Astringent Herbs – Natural Healing

Discover the power of Astringent herbs for promoting faster wound healing. This happens through helping stop minor bleeds, cleaning of the affected wounds and creating a protective barrier that prevents the entry of bacteria or germs.

These Astringent herbs are special types of natural plants that are rich in various active phytochemicals. That not only pull the body cells together but also accelerate the contraction of body tissues.

The active phytochemicals that provide the natural astringent herbs with the beneficial drying and tightening effect are known as “tannins.”

The term Astringent is derived from the Latin word “adstringere” which means ‘to bind fast.’ When ingested, the phytochemicals tighten the mouth mucous membranes thus resulting in the puckered, dry feeling.

Medical Uses of Natural Astringent Herbs

This informative article is going to entirely focus on educating you about the common popular uses of various astringent herbs while also providing you with a detailed astringents herbs list.

External Uses

Natural astringent herbs can be applied topically to achieve various health benefits. The natural herbal remedies can be used to promote faster wound healing through helping stop minor bleeds, cleaning of the affected wounds and creating a protective barrier that prevents the entry of bacteria or germs.

The protective barrier which is usually made of coagulated serum proteins can also prevent the wound from drying out. Astringents can also be topically applied to alleviate minor burns while easing a wide variety of insect bites and stings.

Some potent astringents have also been scientifically proven particularly effective in treating fungal infections, allergies, and rashes as well as diminishing stretch marks. Some cosmetic skin products also contain various potent natural astringent herbs, especially those that have been scientifically proven to contain highly beneficial compounds That can help in balancing oily skins, preventing skin sagging as well as healing the skin.

Internal Uses

There are various health benefits that can be realised after consuming astringent herbs. When consumed, the astringents can be used to alleviate various digestive disorders. Most natural astringent herbs contain potent anti-inflammatory properties. That can be used to reduce digestive system inflammation while also improving digestion and inhibiting diarrhea.

Natural herbal teas that are made from potent astringents can be consumed 3 to 4 times daily to treat varicose veins. Varicose veins is a common painful medical condition characterized by swollen, twisted or enlarged veins.

If consumed these potent herbal tinctures can minimize the fragility of the blood vessels as well as increase their elasticity. Astringent herbs can also be used to tone mucous membranes, strengthen weak body tissues, prevent infections.

Thus, provide symptomatic relief from a variety of issues like vaginal discharge, profuse sweating, excessive urination, chronically heavy menstrual periods and diarrhea all which are caused by excessive fluid discharge.

Common Natural Astringent Herbs

This detailed astringent herbs list is divided into three main categories as seen below:

Mild astringent herbs

These are the types of natural astringent herbs that are safe for consumption, hence; have no severe side effects. However, it is important to note that some of the herbal remedies found in this category may not be as potent as those found in the “strong” astringent herbs category.

1) Slippery Elm

Slippery elm whose botanical name is “Ulmus fulva” is a mild astringent herb which is popularly used to alleviate various types of gastrointestinal tract infections. The bark is the only part of the plant that is used for medical purposes.

The plant’s dried and powdered inner bark can be added directly to food as a spice or used to form potent herbal infusions. Apart from alleviating various gastrointestinal tract issues, the Slippery elm herb can also be used to treat skin eruptions among other multiple respiratory infections.

2) Plantain

Plantain is a potent astringent herb that is used especially to address various skin conditions, treat minor wounds and treat insect stings. The plant’s fresh leaves can be used to prepare potent herbal tinctures and salves that can be used medicinally. You can also benefit from the various health effects provided by the herb’s essential chemical compounds, especially if you are suffering from diarrhea, urinary tract infections, and hemorrhoids.

3) Raspberry

Raspberry whose botanical name is “Rubus ideaus” is a potent astringent herb that is best used to alleviate sore throats. You can use the plant’s leaves to prepare an herbal tea, or combine its powder extract with honey for improved results.

Moderate Astringent Herbs

1) Horsetail

Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) is a potent astringent herb whose stems are used to prepare potent herbal tinctures that can be used to treat various diseases. The natural herbal astringent has been scientifically proven to be particularly effective in treating a wide variety of urinary tract infections as well as alleviating multiple inflammatory conditions.

2) Yarrow

Yarrow whose botanical name is “Achillea millefolium” is an astringent that has various potent anti-inflammatory, diuretic, anti-microbial and diuretic properties. The potent astringent which is characterized by its bitter taste can be easily considered to be an independent medicine cabinet as it is well equipped with the necessary compounds that can be used to treat various common disorders. Flowers and leaves are the main parts of the plant that are used to make the potent herbal tinctures.

3) Lady’s Mantle

The Lady Mantle “Alchemilla vulgaris” plant is a moderately powerful astringent herb that has been scientifically proven especially to heal the female reproductive system, stimulate menstrual flow and alleviate excessive bleeding. All these benefits indicate the undeniable fact that Lady’s Mantle is an increasingly potent tonic, particularly for the uterus.

Strong Natural Astringent Herbs

1) Agrimony

Agrimony whose scientific name is “Agrimonia eupatorium” is a natural astringent herbal remedy that is commonly used to alleviate multiple digestive issues thanks to its highly stimulating effect on the stomach. The natural herb which is particularly beneficial for the liver can also be used to alleviate a wide variety of Urinary Tract Issues (UTI) like the stone bladder disorder. It can also be used as a topical remedy for speeding up bruise and wound healing.

2) Witch Hazel

Witch Hazel “Hamamelis virginiana” is among the most commonly used natural astringent herbs today. This is mainly because of the natural herbal plant’s barks and leaves that are extremely rich in the active tannin phytochemicals.

This well-known North American astringent can be used to improve and heal the skin, stop minor bleeds, treat bruises and swellings, alleviate inflammation and treat hemorrhoids.

Side Effects Astringent Herbs

It is recommended that you practice moderation, especially while using astringent herbs internally. This is mainly because when used internally for extended periods.

The tannin-containing natural herbs can result in various potential long term side effects, particularly on the digestive system and the liver.

The Long-term use of astringent herbs has been scientifically proven to cause constipation, water retention, uncontrollable diarrhea as well as inhibiting nutrient intake.

CONCLUSION

As discussed above natural astringent herbs do more than just tightening body cells. You can easily use various types of astringents to manage or even alleviate many common disorders. However, it is important to note that this is not a conclusive astringent herbs list .

The natural herbal remedies mentioned in the article are only those that are commonly used by natural herbal users. If you would like to learn how to use these herbs then see: Guide To Herbal Infusions Tisanes and Teas

Always make it a habit to visit a credible herbalist, or professional health practitioner before deciding to use any natural herb.