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Nutraceuticals and Health Pt. 3

© June Kaminski

This is the third feature in our series on "Nutraceuticals and Disease Prevention or Health". This week we will look at three more herbs that will come in handy now that spring is here, and summer is just around the corner.

The first herb, Aloe Vera should be in everyone's home as an instant "first aid" plant. There are 75 different nutritional compounds naturally occurring in Aloe Vera, which makes it a good choice when looking for aids to heal yourself and your family.

For one, Aloe provides dietary support for the digestive tract. It has a soothing effect on the digestive tract lining and helps provide a healthy balance of intestinal secretions.

Aloe Vera contains natural anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. It cools and numbs sensitive tissue, such as sore gums and burned skin, and often literally stops the redness and pain.

It's a good idea to keep Aloe Vera as a houseplant, for quick first aid treatment for burns, cuts, and stings. Just cut a small piece of the leaf and gently squeeze the gel from the inner leaf onto the afflicted body area.

Chamomile is a tiny white flower that naturally contains Tryptophan, an amino acid known for its tranquilizing effects. Warm milk is the only other natural source of Tryptophan. Have some chamomile tea before bed for a restful, deep sleep.

Chamomile is very soothing to the nerves and virtually harmless. For years, European physicians have prescribed Chamomile tea for babies and children with fevers, earaches and nightmares. A few drops of chamomile essential oil in in a bath will help restless children.

Other uses for small babies and children, according to Louise Tenney's Today's Herbal Health, are:
"colds, stomach trouble, colitis, a gargle and externally for eczema and inflammation. It is one of the best herbs for soothing a baby's upset stomach and colic and for inducing sleep."

It is also useful to relax women with PMS who are experiencing emotional tension and gives relief from menstrual cramps. Chamomile has also been used to give miraculous relief from cysts of all kinds.

Peppermint is another versatile and harmless herb. Peppermint settles upset stomachs and stimulates digestion, even with colicky babies. This tiny purple flower with fragrant leaves, relaxes the nervous system, relieves headaches, dispels tension and soothes menstrual cramps.

As well, Peppermint has a strong anti-viral ingredient which is

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