Healing herbs and how to use them

Looking for a more natural approach to health and wellness? We'll run through some of nature's most potent plants and the best ways to utilize their healing properties.

• Rosemary: Used by the Romans to improve memory, rosemary can be applied as an infusion that helps remove dandruff and increase hair luster.
• Aloe: The juice of a cut leaf soothes burns and bites and may be useful in fighting wrinkles.
• Basil: Basil is prized for its strong scent, which repels some types of insects. Infusions can help relieve a headache.
• Chamomile: An infusion of flowers is soothing for insomnia and toothache and makes a lightening rinse for blonde hair.
• Comfrey: This herb is sometimes called "knitback" due to its reputation for aiding in the repair of broken bones. It's a powerful healing herb that can be used in creams and poultices.
• Ginseng: It's more than just an appetizer or mild stimulant: in many parts of Asia ginseng is thought to promote youth and long life. It's also used a subtle aphrodisiac.
• Clove: Employed by the Chinese as a breath freshener, clove oil also has antiseptic properties and is used to help relieve toothache and nausea.
• Rosewater: Long believed to promote and maintain youthful skin, rosewater makes a useful moisturizing ingredient for face creams and masks.
• Almond: Sweet almond oil makes a nourishing ingredient for cosmetics. Ground almonds can be used as a gentle cleansing facial scrub.
• Garlic: Garlic can help with a host of illnesses including earache, irregular blood pressure, and diarrhea. It also has antiseptic and stimulant properties.
• Cider vinegar: Reputed to increase energy and aid sleep, cider vinegar can also be added to a bath to relieve itchy skin.
• Lanolin: Anhydrous (waterless) lanolin is good for dry skin and is a useful ingredient in many cleansing creams.
• Honey: Honey can be used as a mild sedative, a quick source of energy, or a delicious addition to a cup of tea. Applied externally, it's soothing and nourishing to the skin.

From adding flavor to a dish to helping battle minor ailments, there's a whole host of powerful herbs and plants out there. Try some of these remedies to maintain your health in a more natural way.