The word herb is used to refer to any part of a plant used for flavoring or medicine. Herbs for relaxation so sleep will come, and relieving pain or water retention have the welcome plus of being void of the side effects that come with chemical medications. Being pain free and relaxed with a clear head is the way things should be, and can be with herbs and Reiki. I often have clients schedule a full Reiki session with a herb consultation.

People through herbs have achieved the ultimate of success in healing even such illnesses as cancer. However, these people were in constant consultation with one of more herbalists, and periodically checked in with an allopathic physician to have his or her healing monitored. Herbalists like Reiki practitioners do not diagnose. Herbology does not replace professional medical care, but herbs are valuable tools to use in keeping our bodies healthy and can be fun experimenting with which herbs are right for you.

Herbs have been a very natural part of life for centuries. Unfortunately, just as myths have been created about Reiki, they have been created about various herbs. In the early 1800's when a young German apprentice's experimentation showed how such alkaloids as morphine could be extracted from an herb it paved the way for countless numbers of medications that are used today. The flip side of this is that while certain alkaloids are extremely helpful in the healing process, some can also be used in unhealthy ways.

For all illnesses there are herbs that have helped some people. Using the common cold as an example, some herbs work much better at certain stages of the cold. Each herbalist has a few herbs that she or he favors. Here is a drop in the bucket, so to speak, of my favorites. One thing to remember is that herbs are plants, plants are foods, and certain people have a sensitivity to certain foods. It is best to add only one herb at a time to your diet, so that you can see how each works with your system and your lifestyle.

Wood Betony (Stachys Officinalis; Betonica Officinalis), Feverfew (Chrysanthemym parthenium), and Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) are a few of my favorites for headaches. Wood Betony and Skullcap both work to tone and strengthen the nervous system while relaxing, along with pain relieving and other healing properties.

Wood Betony has many properties that are sometimes overlooked. There is an energy within this plant that reconnects people who feel cut off from the earth or their bodies. This is an important herb for head and brain injury. It not only increases nervous strength and circulation in the solar plexus but in the brain itself. In the Middle ages it was used, like St. John's Wort, to drive away "wycked spirits", which gives us a hint about this plant whose blossoms spring forth from a wreath of leaves touching the earth.

Feverfew can thin the blood, and pregnant woman or anyone planning to become pregnant should avoid using it internally. Feverfew blossoms in a tincture give relief for insect bites. Feverfew grown in a garden can discourage some unwelcome insects as well. There are a number of herbs that are insecticides, but not harmful to humans and animals.

The number of ways in which plants can be used is endless, and I cannot imagine a world without them. All Reiki practitioners also know the benefits of Reiki being let flow into the earth, and seeds when planting, and later into tinctures and extracts.

Did you know? Garlic is well known for its antibiotic properties, and lowering cholesterol and blood pressure in some people. In the 19th century, it was called "Russian Penicillin". Studies on Garlic's healing properties were done in countries around the world. It is reported none of these studies were done in Transylvania.

http://www.naturalhelainglearning.com I cared for injured animals as a young girl,and became interested in herbs in the 1970s while living in Canada. I am a Certified Herbalist with on-going studies for my Master Herbalist certification. Beyond the common signatures of plants there is the energy signature in all of nature. The enjoyment I receive from nature is equaled only to that which I receive from teaching Reiki and giving Reiki healing sessions to people and animals. I am one of the millions of people that lives with a disability. I have personal experience in knowing the richness herbs and Usui Reiki Ryoho can bring to life as the obstacles disabilities create melt into the slush of the unimportant.