Wellness through Herbs
Author: Dar'Jen Ab Owain
Published: April 22 2020 Tar Valon Times Blog
During my visit with the Yellow Ajah as part of my Guesting as Accepted, I have found them to be a very welcoming and warm group. My impression of the Yellows, from having read the series, is that the Ajah is focused on Healing. Through my visit with its members on TarValon.Net, I found it is more than simply that. As explained by Idine Sedai, “Yellows have a strong interest in wellness,” and per Nyavene Sedai, the “caring and fix it all attitude is very Yellow.” A general sense of wellness, be it physical or emotional, is a major aspect of the Yellow Ajah.
As it is spring, and the world is currently dealing with a pandemic, I though I would explore herbal remedies. Visiting with the Yellows has also shown me to the importance of tea, symbolically and literally. In reviewing the Yellow Ajah Newsletters in the Library, I found mention of numerous herbs, among them: lavender, marjoram, ginger, cloves, basil, and parsley.
In an effort to learn more about the healing properties of these herbs, I examined The Complete Illustrated Book of Herbs (Reader’s Digest, 2009). Historically, tea has been used to address various ailments. In reading this text, I learned more about infusion (made from pouring boiling water over fresh or dried herbal material) and decoctions (made by boiling an herb, though best suited for bark, roots, twigs, and seeds) in water. I also learned more about aromatherapy and essential oils.
Lavender can be used in aromatherapy to sooth nerves and relieve depression. As an oil, it can take the sting out of an insect bite.
Marjoram can be used in tea, in tincture, and as an essential oil. As a tea, it can help fight against influenza and common colds. In aromatherapy, it can be used to help relieve insomnia and reduce stress.
Ginger can be used in a tea to help settle the stomach. It has been used to help reduce the nausea associated with morning sickness and motion sickness.
Cloves can be used in oil form to help relieve tooth ache.
Basil can be used to relieve nerves.
Parsley can be used to treat fluid retention and urinary tract disorders. It can also be used to ease arthritic joints.
Of course, always consult a physician for proper use of herbs and supplements.
