African Herbs For Homemade Salves and Balms

By Cherry Crawford June 28, 2023 15 mins read 171 Views

African herbs have been used for cleansing, perfuming, beautifying and healing for thousands of years. Today, they are an integral part of the global cosmetic and cosmeceutical industry which is worth billions of dollars.

Whether you are an artisan herbalist or simply love making your own wellness products, herb-infused oils make a powerful ally in your apothecary. Crafted into salves, balms, lotions or pure oil applications for topical or culinary use, these oils offer a wealth of medicinal and nutritional benefits to your body.

Calendula

Calendula is a plant that has long been used as both a garden flower and a natural healer. It’s a great option for homemade balms because it is so gentle and soothing on the skin.

It can be infused in oil to make calendula salve, or it can be used as an ingredient in lotions, bath oils, body butters, or soaps. It has antiseptic, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties that help to soothe the skin.

It is also a common treatment for skin issues such as diaper rash and cradle cap. Studies have shown that applying it to the affected area 1-2 times per day can reduce the severity of rashes and irritations.

Plantain

Plantain is a powerful herbal remedy for insect bites and stings, burns, wounds and skin infections. It has many beneficial actions, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and anti-spasmodic, which help soothe the itching and reduce redness.

A homemade plantain salve combines the healing properties of this weed with coconut oil, beeswax and other soothing ingredients for the ultimate natural first aid kit staple. It is easy to make and fun to use, especially when the whole family is involved.

Start with a small glass or metal jar filled with a couple of handfuls of dried plantain leaves and a few tablespoons of olive, almond or other oil of your choice. Place the jar over a saucepan of simmering water and allow to infuse for at least 30 minutes.

Comfrey

Comfrey has long been used to relieve pain, inflammation, and swelling of muscles and joints. It contains allantoin, which encourages cell proliferation and tissue regeneration.

This helps heal wounds, reducing the likelihood of infection. Its anti-inflammatory properties also reduce the appearance of scars and wrinkles, promoting skin's health and beauty.

To make a comfrey salve, combine dried comfrey leaves or comfrey root with a neutral oil and allow them to infuse for 4-6 weeks before straining. Store in a cool, dark place.

Comfrey has been used to treat a variety of conditions, but it is most famous for its ability to mend broken bones. It has been shown to strengthen the bones, especially the tibia, and even help repair nerve damage.

Gotu Kola

Gotu kola is a popular medicinal herb that is native to India and China. It has a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine.

It is a natural anti-inflammatory that helps reduce pain and discomfort in the body. It also improves blood flow to the skin and stimulates collagen synthesis, which tightens the skin.

In addition, the plant is said to be an adaptogen. It is known to increase your body’s resilience to stress and enhance your mental capacity.

The herb is often recommended for treating depression and insomnia. It is also said to help with memory issues.

It may also reduce swelling and improve blood flow in people with venous insufficiency. This happens when blood pools in the legs and fluid leaks out of the veins, causing the leg to swell.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between herbs and spices?

Herbs are used for cooking, and spices are used for seasoning.

Herbs have more intense flavors and can be used to cook dishes, while spices can bring out the flavor of foods without altering the taste.

Spices can also be added to food during preparation, such as curry. Spices may be bought individually, or whole packages may be purchased. There are many spices, including black pepper, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, garlic, ginger, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, parsley, rosemary, sage, salt, thyme, turmeric, vanilla extract, etc.

The best way to ensure that you are selecting the right spice for your dish is to read the label carefully. If there is an ingredient list, look for "spice" among the ingredients. A common mistake cooks make is buying too much of a particular spice because they do not realize how little they need.

There are a few basic rules to follow when choosing which herb or spice to use. For example, most herbs are fresh, whereas spices tend to last longer. Also, herbs are generally found in small quantities, while spices come in larger containers. Finally, most herbs are usually sold loose (or ground), while spices are packaged in jars or cans.

As long as you are careful to select the correct herbs or spices, you will find that adding them to recipes makes preparing meals easier. After all, spices add flavor to various dishes, while herbs can help improve the appearance and aroma of food.

Which plant has antibiotic and wound-healing properties?

People often ask about plants that have medicinal uses. Some of these include aloe vera, eucalyptus, chamomile, and lavender. If you're wondering why there aren't any plants used for cleaning and disinfecting purposes, it's because most plants have toxic qualities.

The reason why we use herbs for medicine is that they contain compounds that stimulate our immune system. This means that they help us fight infections and heal wounds.

Some plants also have anti-inflammatory properties. These include ginger, turmeric, and mint.

Herbs such as basil, fennel, marigold, and oregano are great for cleansing the body.

There are even some plants that help prevent cancer. Research shows that black raspberries may reduce the chances of developing breast cancer. The same goes for broccoli. It can help prevent colon cancer.

What are the side effects of basil?

Basil is an herb that originated in tropical regions of India, Africa, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina, and Chile.

The plant is easy to grow in most climates and requires little maintenance. Basil also thrives in poor soil conditions and is very drought tolerant.

As for the health benefits, more than 200 known compounds are found in basil, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, lignans, polysaccharides, essential oils, vitamins, and minerals.

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, basil contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties which may help relieve symptoms associated with arthritis, asthma, allergies, bronchitis, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, digestive disorders, depression, eczema, insomnia, infections, migraines, osteoporosis, psoriasis, respiratory problems, stress, and ulcers.

Basil is also a culinary spice and is often added to tomato sauces, soups, salads, pasta dishes, rice dishes, dips, casseroles, pizza toppings, pesto, chicken wings, and popcorn.

However, like all herbs, basil should be consumed in moderation. Too much of anything is not good for you. For example, eating large amounts of basil could lead to stomach upset. And if you have sensitive tummies, avoid consuming basil during pregnancy.

If you are pregnant or nursing, consult your doctor before taking herbal supplements.

You should only take one type of supplement at a time. If you take other medications, make sure they do not interact with each other.

You should never use herbs while on medication unless directed by your doctor.

Some people experience allergic reactions when using herbs, especially those allergic to ragweed. Symptoms include hives, swelling around the mouth or eyes, shortness of breath, chest tightness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, dizziness, fainting, heart palpitations, blurred vision, loss of consciousness, seizures, or even death.

Some people who take certain medications may develop an allergy to basil. These drugs include:

Antacids (like Alka Seltzer)
Anti-anxiety medicines (Valium, Xanax, Ativan, etc.)
Beta-blockers (like Propranolol)
Blood thinners (like Coumadin)
Calcium channel blockers (like Amlodipine)
Cholesterol-lowering drugs (like Lipitor, Zocor, Mevacor, and Pravachol)
Diabetes medicine (like Glucophage)
Diuretics (like Lasix)
Heartburn medicines (like Prilosec OTC)
Hormone therapy (like Premarin, Tamoxifen, Femara)
Insulin (like Humalog, Lantus, Novolin R)
NSAIDs (like Aleve, Motrin, Advil, Excedrin, Tylenol, Ibuprofen)
Oral contraceptives (like Ortho Evra, Yasmin, Loestrin, Ovrette, Yaz, and Seasonale)
Pain relievers (like Aspirin, Celebrex, Vicodin, Percodan, Darvocet, Dilaudid, Fiorinal, Tylenol 3s, Naproxen, Motrin, Tramadol, Ultram, Voltaren

Statistics

Herbs are among the most popular and widely used medicinal remedies. According to a survey conducted by the National Institutes of Health, herbs were used by over 38% of adults in the United States.
Studies have shown that cinnamon can lower fasting blood sugars by 10-29% in diabetic patients, which is a significant amount (9Trusted Source10Trusted (healthline.com)

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How To

How to use herbs safely?

Many people think that herbs should only be used under medical supervision because they believe that some herbs are poisonous. However, this is not true.

Many herbs have long histories of safe use. For example, garlic has been used for thousands of years to fight infections. It's also been shown to lower cholesterol levels and reduce high blood pressure.

However, if you're pregnant or nursing, avoid taking certain herbs. You should also avoid them if you suffer from allergies or sensitivities to herbs.

You can do several things to ensure you get the best results from your herbs and supplements. First, always read labels before consuming anything containing herbs or spices. Second, take the lowest dose recommended on the label. Third, don't use more than one supplement at any given time. Fourth, talk to your doctor about how to combine specific herbs and supplements. Finally, keep track of your consumption to know whether you need to adjust your dosage.