Bliss in a Herb Garden

A simple definition explains herb as either a plant or its part containing a chemical substance which is valued for its medicinal, aromatic or savory qualities. Ailments ranging from obesity to heart disease can be aptly cured by herbs and their derivatives.

In today’s age of advancements, herbal way of life has become practically nonexistent and man’s bond with nature has been snapped by the chemically-induced products. Quick-relief promising analgesic and instant-youth bestowing creams are definitely appealing but long time effects of chemicals prove devastating on the body. Human body has natural components and nature takes best care of it, maintaining harmony.

Herbal alternatives to allopath have numerous benefits, zero side-effects being the most important of all. Manufacturers do not reveal hidden shortcomings of allopathic medicines and synthesized cosmetics and attractive promises compel us to use them.

With pressure elevating on personal and professional fronts to keep performing, modern precarious lifestyle is really taking a toll on human body. Introduction of herbs in the daily routine can regulate this lifestyle. An old Chinese proverb says “why should a man die while sage grows in the garden?”, making the healing power of a humble plant evident.

Herbs for Mind and Body
Herbal tea can substitute caffeine-loaded tea or coffee. It is said to calm the frayed nerves. Discard the fancy toiletries and bring in herbal soaps, shampoos, toothpastes, shaving gels and many more. Resort to using fresh herbal concoctions or pastes for beauty therapies. Combine vegetables with basil, meat with rosemary and salads with chives to spice up your meal and nourish the body.

Going herbal can also open avenues to gardening. Growing herbs in the kitchen garden will make them handy to use and an intrinsic part of everyday living. Moreover, gardening can be soothing and distressing for you and the greenery that comes along is pleasant and enriches the atmosphere with oxygen as well. Culinary and medicinal applications of herbs are well known but herb is also linked with spirituality. Holy basil or 'tulsi' is associated with Hindu spirituality and is known for its curative effects.

Home-made remedies and beauty preparations are simpler and effective unlike the potentially harmful cosmetics. Herbs like turmeric, henna, aloe vera, basil (tulsi), chamomile, rosemary, thyme are obtained from different parts of a herb and offer a variety of remedies.

Beautifying with herbs can be dated back to the antiquity. Herbal compounds were used by women from all sections of society in their daily rituals. Herbal oils were extracted for skin, body massage and hair. Seeds, leaves and roots of herbs were compounded to be applied as face masks and scrubs. Ancient testimonies show how beautiful and youthful ancient women were, with no botox known to them. Ayurveda, which is around 5,000 year old Indian text on ancient medicine, lists and recommends herbs for skin and beauty.

According to an old English saying "Eat sage in May, and live for aye". People leading a herbal life experience a sense of well-being that comes naturally with herbs. Herbs, known to rejuvenate and revitalize are also the answer to many life-threatening diseases. Herbal lifestyle, being closest to nature, definitely scores over others.