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Herbs Benefits
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Herbs benefits have long been recognized for their usefulness in the maintenance of good health and keeping diseases at bay. Since the dawn of time, herbs and plants have always been regarded as partners in fighting off ailments and maladies.
 Herbs are plants that are used for various purposes such as healing ailments, flavoring dishes, scenting places and honoring distinguished people and deities.
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Traditional remedies from herbs have withstood the test of time and are still highly regarded in this modern day and age. This recognition comes despite the tremendous progress achieved in the realm of the 'modern' drugs which form the core of Western healing medicine. In fact, many advances in Western medicine have been traced to the research of herbs and traditional medicine.
Herbs benefits are derived from various phytochemicals and related compounds that have beneficial effects on the body. These beneficial substances are found in the leaves, stems, roots, bark and fruits of the plants.
The herbs benefits can be used by humans through a variety of extraction processes. These are:
Infusion - This process is used for herbs whose beneficial essences are easily dissolved in water or oil. The herbs are placed in boiling water then allowed to steep for about 5 to 10 minutes. The resultant mix is usually called herbal tea or tisane and is strained then drank or bottled and refrigerated for future use. Decoction - This process is used for herbs whose beneficial essences are quite harder to extract. The herbs are placed in boiling water, then allowed to simmer for about 30 minutes or 1 hour. The resultant mix is usually called herbal tea or tisane, and is strained, then drank or bottled and refrigerated for future use. Maceration - This process involves crushing, beating, chopping and tearing the herbs to gain access to the cell structure. The resultant pieces of herbs can be combined with a fatty agent for application as an ointment, or may be dried and placed in capsules for internal consumption. Tincture - This process is used for herbs whose beneficial essences cannot be extracted by boiling or hot water alone. These require the much more potent use of alcohol as the extracting agent. The resultant mix is usually topically applied to the person. Poultice - This process involves wrapping gauze or cheesecloth around activated herbs or agents containing an herbal essence. Herbs are usually poured boiling water on and when cooled, the cloth is wrapped then topically placing on the portion of the body with rashes, bruises, swellings, and other skin and joint problems.
Herbs can be classified according to their medicinal or remedial benefits and properties. These classifications include the following:
 Stimulant herbs - these are herbs that stimulate and energize the body functions. They help enhance the respiratory, digestive, and circulatory systems.
Examples: Catnip, Fennel, Feverfew, Ginger, Peppermint, Sage, Thyme
- Astringent herbs - these are herbs that constrict and tighten the tissues and reduces the discharge of fluids.
Examples: Comfrey, Goldenseal, Mullein, Slippery Elm
- Laxative herbs - these are herbs that help stimulate the lower intestinal tract and hence stimulating bile movement. They usually aid in getting rid of toxins from the digestive tract.
Examples: Barberry, Cascara Sagrada, Gentian, Goldenseal, Senna
- Diuretic herbs - these are herbs that help facilitate increased urination or the removal of fluids from the body. The process of removing fluids is thought to help in cleansing the vascular system, kidneys, and the liver.
Examples: Chickweed, Cornsilk, Dandelion, Horsetail, Nettle, Uva Ursi
- Saponin herbs - these are herbs that help emulsify fat-soluble molecules in the digestive tract and increase the body' s ability to absorb ot her active compounds. Saponin herbs produce foam when mixed with water.
Examples: Alfalfa, Black Cohosh, Licorice, Schizandra
- Alkaloid herbs - these are herbs with organic compounds that contain nitrogen and has physiologic activity.
Examples: Ephedra, Pau D'Arco
- Mucilaginous herbs - these are herbs that contain polysaccharides that enhance the frequency of bowel movement and facilitate the absorption and elimination of toxins via the intestinal tract.
Examples: Burdock, Echinacea, Fenugreek, Psyllium
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Herbs are indeed nature's gift of health to people. In these modern times, it is quite amazing how potent and effective nature's traditional medicines still remain to us.
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