Intro to the forms that Herbs come in

Herbs

The fact that herbs have stood the test of time has something to say about the value that they carry. If you were to travel the world you would discover that many more cultures than you would have imagined rely heavily on the use of herbs in their treatment. Here in U.S.A. we have been led to believe that a small amount of medicines are it and that we need to look no further. Herbs are still very modern though since scientists around the world are always working on developing new, more powerful medicine. It may be overwhelming to go into your local health store and search for the right herbs for you. Here is a quick overview for you to learn about the common forms that herbs come in.

1) Bulk- Bulk herb is raw, dried plant material. This may be something beneficial for those who enjoy making their own blended herbal teas. You can make herbal elixirs with bulk herbs as well. It's usually sold by the ounce and kept in jars or bins in health food stores or street markets.
2) Capsules and tablets- These are often preferred since they are easy to travel with and already have been divided into an exact dosage. Both capsules and tablets contain the powdered herb.
3)Essential oils- These are highly concentrated liquid essences that is used in aromatherapy. You can get an empty carrier bottle and mix different oils to create your own fragrance. Essential oils can lift your mood, ease anxiety, help to clear your sinuses, or even be added to a bubble bath or a liquid body wash. Here are some essential oils with health benefits.
Peppermint- Used to soothe nausea and other stomach issues, help stop itching,and cool overworked muscles(thanks to the menthol). Add drops of peppermint oil to a bowl of hot water and breathe in steam to fight congestion, or rub diluted oil into sore muscles. It's ideal for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up.
Lavender- It has antibacterial and acts like a virtual first aid kit in a bottle.
Sesame-
Rose- improves hormone balance, helps treat PMS and menopause, and improves the look of your skin
Geranium oil- helps to treat acne and oily skin, boost circulation, and decrease bloating. The oil can reduce the appearance of scars and blemishes, get rid of body odor, and contract blood vessels to diminish the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
4) Teas- Teas take 3 forms: beverage teas , infusions,and decoctions. Beverage teas typically steep for a minute or two. Infusions are prepared like teas but steep longer (until boiling water cools) to draw out more of the plants constituents. Decoctions require simmering the plant material in boiling water for 10-20 minutes or soaking in cold water overnight.