There are six herbs you should have in your medicine cabinet at home. I’m going to tell you why and how you should use three of them this week.
- cayenne pepper
- activated charcoal
- garlic
- golden seal
- peppermint
- slippery elm
CAYENNE PEPPER
The active ingredient in cayenne pepper is capsaicin; it can boost blood circulation significantly. In an emergency, such as a heart attack or angina attack, a pinch placed under the tongue can be lifesaving, just like your nitromint. It is also important to treat various types of pain, including headaches, diabetic neuropathy, nerve pain in the feet, postherpetic neuralgia, and many other pain syndromes. You must be careful if you’re taking a blood thinner such as high-dose aspirin, clopidogrel, or even warfarin, as this might increase your chance of bleeding. If you have an active ulcer, this might also exacerbate your symptoms.
Capsaicin and cayenne are safe in pregnancy and in breast feeding. It can be used to make tea: 1 teaspoon in 8 oz. of water. It can be placed in your food as a seasoning.
ACTIVATED CHARCOAL
This is not just an essential component in your medicine chest; it’s also an essential medicine at my office. Charcoal has a unique property in that it absorbs toxins from your intestinal tract, so it’s indispensable in the treatment of acute accidental poisoning, especially in children and also in adults. So, if your child or anybody else accidentally swallows bleach or some other household chemical, immediately reach for your activated charcoal. Taken right away, a teaspoon of this substance dissolved in 4 ounces of water can prevent the absorption of that toxin. Bear in mind that since the charcoal doesn’t get through your intestinal barrier into your bloodstream, it can’t remove toxins that have already been absorbed; in either case, find your doctor.
Activated charcoal can be applied as a paste to the skin to improve skin health and remove toxins and rashes. It improves your digestive health in general and cleanses your body from various microbes. It is safe for children, pregnant mothers, and the elderly. However, certainly do not take this along with your medication, as it might not get absorbed.
GARLIC
Every kitchen should have garlic; it is an important seasoning or herb. It is indispensable in the acute treatment of high blood pressure at home. As a tea or sliced and swallowed as a tablet, it can take your blood pressure down safely and rapidly to avoid an emergency.
Garlic is also known to possess antibiotic, antiviral, and antifungal properties. So, for acute respiratory infections, when taken as a tea or in combination with onion, this can be a very good home remedy that may avoid you needing to take medication. Garlic can be applied in many ways to the body, but be careful about applying it directly to your skin. It is very corrosive and may cause burns and rashes. Garlic should be avoided if you’re taking powerful blood thinners, as it itself is a powerful blood thinner.
Dr. Orlando Thomas is a certified functional medicine physician. Contact him at [email protected]
