Methods to Heal: Different Herbal Remedy Forms and When to Use Them

There are many different methods to take an herbal remedy. Understand what will work best depending on the supplement and desired effect.

The different herbal remedy can serve as a good alternative or complement to western medicine. But there are many different ways to incorporate herbs and their health benefits into your daily regimen. How do you know which method is best for you?

The best way to ingest herbal remedies will vary based on your individual situation. Before deciding how to treat an ailment with herbs, you should evaluate each method carefully. Knowing which method will work best for you is imperative to get maximum results.

Keep reading for a comprehensive list of the ways that you can ingest herbal remedies and the reasons you may choose to do so.

Pills or Capsules

Herbal remedies packaged as a pill or a capsule are pretty common. Often, this is a good way to take vitamins and supplements. You can find these remedies in most drug stores or alternative health shops.

Most people can find ways to incorporate sufficient vitamins or supplements into their diets. But some people who are deficient in things like iron or Vitamin D may choose to take supplements as a way to fill that gap.

If you need to take a daily supplement, pills or capsules are one of the easiest ways to incorporate that supplement into your routine. However, understanding deficiencies can be quite complicated. So it is recommended you consult your doctor or nutritionist before incorporating them into your diet.

A doctor or nutritionist can help you identify what supplements you need to take, and the ways in which they might help you. They can also help you modify your diet so that you can satisfy your nutritional requirements without needing to take supplements.

Some people also prefer pills or capsules as a way to treat non-chronic conditions. For example, spearmint is an herb often associated with calming inflammation or swelling. A spearmint capsule may be preferable to someone who does not enjoy or have time for tea.

But herbs are classified as “foods” by the FDA, not medicines. And therefore, they are less regulated, and cannot claim to cure diseases.

If you want to use herbal remedies to treat a condition, make sure you do thorough research gathered from multiple different sources. You should also consult your doctor.

It is also a good idea to look for pills or capsules that have been reviewed by a third party tester if you want maximum results.

Gummies

Gummies often serve a similar purpose to pills or capsules, but they are generally more fun to take. Some people prefer pills or capsules because gummies tend to incorporate more dyes and sugars in order to get them to taste like candy.

But that isn’t always the case. Read the labels on the backs of gummy containers to find out what is in them. Not all gummies are created equal.

The candy-like taste can also be a tremendous boon. Some people who have trouble remembering to take their supplements will opt for gummies over pills. This is because they offer something to look forward to in your day to day routine.

When you take supplements, it is often important to remember to take them at the same time every day. Otherwise, you risk doubling up on your dosage or missing one altogether. Choosing gummies can be a helpful way to remember to keep your medication schedule.

Gummies are also a great way to take things that are optimally ingested sublingually. CBD is a great example. Watermelon Gems from Magical are one way to get the health benefits of CBD without worrying about ingesting THC at the same time.

Brewed into a Tea

A very common way to take herbal supplements is by brewing them into a tea. Teas are a great way to get low doses of some healing herbs. They are also usually quite delicious.

Herbs frequently used in teas include mint, ginger, dandelion, rosehips, etc.

Tea isn’t necessarily a good way to get a consistent dose of a particular herb, but it is also very low risk since the dosage is small.

The other benefit of teas is that different herbs can be combined to achieve the desired effects. A good tea maker will be able to brew things specifically for stomachaches or menstrual cramps. 

Some herbal teas are not designed for a specific ailment. Instead, they include healthy supplements that are worthy of your daily routine. If you are already an avid coffee drinker, consider swapping out your daily latte for a hot cup of herbal tea.

When it comes to your health, it does not really matter if you brew a tea bag, loose leaf tea, or just a couple of herbs picked fresh from your garden. 

But to maximize health benefits from your tea, make sure you are brewing your tea properly. Water should reach a high temperature before being poured, and you should always let your tea steep for 3-5 minutes. Some people also recommend wringing out your tea bag before you remove it for maximum flavor and benefits.

Incorporated into Bath Time

Some herbal remedies are most helpful when incorporated into bath time. Instead of ingesting these herbs orally, they can be absorbed through the skin.

The hot water and steam from the bath will open up the pores on your skin. This primes them for absorbing the herbs that you make your bath with.

Common herbs to throw in the bath include thyme, sage, mint, lavender, and rose. Some people bathe with herbs for physical health, but some of these herbs will calm you down and have a positive impact on your emotional health.

For example, mint and lavender are two herbs that can have a calming effect on your mental state. Low levels of stress are good for your emotional health.

But if you’re congested, bathing with eucalyptus will open up your lungs and help you breathe better. Rose petals act as a natural toner for your skin.

Ginger will increase blood flow through your body, and parsley can help you recover from bruises faster.

Did you recently go camping and get bitten up by bugs? Take a bath in some chamomile for instant relief.

Bathing with herbs can be extremely helpful. The most important thing to remember is to be intentional about what herbs you add to your bath. Also, do your research and make sure you get the proportions right for maximum benefits.

Some people draw their bath and add herbs directly. Other people prefer to use essential oils to avoid a mess in their bathtub. It is entirely up to you.

Lotions, Creams, and Other Topicals

A lot of people turn to lotions, gels, creams, and face masks for their herbal remedies. If you have skin problems, this method is for you.

Skin issues can be uncomfortable and sometimes even embarrassing. Acne, eczema, and psoriasis are examples of skin issues that millions of people deal with. But there are a lot of herbs that can be incorporated into topicals to address these issues.

A good place to start is the aloe vera plant. Have you ever looked at the back of a lotion bottle? Many times aloe vera is listed as an ingredient. 

That is because aloe vera is known for its moisturizing properties. But you don’t even need to buy a special product to get your aloe vera fix. Simply break off a segment of an aloe vera plant and apply the inside gel to your face or hair.

Another good face mask ingredient is cinnamon. Cinnamon fights bacteria that cause acne, so it is very helpful if you’re plagued by that skin condition.

Lavender is another great topical herb. It can be used as a toner or mist to fight acne or inflammation on the face. It can also be used as a salve on bug bites or burns.

A Herbal Remedy for Every Ailment

By this point, a lot of people have heard of the value of seeking a herbal remedy. But not everyone knows how to do it.

Now you are aware of the different methods for ingesting a herbal remedy. Depending on your situation or ailment, you can choose a method that works well for you. 

Remember to do your research and try out different things. You may be surprised by what you can accomplish with access to a herb garden.

And the list doesn’t stop here. For more tips regarding different herbal remedy for health and wellness, check out our CBD section.