Greetings and the warmest hospitality offered to you good folk tonight, and an even warmer one to those of you who are currently benefiting from the under-funded but highly regarded* medicinal herb section of your chemist.*Highly regarded by all naturopaths I know, and most of my fellow students.
Of course, not all of these are found in chemists. Food you might use at home occasionally may have extraordinary benefits to your mental, physical, and overall well being. Just to put things in perspective, I personally do not smoke any of the herbs, or regularly smoke marijuana. Use at your own risk, you didn't buy them from me.
Everyday Herbs
Here is a (very) short list of some everyday herbs you may use that I have looked into and have shown surprising benefits. Perhaps pick some more up next time you go out to the shops, eh?
Parsley
Not only a tasty garnish, Parsley should be used in as many meals as possible, as it stimulates appetite and metabolism. It contains anti-cancerous properties that help protect the liver and intestine, as well as stimulating digestion and detoxifying your tract. It helps prevent kidney stones from forming, and the seeds stimulate the sexual glands, and it is recommended as a neutralizer against alcohol dependency.
It is rich in many vitamins, containing more vitamin C than an orange percentage wise. It contains Vitamin A, B, E & K, magnesium and calcium. It also works as a mild anti-septic throughout the body, and stimulates cellular growth.
Aloe Vera
Hailed as the saviour of the planet, Aloe Vera has been recommended for the Nobel Prize twice, won 6 Oscars throughout various movies, and was recently elected into the Rock Hall of Fame (Which is as hard to get into as Griffith University).
But seriously, get one of these plants. You can use the leaves for burns, the yellow sap as a laxative, it is an antiseptic, disinfectant, and stimulates cellular repair. It contains over 20 important minerals and can be used to detoxify your body.
Nettle
Okay, maybe don't go just grab yourself a handful of Nettle leaves. But tea that is brewed with Nettle contains therapeutic qualities, and is a great relaxant for those nights where you need extra sleep.
Lesser Known Herbs
Ginseng
This small plant is another one of natures super plants. It covers a wide spectrum of benefits including healthy circulation, mental stimulation, anti-inflammatory, anti-depressive, cellular energy, and reduction in fatigue. Quite the opposite of Nettle in fact, this is your get-up-and-go herb/root.
It is also recommended as a treatment for hyper/hypotension.
I suggest drinking it in tea, but in very small doses.
CAUTION - Ginseng can have damaging, negative effects if taken incorrectly. Consult a doctor or naturopath beforehand.
Marihuanilla
Yes, yes I know. Every stoner and his dog will probably use this from time to time, as it produces a mild high, with minimal to no side-effects. But (through experimenting with a number of herbs last year. Ask no questions get no lies) I have found that it has long lasting effects on your mental state, including stress-relief, increase in comprehensive skills and mind-eye co-ordination (I'm mind blanking at the moment, and cannot for the life of me remember the word for being able to articulate and draw ideas). Anyway. Again, use as you see fit. Yes it sounds like marijuana, yes it's related, get over it.
Remember folks, consult someone before using these. Except the first few, they're okay.
Stay safe, it's cold as fuck.
- Oscar
EXTRA - My rant on smoking.
As a health nut and psych. student, I have an incredibly bias opinion towards smoking. So whatever you read here, I'm telling you now, the facts will be warped by myself.
I grew up in a family of smokers, and indulged frequently as a teen. As I grew older I distanced myself from smoking and affiliated activities as I began to, not only hear about, but see the ill effects of long-term smoking. The argument that there are many others outlets available that are self-destructive is flat out nonsense. Simply because there are other things that can kill you doesn't mean it's a-okay to be involved in one. The stress-relief argument can be countered by offering a whole range of natural and medical alternatives, as well as introducing more frequent exercise and perhaps a change of life-style.
"But Oscar, it's my life, I can do what I want."
You sure can, I simply feel terrible for your close family and friends that have to watch you wither and die because of it. I think it's a terribly selfish ideology that just because you're going to die anyway you think you should speed up the process. And I don't believe that anyone is so hooked that through no force of will they cannot break the cycle.
Anyway. That's it.
