Bitterroot Restoration

Herbal medicine refers to the use of any plant's seeds, leaves, bark, berries, roots, or flowers. It involves the medicinal use of plants to treat disease and enhance general health and wellbeing. Herbal medicine is also called botanical medicine or phytomedicine.

In recent years, interest in herbal medicine has skyrocketed, leading to a greater scientific interest in the medicinal use of plants.

Using herbs to strengthen a child's constitution can make them more resistant to illness. Treating a wide range of childhood problems herbally can be a gentler and sometimes more complete way of healing. Now more than ever, children growing up in a toxic world need the ecological equilibrium of herbs.

Herbs can be used to treat a wide range of disorders including:

• High blood pressure
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Hormonal imbalances, e.g. premenstrual tension
• Skin problems, e.g. eczema
• Arthritis
• Insomnia
• Migraines
• Nausea
• Poor blood circulation

• Echinacea
  With antiviral, antibacterial and other immunological properties, echinacea is well-known for its use in treatment of infections and as a blood purifier. It is used to treat ailments such as boils, fever and herpes. Echinacea is under investigation for its use in treating cancer and AIDS.
• Nettle
  Also known as stinging nettles, nettle is one of the most mineral rich plants on earth. Particularly high in calcium, iron, protein, chlorophyll and vitamin C, nettle is a delicious food as well as a medicine. Nettle strengthens and supports the whole body, and is nourishing, diuretic, tonic, astringent and antihistamine. Clinical studies of nettle (in the form of freeze-dried capsules) show that it relieves the symptoms of hayfever and other allergies. It is an excellent nourishing herb for pregnancy, and also beneficial for childhood eczema.
• Dong quai (dang gui)
  It is used for gynaecological complaints, such as premenstrual tension, menopause symptoms and period pain. Some studies indicate that dong quai can lower blood pressure.
• Garlic
  It can be used to reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering blood fats and cholesterol (a type of blood fat) levels. It is one of the most effective anti-microbial plants available. It has antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal activity and works to stimulate the immune system. The antibiotic and antiviral properties of garlic mean that it is also used to fight colds, sinusitis and other respiratory infections.
• Ginger
  Many studies have shown ginger to be useful in treating nausea, including motion sickness and morning sickness.
• Ginkgo biloba
  It is commonly used to treat poor blood circulation and tinnitus (ringing in the ears). Some studies have found ginkgo biloba to be effective in treating neurological disorders, such as memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease.
• Ginseng
  It is generally used for debility and weakness, for example during recovery from illness. It can be used to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels, however overuse of ginseng has been associated with raised blood pressure. Some studies show that ginseng can also boost immunity, improve mental functioning and speed the healing processes of the body.
• Hypericum
  It is commonly known as St John’s Wort. Numerous studies have demonstrated that hypericum is just as effective as some synthetic antidepressants in treating mild to moderate depression. It is also effective for anxiety and insomnia. Research is currently focusing on hypericum’s antiviral properties and its effect on AIDS. Recent information suggests that hypericum can interact with a number of prescription drugs, including the oral contraceptive pill.
• Chamomile
  Chamomile is one of the safest of medicinal plants. With its antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and carminative properties, this tonic herb is used for a variety of things. As a gentle sedative and nerve tonic, chamomile can help children to get the rest they need. A warm bath with an infusion of chamomile can relax an unsettled child. It is a great digestive aid and appetite stimulant. It helps gas, stomach cramps, diarrhea, colic or any other stomach upset. Wounds, diaper rash and other skin problems can be washed with an infusion of chamomile flowers. Chamomile tea can slow the growth of bad-breath bacteria.
  
• Astragalus
  It is a tonic herb that boosts immune function and strengthens resistance to disease. It increases the activity of infection-fighting white blood cells and boosts the production of interferon, an antiviral agent. It is used to prevent colds and flu and to restore immune strength once an illness is over. It is safe for long-term use and can be taken consistently throughout the cold and flu season.