How to Make Homemade Herbal Remedies

Homemade herbal remedies can be used in place of over the counter drugs, which often have unwanted side effects. Often the correctly used herbal remedy will help you bounce back eliminating expensive trips to a doctor. The type of herbal remedy you choose depends on the ailment you wish to treat and the herb you are planning to use for the remedy. Below are 6 common ailments and the herbs and homemade herbal remedies used to treat them.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Herbal Remedies for Colds and Flu
   
   The most common herbal remedy used to treat colds and flu are homemade herbal teas. This is because colds and flu often come with congestion and hot herbal teas will help reduce congestion immediately. Herbal tea is often called an infusion or decoction as well, depending on the part of the herbal plant used. There are instructions in the resource section below for making herbal teas as remedies. Common herbal teas for colds and flu are:
   * Echinacea
   * Nettle
   * Peppermint
   * Ginger
   * Comfrey
   * Blackberry
   
   
2. Herbal Remedies for Aches and Pains
   
   Homemade herbal remedies for aches and pains are usually made in the form of lotions, liniments and salves to be rubbed on the body externally. There are instructions below for making herbal lotions, liniments and salves as herbal remedies. Herbs commonly used for aches and pains include:
   *Cayenne
   *Peppermint
   *Chamomile
   *Lavender
   
   
3. Herbal Remedies for Bites, Stings, Abrasions
   
   Herbal remedies for bites, stings, and abrasions are also commonly treated with salves and lotions applied to the skin. Infused oils can also be applied externally as a natural remedy for these ailments. Herbs commonly used include:
   *Aloe
   *Calendula
   *Comfrey
   *Lavender
   *Plantain
   *Yarrow
   
   
4. Herbal Remedies for Sore Throat
   
   The best homemade sore throat remedies include herbally infused honey. There is a link below for preparing herbally infused honey. Herbs that will sooth a sore throat include marshmallow, slippery elm, plantain and thyme. In addition onion and garlic infused in honey is a traditional homemade remedy that works very well.
   
   
5. Herbal Remedies for Insomnia
   
   An herbal tea made from infusing herbs in water is a very good homemade remedy for insomnia. The best herb for encouraging sleep is valerian. Valerian is a natural herbal sedative. If you prefer something more mild you might also consider chamomile or lavender. Both of these herbal remedies are suitable for young children.
   
   
6. Herbal Remedies for Headache or Fever
   
   An herbal compress to be applied to the forehead is the best herbal remedy for headache and fever. A compress of the following herbs will often remedy a headache.
   *cayenne pepper
   *coffee
   *lavender
   *peppermint