5 to Thrive – Herbs of Grace Healing Arts

January 8, 2019January 8, 2025

5 Reasons Lemon Balm is the Herb for You!

One of the most perfect herbs for those new to herbalism is Lemon Balm. Lemon Balm, whose botanical name is Melissa officionalis, is remarkably versatile in its uses. Its pleasant taste makes it great as a beverage tea, while its medicinal properties make it valuable for healing a variety of issues.

Throughout history, Lemon Balm has been used medicinally. The writings of Dioscorides and Pliny the Elder mention the use of Lemon Balm on surgical dressing for wounds, and to treat venomous bites and stings. The 12th century herbalist, Saint Hildegarde von Bingen, said “Lemon balm contains within it the virtues of a dozen other plants.”

Here are a few of the areas in which Lemon Balm excels:

Brain

Recent studies show that Lemon Balm is helpful in improving brain function. In one study, a significant increase in the speed of mathematical processing, with no reduction in accuracy was observed. In another study, after just one dose of Lemon Balm, subjects showed improved cognitive performance and lengthened attention span!

Stress

In those same studies, another benefit that was observed was improved mood and a sense of calmness. In fact, Lemon Balm has been used traditionally for reducing stress of all kinds. Stress-induced anxiety and/or depression is specifically indicated for the use of Lemon Balm. It has an uplifting nature that can dissolve tension and induce a balancing of the nervous system.

Sleep

The relaxing effect that Lemon Balm has on the nervous system can also be helpful for those with sleep issues. In Germany, lemon balm is actually licensed as a standard medicinal tea for sleep disorders. In The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia it is listed as a sedative. Western herbalists often use it in combination with other relaxing and sedative herbs to promote sleep.

Viruses

Lemon Balm is highly anti-viral. It has been studied for its effectiveness against herpes virus as well as HIV with positive results. In one study on 115 patients, a proprietary preparation of lemon balm extract in a lip balm showed efficacy in treating lip sores associated with the herpes simplex virus. Studies of various mint family plants, including Lemon Balm, showed efficacy against h uman immunodeficiency virus type 1.

Children

Even though Lemon Balm is a powerfully medicinal herb, it is gentle enough for children. It is indicated for use in ADHD and hyperactivity in kids. Because of its gentle nature, it is the herb for choice when a child has any of the various issues listed above – problems falling asleep, a viral infection, learning disorders or any sort of stress-induced condition. Because of its delightful flavor, it is a favorite among even the pickiest of children, making it even more valuable as a medicine.

Lemon Balm is a standby in our household and brings its uplifting nature and agreeable, lemony flavor to so many medicinal blends and remedies, it would be difficult to be without it!

While this, by no means, is a complete list of all the benefits Lemon Balm possesses, it is a nice place to start. Do you use Lemon Balm? What is your favorite way to use it?

October 25, 2018January 8, 2025

5 Reasons Evening Primrose is the Herb for You!

Many of you may be familiar with the benefits of Evening Primrose Oil. For many years now, the seed oil of the Evening Primrose plant has been researched, studied and touted for it’s GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) content, which is a precursor of EFA’s (essential fatty acids). Most of the findings of the more than 100 studies published so far show positive results for a broad range of actions from arthritis, skin issues, and premenstrual syndrome, to a variety of inflammatory problems, cardiovascular disease, and immuno-depression.

However, what you may not know about Evening Primrose, is that the entire plant, not just the oil, is used medicinally. Native to North America, this plant has many traditional uses that go far beyond the seed oil.

Respiratory Issues

According to Kiva Rose, a Southwest Herbalist, Evening Primrose has been historically used in bronchitis, asthma, pneumonia, whooping cough and similar lung ailments. It is an expectorant and very soothing to the lungs and respiratory system.

Skin Conditions

Used by traditional peoples extensively for a variety of issues from snakebite, spider bites and insect bites, to swelling, bruising and other itchy skin disorders, Evening Primrose is an excellent vulnerary. The leaves used as a poultice have even been used successfully for burns and eczema.

Women’s Herb

Studies have confirmed the abilities of the Oil of Evening Primrose to reduce hot flash frequency, severity and duration in menopausal women. However, in addition to that, the Evening Primrose plant also excels in the ability to soothe uterine and ovarian cramping. Herbalist, Kiva Rose, notes, “It is wonderful for chronic reproductive inflammation and pelvic congestion, especially when used long term.” According to Herbalpedia, A 1981 clinical study at the St. Thomas Hospital in London gave evening primrose oil to 65 women with premenstrual syndrome and 61% of the participants found their symptoms completely disappeared and another 23% felt partial relief.

Digestive Aid

Many Herbalists use Evening Primrose for digestive complaints, especially when there is an anxiety or depression related component. Herbalist, David Winston says, “This is one of the best herbs for GI-related depression.” Similarly, Herbalist, Matthew Wood, notes, “Evening Primrose vitalizes the stomach, stimulates the digestion and strengthens the nerve reflexes pertaining to the liver and spleen.”? In addition, Kiva Rose suggests that Evening Primrose is great for food based anxiety in those recovering from eating disorders.

Anti-inflammatory Action

Various studies have proven the value of Evening Primrose in benefiting inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and joint disorders. Furthermore, in 1987, the Glasgow Royal Infirmary of Scotland saw improvement in 60% of its rheumatoid arthritis patients who took a combination of evening primrose and fish oil instead of their regular drugs.

As you can see, while the oil of Evening Primrose has a multitude of medicinal uses, the herb itself is an amazingly useful and beneficial remedy in its own right.

December 27, 2016

5 Reasons St John’s Wort is the Herb for You!

One of my very favorite and most commonly used herbs is St John’s Wort. Besides the many wonderful benefits it possesses, one of the reasons I find it so valuable is its accessibility and ease of use. I’ve written about the ways I like to use it, as well as one of my favorite methods of making medicine from it, many times.

St John’s Wort has a long and rich history of use in herbal traditions. It has been used successfully throughout the ages for conditions ranging from painful wounds, to depression to consumption.

Learn more in my guest post at Hybrid Rasta Mama today.

Head over to read the rest of this post on Hybrid Rasta Mama.

5 Reasons Hawthorn is the Herb for You!

There is a long history in many traditional cultures of using Hawthorn as food and medicine. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Native American medicine and European herbalism have all included various parts of the Hawthorn tree in their materia medicas.

Most commonly used as a heart tonic, both for physical and spiritual/emotional issues of the heart, Hawthorn has a variety of other documented benefits as well.

Learn more in my guest post at Hybrid Rasta Mama today.

Head over to read the rest of this post on Hybrid Rasta Mama.

5 Benefits of Adaptogens

Adaptogens are all the rage these days, it seems. Adaptogens are herbs that have the ability to help the body adapt to stress. Herbs that are categorized in this group include: ginseng, holy basil, ashwaganda and nettle seed, to name but a few.

Adaptogens help your body adapt to stress via the HPA axis (hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal).
Adaptogens are non-toxic and can be used as long-term tonic remedies.
Adaptogens can enable the body’s cells to access more energy.
Adaptogens can mediate inflammatory responses in the body.
Adaptogens can regulate endocrine and neuroendocrine balance within the body.

October 6, 2015

5 Winter Cold Remedies

1. Elderberry – Elderberry is an excellent immunomodulator, meaning it can assist the body in regulating it’s immune response to the appropriate level needed for the situation; it is a powerful anti-viral, directly inhibiting the influenza virus by disarming the virus of its ability to invade healthy cells and multiply; and, Elder flowers are a tried-and-true diaphoretic, encouraging perspiration and the release of heat from the body, useful for colds, flus and fevers. Excellent for children and, of course, elders 🙂

2. Fire Cider – Made with ingredients such as garlic, ginger, onion, horseradish and cayenne, Fire Cider is one vinegar infusion that really packs a punch! Incredibly anti-microbial, this concoction will keep you warm and healthy all winter long!

3. Oregano Essential oil – Oregano oil is getting a lot of press lately, mainly because of it’s virtually unmatched germicidal properties. It can be used when dealing with just about any kind of microbial infection. It is a great oil to diffuse in the air during the winter months to keep germs at bay.

4. Oscillococcinum – This homeopathic remedy can reduce the severity and duration of flu-like symptoms, especially when taken as soon as symptoms start to appear. Perfect for the kinds of flus that produce symptoms such as fever, headache, chills and body aches.

5. Lemon Ginger Honey tea – Lemon is detoxifying and an excellent source of anti-oxidants; ginger is warming and can alleviate GI distress; honey is a natural anti-microbial as well as an excellent way to soothe a sore throat. Together they make the perfect winter cold remedy!

What is your favorite winter cold and flu remedy?

September 15, 2015

5 Benefits of Plantain

One of the best herbs for wound healing, Plantain is anti-inflammatory, astringent and anti-microbial.
Plantain is a great expectorant, making it an excellent remedy for coughs and bronchitis.
Because Plantain is not only astringent, but also demulcent, it is a very effective remedy for sinus issues.
Plantain has the remarkable ability to draw slivers, venom, pus and infection from open woulds and heal them from the inside out.
Plantain is also beneficial for any type of inflammatory gut conditions due to its anti-inflammatory, demulcent and astringent qualities.

August 17, 2015

5 Benefits of Evening Primrose

1. As well as the seed oil, other parts of Evening Primrose are also used medicinally – namely, the leaves, flowers and roots.

2. Evening Primrose is anti-inflammatory, astringent, sedative and anti-spasmodic.

3. Poultices of this herb can be used topically for eczema and other itchy skin disorders.

4. Evening Primrose has been traditionally used for respiratory issues such as whooping cough and asthma as well as digestive disorders.

5. The flowers of Evening Primrose have been used for the treatment of insomnia, in treating anxiety and sleeplessness.

Have you used Evening Primrose herb?

July 21, 2015

5 Benefits of Yarrow

1. Yarrow is an excellent diaphoretic, so it helps the body to deal with feverish states in a natural way. The tea is especially useful for children’s fevers.

2. Yarrow is also a styptic herb, helping to staunch excessive blood flow – whether it be from a wound, a bloody nose or an excessive menstrual period.

3. Yarrow also possesses anti-microbial activity against a wide range of bacteria, making it suitable for first aid topical applications as well as internal infections.

4. As an anti-inflammatory, yarrow can be used both externally as well as internally to address a range of symptoms, from high blood pressure to digestion to joint pain.

5. Studies have shown yarrow to protect the liver from toxic chemical damage as well as to help in treating hepatitis.

June 29, 2015

5 Benefits of St John’s Wort

1. St John’s Wort is anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and especially anti-viral. In fact, it has been used successfully for shingles, cold sores and other herpes manifestations.

2. St John’s Wort is a powerful nerve regenerator and can be used for healing injuries, especially in nerve-rich areas like fingers, toes and spinal areas.

3. St John’s Wort is sometimes called “Sunshine in a bottle” for it’s ability to ease symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

4. The herbal infused oil of St John’s Wort is useful for the prevention and healing of sunburn.

5. St. John’s Wort has a sedative and pain reducing effect, which makes it useful for neuralgia, especially facial neuralgia after dental extractions and toothache, anxiety and tension, as well as traumatic shock.