Amish Natural Herbs

Sage

• Sage is a common herb in today's culture, both for its culinary and medicinal uses. The Amish have used sage as a remedy for night sweats, hot flashes and to treat menopause. Sage also has astringent, antiviral and antiseptic properties. The Amish have used it mixed with apple cider vinegar and salt to treat sore throats. Sage also can work as an antiperspirant and to help treat wounds.

Red Clover

• Amish women have used red clover, an herb with estrogen properties, during pregnancy and to treat menopausal symptoms. Red clover is also a good source of calcium, chromium, magnesium, niacin, phosphorus, potassium, thiamine and vitamin C. Red clover has been used as a cough remedy in Amish children, and is applied to the skin to treat psoriasis, eczema and other rashes.

Peppermint

• Peppermint is a popular Amish natural herb to help ease gallbladder pains, muscle spasms, upset stomach, vomiting and the production of bile. It has been used for years by the Amish to treat menstrual pains, and colic in children. This herb is best ingested via a hot tea. Peppermint leaves can also be used as a facial wash when soaked in cool water for at least an hour.

Corn Silk

• Amish men regularly use corn silk as a remedy for prostate gland "congestion", otherwise known as prostatic hyperplasia. It is most effective when the silk, fresh or dried, is boiled in water to make a medicinal tea. Corn silk has detoxifying, relaxing and diuretic properties, and is commonly used to treat infections such as urethritis. Corn silk is also used often in Amish culture to help treat bed-wetting problems in children.

Blessed Thistle

• Blessed thistle, also known as holy or spotted thistle, is used mostly by Amish women. It helps treat menstrual pains, cramps and headaches. This natural herb also helps with menopausal problems, like heavy bleeding and hot flashes. It also helps promote breast milk production. This is because the bitters present in the blessed thistle aid in digestion, stimulate the liver and provoke appetite, providing an antimicrobial property. For this reason, this natural Amish herb is also useful for colic, anorexia and diarrhea. In Amish culture, blessed thistle has been used as a hot tea to relieve fevers and coughing in children.