For thousands of years the human race has used herbs in various ways. These uses can be categorized into three distinctive categories; religious, culinary and medicinal. In the following article we shall take a close look at each of these categories in order focusing upon the medicinal uses and essential oils.

Through the ions o time there have been various other uses of herbs which we will not be examining here and these include them being used as currency, as a disinfectant and as a perfume or powerful smell to mask disgusting smells. Herbs originate from many parts of the planet and each race usually had unusual uses for them. It is interesting to note that the Ancient Egyptians, Ancient Greek and Sumerians, the Romans all wrote about them in detail and other writings exist from Ancient India and China. We shall be concentrating on modern uses.

The Use of Herbs In Religion

Herbs are still used in various religions across the world.  A great many Christians will remember myrrh from the Nativity (myrrh is the dried sap of Commiphora myrrha). Hindus will be extremely familiar with the Tulsi plant, which is a type of Basil, as it is cultivated by many and revered as a Goddess. In Pagan and Wiccan faiths herbs are used widely in spells, rituals as well as for healing.

Herbs In The Kitchen

The leaves of different plants are used in the kitchen however there is a difference between leafy vegetables, such as lettuce, and a herb, such as oregano, in that the latter are used in minute amounts due to their distinctive, and powerful flavor. Virtually every person in the world has benefited from the these amazing plants which are capable of lifting the plainest meal into the realms of a culinary masterpiece.

The Use of Herbs in Medicine

As well as being intense in flavor herbs can also have a profound effect upon the human body. Some types are used as recreational drugs, such as cannabis, which can cause legal problems as they can also have useful medical properties which are still being studied by scientists.

Essential Oils

An essential oil is the substance extracted from a variety of plants. Essential oils are usually produced by the process known as distillation but some need a different method of extraction such as expression or solvent extraction.

Essential oils have a number of uses, such as perfumes, bath oils, flavorings, burning (for scent) and in cleaning products. However most people know of their use in medicine and especially in aromatherapy and other forms of alternative medicine. I use lavender oil in a variety of ways, I add it to my mixture for my oil burner to make the room smell nice but I also use approximately three drops in a bath when I suffer from aching legs. When my legs are extremely painful I gently rub it into the muscles but only when it is mixed with a carrier oil. As well as helping to relax the muscles it also helps me sleep more soundly.

Herbs should be handled with great care as some can be extremely harmful to the human body (in large quantities). Special care should be taken if you are about to have a child as something that you may consider safe could be surprisingly problematic, such as peppermint oil which should be totally avoided in its dilute state. However spearmint and a few other mild oils can be used however to avoid the risk of miscarriage you should avoid all herbs and essential oils unless you know for certain they are safe.

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