Herbal Medicine Part 2

It can be used to fight diabetes and help lower cancer risk; boost memory, visual recognition and motor speed; neutralise infections and viruses; freshen the breath; and reduce inflammation of the skin.

Simple ways to use cinnamon at home include:

• Burning good quality cinnamon incense, or using cinnamon essential oil in an aromatherapy diffuser, are highly beneficial, as even just the scent of cinnamon is enough to boost brain activity.
• Simmering cinnamon sticks in almond milk (with a little stevia if you want extra sweetness) not only makes a delicious drink, but it is a wonderful immunity boost and also helps curb blood sugar spikes after eating.
• Cinnamon can be combined with ginger and cardamom to make an after-dinner tea that helps aid digestion.
• Cinnamon can be sprinkled on porridge, cereal, fruit or even coffee for an immunity boost and to reduce any kind of internal inflammation.
• Make your own toothpaste with cinnamon, coconut oil, bicarbonate of soda and two drops of peppermint essential oil. Mix one teaspoon of each of the first three ingredients with a couple of drops of peppermint essential oil, store in an airtight container and use to brush your teeth as normal.

Of note: there is some really interesting research on several compounds within cinnamon including cinnamaldehyde, that suggest it may be effective in the treatment of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

Further note: there are two different types of cinnamon: cassia cinnamon which is the more common, and  Ceylon cinnamon, which is more expensive, but does possess greater healing properties.

Caution: cinnamon should not be taken as a supplement by children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, or anybody who is on any form of blood thinning medicine.

Simple ways to use Echinacea at home include:

• For insect bites and stings: apply an Echinacea ointment or oil to the wound three times per day.
• For sore throats, laryngitis or tonsillitis: gargle with a concoction of 5ml of Echinacea tincture (which is very easy to make at home) to 250ml of warm water, two – three times per day.
• For cold sores: apply Echinacea and St John’s Wort gel (available at health food stores) directly to the cold sore, three times per day (ideally at the very first sign). Also take a diluted tincture of Echinacea, 3ml to 200ml of water, three times per day.
• For colds, flu and bronchitis: take a diluted tincture of 3ml to 200ml of water, three – four times per day.
• To boost your immune system or for any type of bronchial infection, drink Echinacea tea several times a day. You can buy Echinacea tea at health food stores, or again, it is very easy to make at home.

Health and love make us rich… so eat wholesomely, breathe deeply, embrace nature, and share kindness.
~ GreenWitch Tea

Please note: I do not offer the above as instruction, only as information. As always, consult your doctor | health therapist, for any ailment you may have, or before starting on the use of any herbal treatment at home.

Health is a state of complete harmony of the body, mind and spirit. When one is free from physical disabilities and mental distractions, the gates of the soul open.
~B.K.S. Iyengar