Herbal cure: The basics of herbs and their effects

Milk thistle relieves the liver

Milk thistle is the most important medicinal plant for liver diseases and it stimulates the regeneration of liver cells.

• Pleasure cure: For a four-week cure you need 450 grams of milk thistle seeds (pharmacy). Add 12 to 15 grams of finely ground seeds to your food every day, for example in salad dressing, muesli or yoghurt.
• Tea cure: A tea cure has also proved effective for digestive problems. Crush 5 grams of seeds (2 teaspoons) per cup in a mortar, brew with water, leave to infuse for 15 minutes, strain. Drink half an hour before meals - three cups a day for 4 to 10 weeks.

St. John's wort brightens the mood

The sunny yellow medicinal plant acts like light therapy from within. It brightens the mood and alleviates anxiety, especially in the darker months of the year.

• Fresh plant press juice cure: Various St. John's wort preparations are available in health food stores, health food stores or pharmacies. How about fresh plant pressed juice? It is much more effective than the tea herb. Simply take ten milliliters of pressed juice undiluted or with a little liquid twice a day before meals. Duration: at least four weeks.
• Important! St. John's wort cannot replace medical treatment for depression.

Hawthorn protects the heart

Hawthorn strengthens the muscles of the heart and the heart rhythm, regulates blood pressure and improves blood flow to the coronary vessels, which improves oxygen supply.

• Tea cure: Brew a teaspoon (1 gram) of flowers and leaves with a cup of boiling water, cover and leave to infuse for 15 minutes, strain. Drink a cup of tea three times a day for six weeks. Sweeten with a little honey if desired.
• Blends: For high blood pressure: 20 grams each of hawthorn, lemon balm, lime blossom, yarrow and mistletoe leaves. For low blood pressure: Mix 25 grams each of hawthorn, rosemary, yarrow and thyme as a tea.

Thyme strengthens the lungs

Thyme is particularly suitable for treating bronchial diseases. The herb keeps the lungs free of pathogens, loosens secretions and liquefies mucus - so it's great for colds.

• Tincture cure: Take 25 drops of thyme tincture (from the pharmacy) three times a day for four weeks.
• DIY tip: If you have medicinal thyme in your garden (Thymus vulgaris or Thymus zygis), you can also make your own tincture: put chopped thyme in a screw-top jar and fill with vodka (40%). Leave to infuse for three weeks, shake daily, then fill into small bottles with pipette caps.

Roseroot strengthens the nerves

Rose root makes you alert and increases your mental performance. Especially great in stressful situations.

• Preparation cure: Rose root extract is available from pharmacies in capsule and coated tablet form. Simply use the preparation for about three months according to the package leaflet. Make sure that you take the preparation in the morning and at lunchtime. Not later, as it can interfere with falling asleep.
• By the way: Try a tea made from roseroot. The grated root exudes a very fine rose scent. This aroma also permeates the tea.