve, either as the culinary powder or in essential oil form.  You can also experience Ginger’s healing effects by adding it to your food, purchasing it in supplement form, or finding it in one of its favorite store-bought forms: ginger ale!

Garlic (Allium Sativa) 
 

Garlic

Immune-booster, natural antibiotic, and blood pressure ally: It’s no coincidence that some of the most popular culinary spices are some of the nature healing miracles at the same time.  Garlic is esteemed as a medicinal plant all over the world, in myriads of cultures, and is the very proof and poster-child of this phenomena.  While it originates from western Russia near the Caucasus Mountains, its powers were so obvious and noticeable that Garlic found its way into the cuisine and herbalism traditions of ancient China, Rome, Greece, Egypt, the Middle East, and Europe.  Please be wary of its use if you have a blood clotting disorder, or take anticoagulants.
 
Stimulates the Immune System – Garlic’s influence on the immune system is astounding.  Not only is Garlic’s active ingredient, allicin, a confirmed anti-oxidant of enviable intensity—but studies on AIDS patients have shown incredible immune enhancement after daily doses of garlic cloves!
Such a powerful stroke on the immune system has also made Garlic a front-line, long-time remedy against colds, flu, respiratory viruses and other infections.
   
Natural Antibiotic – Garlic’s active ingredient allicin has amazing purported antimicrobial capabilities. Not only can it kill bacteria, it has been observed as an antifungal, anti-viral, and anti-protozoan.
Tests and tradition together have seen Garlic actively combat infections such as amoebic dysentery, salmonella, E. Coli infection, tuberculosis, athlete’s food, women’s yeast infections, and even the viral flu.

Garlic’s dynamic compound allicin is just framed when Garlic is smashed or chopped, and then quickly oxidizes.  As such, its immune-boosting and antibiotic effects together can only be attained by eating fresh, chopped Garlic quickly.
 

Blood Pressure and Cholesterol – Allicin, ajoene, have been rightfully suspected as making Garlic a heart-healthy food and healing herb.   In daily amounts, garlic consumption helps lower blood pressure and reduce cholesterol, as well as preventing build up of plaque and blood clots in blood vessels.

Home Remedy Use – Crush cloves for use as a topical antibiotic or anti-fungal on the skin. Crush, chop, or even chew up to even 10 garlic cloves a day to experience powerful hostile to oxidant, resistant boosting and circulatory strain/cholesterol lowering effects.  Beware: fresh garlic creates a sting, at might even cause a rash/dermatitis in those sensitive.

Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) 
 

Comfrey 

 
Topical magic for bone and muscle aches, sprains, bruises or breaks: In ancient Europe, Comfrey also touted names like “knit bone” and “bruisewort” for its amazing capability of helping the body bounce back from tissue damage.  Applications of the fresh leaf or root, plant juices, balms, or salves were effective at retouching minor bruises, all the way to the speeding healing of broken bones.  For a wide variety of herbalists today, Comfrey is an absolute must-have as a healer of the musculoskeletal system.  Internal use is not recommended due to liver-damaging pyrrolizidine alkaloids.  Topical use is determined to be absolutely safe.
 
Bone, Joint, and Muscle Pain – Traditional herbalists used topical applications on unbroken skin to alleviate pains and aches of the muscles and skeletal system.  Comfrey contains rosmarinic acid, a plant component observed to ease inflammation and pain alike.
 
Comfrey’s effects in this realm are the most studied of all—a German collection of studies observes the plant’s ability to take the edge off of pain, particularly in those with back pain, arthritis, or discomfort from fractures, sprains, breaks.
 
Speeds the Healing of Tissues – Another constituent of Comfrey, called allantoin, is responsible for shortening the healing time in bodily tissues.  Using it on the unbroken skin over pulled muscles, bruises, fractures or breaks has been observed cutting down on recuperation.
 
Comfrey has also been determined as safe for applying to open, minor wounds.  A tea or tincture could be excellent for this.  Comfrey is also a common ingredient in various over-the-counter wound care creams.
 
Home Remedy Use – One can grind or chop up the leaves of Comfrey and apply it as a poultice to minor cuts or wounds.  The same can be done by applying to the skin near fractures, bone breaks, or muscle pain.  Comfrey root is also purported to have many healing compounds like rosmarinic acid and allantoin.

Comfrey oils and salves make wonderful topical applications where there is no broken skin involved.
The crafting of a Comfrey tincture or vinegar might help you store it for longer and to apply as a “liniment” in the same way, but any preparation of Comfrey should not be taken internally for long periods of time due to risk of liver damage.

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) 
 

Lemon Balm

A belly-soother, tension tamer, and female ally: Think of a plant like a spearmint: lush, plentiful, and cooling.  Then combine it with a brush of lemony taste.  You have Lemon Balm: an excellent remedy for nerves, stress, tension, cerebral pains, and unsettling influences that can arise in female health.  Its fragrance is heavenly—a crush of the leaves can untangle unrest in just moments.  In Europe, this aroma was imported and extracted to waters, tinctures, and teas to pull away the distractions of frayed nerves in old times.  Its powers were also able to uplift digestive troubles, promote sleep, and support female menstrual cycles.  Avoid excess use if you have hypothyroid issues, or are pregnant.
 
Fights Nervousness – Studies have approved the use of Lemon Balm in Europe for low-grade nervous issues.  Lemon Balm is very helpful with insomnia, especially if combined with another sleep-promoter, Valerian.  Some research proved it was just as effective as some pharmaceuticals for sleep problems.
 
It’s been found that topical Lemon Balm essential oil helps calm moods in the elderly with dementia; in Alzheimer’s patients, the plant eased agitation and improve focus, making it a powerful nervine ally.
 
A study of nearly 100 breast-fed babies found that Lemon Balm consumed by the mother helped alleviate colic and crying time compared to a placebo.
Even a nice, piping hot tea has been traditionally effective for heightened anxiety and nervousness. Even better, Lemon Balm can help settle digestive upset  that emerges from a bad case of nerves.

Lady's Medicine – European researchers noticed an effect of Lemon Balm on uterine muscle.  It is thus thought that it could help allay menstrual cramps, as well as regulate menstrual cycles in a healthier way if taken during certain times of the month.
 
Hyperthyroidism – Lemon Balm has been observed lowering thyroid function.  It is possible that it could help those with hyperthyroid issues alleviate their symptoms.
 
Viral Infections – European research has also elucidated Lemon Balm as an antiviral.
Home Remedy Use – Teas and infusions of Lemon Balm, taken daily, do exceptionally well—use 1 Tbsp dried herb per cup of water for colds, frayed nerves, women’s complaints, cramps or digestive issues.  Essential oils, or just a dab of tea or Lemon Balm tincture, can be added to herpes cold sores to clear them up—or to skin in other areas simply to create calm.

Ashwagandha (Withania somniferous)
 

Ashwagandha

A nutritive tonic for sexual health, energy, and well-being: Ashwagandha has been a pride of India traditional herbalism and Ayurveda for centuries.  Not many may know that this plant with a pungent odor—and roots rich in iron, magnesium, and other minerals—is actually very closely related to our culinary foods of the Nightshade family.  These include Tomatoes, Peppers, Potatoes, and Eggplants.

With such a reputation, some have called the plant “Indian Ginseng” because of its almost “cure-all” capabilities.  However, Ashwagandha is more ecologically sustainable to grow, and remains a non-threatened plant, while Ginseng is neither of those things.  This cornerstone of Indian herbalism also has more soothing, affirming qualities as opposed to Ginseng’s more stimulant nature.  Make sure to not use this herb if pregnant, have Nightshade allergies, or if you are taking thyroid medication.
 
Nutritive Tonic and Adaptogen – Research in Asian countries promotes Ashwagandha as an “adaptogen.”  Meaning that it contains compounds, vitamins and minerals that boost the immune system, protect the body from nervous or oxidative damage, withstand stress. and increase the body’s ability to create energy and vitality. Over time, Ashwagandha visibly slows “cortisol” levels that lead to stress or depression by helping modulate adrenal output.   Thus, this herbal medicine can be a great tonic for stress and depression over time.
 
Ashwagandha extracts have been shown to influence chronic inflammation beneficially, and heal pain from osteo- and rheumatoid arthritis.
Due to its high iron levels especially, Ashwagandha can be very nourishing, espeically for those with anxiety, depleted digestive systems, or anemia.

Sexual Health – Not only has this powerful Asian plant evidenced boosts in energy and well-being, sexual health appears to benefit particularly from Ashwagandha.  A trial of about 100 adults given the herb or the placebo showed improvement not only in energy levels but libido and sexual energy as well!
 
Thyroid Health – but should be contraindicated in those with hyperthyroidism or who take thyroid-increasing medication.
Home Remedy Use – Drink an Ashwagandha infusion or tea up to 3 times per day, using about 1 tsp of the root.  Tinctures and supplements are also popularly used with this Asian herb for more convenience in daily regimens.