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Vitality of the Swiss Alps!

#Healthyandhappy

There's a Herb for Everything

Botanical or herbal medicine is one of the oldest-known systems of treating human health problems. It can be found in all parts of the world and is still used in many cultures. Botanical medicines have proven their worth over time in the treatment and prevention of many minor and moderately serious diseases and complaints, including chronic ones. Herbal preparations release their healing power in the human body thanks to the pharmacological action of the wide range of compounds they contain. Overall, they produce much fewer adverse reactions than synthetic drugs.

Blackberry

(Rubus fruticosus L.)

Uses: Blackberry leaves are used to treat minor inflammations of the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat and as a gargle to treat hoarseness.

Eucalyptus

(Eucalyptus globules Labill.)

Uses: Eucalyptus leaves are effective against colds in the upper airways, bronchial problems and pharyngitis. The oil contained in the leaves is antiseptic, and the compound eucalyptol is used to treat a series of respiratory illnesses. Applied externally, eucalyptus oil helps relieve rheumatic symptoms. Eucalyptus oil should never be used near the eyes. In infants and small children, eucalyptus oil can cause laryngeal spasms or respiratory arrest.

Fennel

(Foeniculum vulgare Mill.)

Uses: Thanks to fennel’s antiflatulent properties, fennel seeds are mainly used in the treatment of gastrointestinal complaints, bloating and digestive disorders, as an appetite stimulant, and to improve gastric juice secretion. Fennel seed preparations are especially recommended for infants with digestive problems and diarrhoea. They are also thought to improve breast milk production in lactating mothers.

Elderflower

(Sambucus nigra L.)

Uses: Both the flowers and the berries of this plant are used in a variety of ways: as a remedy, a food and a colorant. The flowers are especially beneficial in the treatment of colds with a fever and the flu. They also help clear bronchial secretions. The juice of the berries is tolerated better when cooked than when raw and is considered especially effective against coughs and colds.

Iceland moss

(Cetraria islandica L.)

Uses: In Iceland and Norway, Iceland moss is used both as food and as medicine. Iceland moss is rich in mucins, which help soothe irritations of the mucus of the throat and in the gastrointestinal tract. Due to its bitter compounds and mucins, the lichen is also used to help regulate the hydrochloric acid content of gastric juices.

Camomile

(Matricaria recutitia L.)

Uses: The compounds contained in the camomile flowers have an antiflatulent, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic and anti-irritant effect. Camomile flower preparations are often used to treat infections of the mucous membranes in the gastrointestinal tract or in the mouth and throat. In addition, camomile is still recommended for gynaecological complaints. Camomile is generally well tolerated.

Cornflower

(Centaurea cyanus L.)

Uses: Due to their tannins and bitter compounds, cornflowers are mainly used to treat digestive disorders. They can also be used against skin problems and irritated mucous membranes. The flower is often used in tea blends to make them more aesthetically appealing and is considered a so-called “brightening agent”.

Linden

(Tilia sp.)

Uses: Linden flowers are effective against catarrh of the respiratory tract. They calm irritations of the throat, especially dry coughs. Traditionally, linden flowers are used together with other herbs as an expectorant.

Mallow

(Malva silvestris L.)

Uses: Mallow flowers can be used to treat catarrh with dry, inflammatory coughing and are suitable for prolonged treatments. In addition, they exert a protective effect on the mucous membranes and are effective against irritations of the mouth and throat, as well as of the gastrointestinal tract.

Lemon balm

(Melissa officinalis L.)

Uses: Lemon balm is mainly used for its calming effect on the nervous system. Thus, it can help in the case of sleeping disorders, general unrest or irritability, among other problems. Lemon balm is also known to help against menstruation or gastrointestinal complaints thanks to the antiflatulent and anti-spasmodic effect of its compounds.

Peppermint

(Mentha x piperita L.)

Uses: Peppermint leaf extracts are especially effective against cramps in the gastrointestinal and biliary tracts. Peppermint leaves have antibacterial, antimycotic and mildly sedative properties. They stimulate appetite and improve digestion. Peppermint oil should not be used in the case of bile disorders or liver damage. In addition, menthol can cause respiratory arrest in small children under the age of 2.

Calendula

(Calendula officinalis L.)

Uses: Calendula flowers are mainly used to improve wound healing and are superior to other remedies in the treatment of poorly healing wounds. Calendula has a healing effect on a wide range of inflammations, eczemas and burns. The flowers are also used as “brightening agents”, for example in teas.

Sage

(Salvia officinalis L.)

Uses: Sage leaves are still widely considered one of the most important herbal remedies. They are anti-inflammatory and effective against fungi and viruses. In addition, the bitter compounds they contain make them useful for treating digestive complaints such as bloating, flatulence and others. Sage can also be used in the case of mouth and throat inflammations.

Yarrow

(Achillea millefolium L. s.l.)

Uses: Yarrow is mainly used to treat appetite, digestive, liver and bile disorders, as well as gynaecological complaints. Yarrow also has haemostatic properties and is contained in many blood cleansing teas. The herb is used internally and externally in the treatment of wounds due to its anti-inflammatory effect.

Cowslip

(Primula veris L.)

Uses: The roots and flowers of the plant are generally effective against high levels of bronchial and lung congestion and are used to treat chronic bronchitis. Cowslip is also contained in many medicines as an anti-spasmodic and sedative.

Plantain

(Plantago lanceolata L.)

Uses: Plantain is mainly known for its antibiotic, antihepatotoxic and anti-spasmodic properties. It also accelerates blood clotting, is a remedy for dry cough, and can be used to treat inflammations of the throat and mouth.

Star anise

(Illicium verum Hook. F.)

Uses: Star anise is used as a herbal remedy, an aromatic and as a spice substitute for aniseed. The plants contains compounds such as anethole and foeniculin, which are also contained in fennel. In Asia, the fruits are used to accompany foods and improve digestion and breathing. Like aniseed, star anise helps clear bronchial secretions. The plant is also antispasmodic and antiflatulent.

Liquorice

(Glycyrrhiza glabra L.)

Uses: Liquorice root is especially suited to treat stomach and duodenal disorders. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties, liquorice root is also used to treat catarrh of the upper respiratory tract.

Thyme

(Thymus vulgaris L.)

Uses: Thyme is used mainly to treat catarrh of the upper respiratory tract, bronchitis and whooping cough. The plant is a general remedy for coughs and has antispasmodic properties, making it useful for people suffering from asthma. Oil of thyme and its compound thymol are also effective against skin diseases.

Mullein

(Verbascum densiflorum L.)

Uses: Mullein flowers are a mild expectorant and are used to treat catarrh of the respiratory tract, especially dry chronic bronchitis. In folk medicine, mullein is also known as a diuretic.