Herbs for health and wellness

We grow up with home-brewed tonics, beauty treatments and secret weapons growing in pots on our balconies and backyards. Here are some that might help with common health troubles too, writes Shikha Sharma.

When it comes to natural remedies, there’s an embarassment of riches in India.

We grow up with home-brewed tonics, beauty treatments and secret weapons growing in pots on our balconies and backyards.

Here are some that might help with common health troubles too.



Echinicea: for Allergies

Once used by native Americans for improving immunity and to fight allergies, sinus infections and common colds, the flower remains popular the world over today. It can be used safely for children above 12 months and is most effective as a tincture or as a steeped tea. Drink every three hours.







Peppermint tea: for headaches, stomach troubles and to refresh you Peppermint is a great friend of the stomach. It soothes menstrual cramps, pain due to gas, even infections. A peppermint infusion helps relieve headaches that accompany fevers and refreshes the person too.

Dr-Shikha-Sharma

Valerian: for Insomnia
This ancient and popular root works very well to calm down an overactive or anxious mind. Brew it as a decoction.Passion flower: for Insomnia

Another remedy for those who suffer from troubled sleep and resulting tiredness. It can be alternated with valerian root in a four-week cycle. It’s also used for seizures, asthma, menopause and excitability.

Yarrow: for Fever
Yarrow helps the body sweat out a fever, much like a paracetamol does. For children, boil yarrow in water and use the decoction as a cold sponge on the forhead and the soles of the feet. Grown-ups can consume it as a tonic. Ginger, turmeric and coconut water: For Stomach infections

Ginger decoctions, usually with half a tespoon of honey, are a popular remedy across the East. Don’t boil honey, just add it to the drink. Both fight bacteria.