For thousands of years the human race has utilized herbs in a variety of ways. These uses can be categorized into three distinctive groups; religious, culinary and medicinal. In the following article we will take a close look at each of these categories in order concentrating upon medical uses and essential oils.
Throughout history there have been numerous other uses of herbs which we will not be discussing here and these include them being used as currency, as a disinfectant and as a perfume or powerful smell to mask sickening smells. Herbs come from many parts of the planet and each culture often had unusual uses for them. It is interesting to note that the Ancient Egyptians, Ancient Greek and Sumerians, the Romans all wrote about them in detail and other writings exist from Ancient India and China. We shall be focusing on modern uses.
Herbs And Religion
Herbs are still used in various religions across the world. Most Christians will recognize myrrh from the Nativity (myrrh is the dried sap of Commiphora myrrha). Hindus will be extremely familiar with the Tulsi plant, which is a type of Basil, as it is grown by many and revered as a Goddess. In Wiccan religions herbs are utilized extensively in spells, rituals as well as for healing.
Herbs In Cooking
The leaves of various plants are used in the kitchen however there is a distinction between leafy vegetables, such as spinach, and a herb, such as basil, in that the latter are used in minute amounts due to their distinctive, and powerful flavor. Virtually every person in the world has benefited from the these amazing plants which are capable of lifting the plainest meal into the realms of a culinary masterpiece.
The Medical Uses of Herbs
As well as being intense in flavor herbs can also have a profound effect upon the human body. Some types are used as recreational drugs, such as cannabis, which can cause legal problems as they can also have useful medical properties which are still being researched.
Essential Oils
An essential oil is the substance extracted from a variety of plants. Essential oils are commonly created by the process known as distillation but some require a different process of extraction such as by using solvents or expression.
Essential oils have a number of uses, such as perfumes, bath oils, flavorings, burning (for scent) and in cleaning products. However the majority of folk know of their use in medicine and especially in aromatherapy and other forms of alternative medicine. I use lavender oil in a number of ways, I add it to my mixture for my oil burner to make the room smell nice but I also use about three drops in a bath when I suffer from aching limbs. When my legs are extremely painful I gently rub it into the muscles but only when it is mixed with a carrier oil. As well as helping to relax the muscles it also helps me sleep more soundly.
Herbs should be used with care as some can be extremely destructive to the human body (in large quantities). Special care should be taken if you are about to have a baby as something that seems safe can be dangerously problematic, such as peppermint oil which should be avoided completely in its raw state. However spearmint and a few other mild oils can be used but to avoid the risk of miscarriage you should avoid all herbs and essential oils unless you know for certain they are safe.
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