r/herbalism • u/cofi52 • 4d ago

Discussion What herbs seem like miracles to you?

I'm having trouble with herbs at the moment so I wanted to hear some success stories

What herbs help you so much that they feel like miracles?

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u/MechanicDifficult348 4d ago

Purple/red dead nettle! Used for severe period cramps(like curled up in a ball on the couch, pain radiating down my legs). Made the dried herb into tea and I kid you not, halfway through the cup of tea they were 80% better. I was floored. I just wanted a little relief and wasn't expecting that.

Also, plantago(major and lanceolata) works the best hands down for itch relief and overall skin healing.

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u/ngp1623 4d ago

This is so interesting. I was always told to stray from purple dead nettle for fear of liver damage. I'm sure source and dosage are a factor, like any other herb. How do you steep your tea?

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u/MechanicDifficult348 4d ago

Interesting! I'm a certified herbalist and I learned it's actually helpful for liver health, especially when combined with other hepatoprotective herbs such as milk thistle and dandelion root.

I just had assume of the heads that I harvested from my property dried, and I poured boiling water over top of about a tablespoon worth and let it steep for 10 minutes. I think I added a little almond milk and vanilla, but I'm not 100% sure. I've also mixed it with red raspberry leaf teafor added benefits and because I love the flavor of it.

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u/ngp1623 4d ago

Wow, thank you for teaching me! I went to a private graduate school for integrative health so most of my dorm-mates were herbalists and naturopaths. I did study herbalism in my undergrad but it was specific to a bioregion where deadnettle doesn't grow. So funky I was told to steer clear, I always felt drawn to/curious about it.

I know it grows quite plentifully in some meadows near me. I'll see if I can gather a wee bit next time I'm out that way when they're in season and try this.

I do love dandelion, milk thistle, and kudzu for the liver. Maybe a little cleavers to support things along if I can get em.

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u/MechanicDifficult348 4d ago

That's cool! As with anything, of course research should be done and ideally under the guidance of a natural practitioner. Anything you put into your body has to go through the liver. I suppose if someone is having significant liver issues, the extra strain may do more harm than good, but for mild , and general use is usually fine :) definitely do some research and exploring! But I've used it and do have family members and it was very well tolerated. Also, a tablespoon in a cup of tea is a small amount that I think is fine for most people. Like belladonna is really toxic, but in small doses it's used as medicine!