A Guide to Common Medicinal HerbsChamomile. Flower) Considered by some as a panacea, chamomile is commonly used in the U.S. UU. Root, Rhizome) Here are 9 of the world's most popular herbal medicines, including their main benefits, uses, and relevant safety information.
Echinacea, or echinacea, is a flowering plant and a popular herbal remedy. Native to North America, it has long been used in Native American practices to treat a variety of ailments, including wounds, burns, toothache, sore throat, and stomach upset (. Most parts of the plant, including leaves, petals and roots, can be used for medicinal purposes, although many people believe that roots have the strongest effect. Echinacea is usually taken as a tea or supplement, but it can also be applied topically.
Today, it's mostly used to treat or prevent the common cold, though the science behind it isn't particularly sound. A review of more than 4,000 people found that echinacea could reduce the risk of colds by 10 to 20%, but there is little or no evidence that it treats a cold after you have infected it (. Although there are insufficient data to evaluate the long-term effects of this herb, its short-term use is generally considered safe. That said, side effects such as nausea, stomach pain, and skin rash have sometimes been reported (.
You can find echinacea in most supermarkets and health food stores, although you can also buy it online. Echinacea is a flowering plant that is often used to treat and prevent the common cold. Research is limited, but can reduce the risk of catching a cold by up to 20%. Ginseng is a medicinal plant whose roots are usually soaked to make a tea or dried to make a powder.
It is often used in traditional Chinese medicine to reduce inflammation and increase immunity, brain function and energy levels. There are several varieties, but the two most popular are the Asian and American types, Panax, Ginseng and Panax quinquefolius, respectively. American ginseng is thought to promote relaxation, while Asian ginseng is considered more stimulating (. Although ginseng has been used for centuries, there is a lack of modern research to support its effectiveness.
Several test tube and animal studies suggest that its unique compounds, called ginsenosides, have neuroprotective, anticancer, antidiabetic and immune-supporting properties. However, human research is needed (. Short-term use is considered relatively safe, but the long-term safety of ginseng is unclear. Possible side effects include headaches, lack of sleep, and digestive problems (.
Ginseng is available at most health food stores, as well as online. Ginseng is a herbal remedy frequently used in traditional Chinese medicine to boost immunity, brain function, and energy levels. Ginkgo biloba, also known simply as ginkgo, is a plant-based medicine derived from maidenhair (. Seeds and leaves are traditionally used to make teas and tinctures, but most modern applications use leaf extract.
Some people also like to eat raw fruit and roasted seeds. However, the seeds are mildly toxic and should only be consumed in small quantities, if at all. Ginkgo is said to treat a wide range of ailments, including heart disease, dementia, mental difficulties, and sexual dysfunction. However, studies have not proven effective for any of these conditions (.
Elderberry is an ancient herbal medicine that is normally made with the cooked fruit of the Sambucus nigra plant. It has long been used to relieve headaches, nerve aches, toothaches, colds, viral infections, and constipation (. Elderberry is available in syrup or tablet form, although there is no standard dosage. Some people prefer to make their own syrup or tea by cooking elderberries with other ingredients, such as honey and ginger.
Test tube studies show that its plant compounds have antioxidant, antimicrobial and antiviral properties, but research in humans is lacking (1). While some small human studies indicate that elderberry shortens the duration of influenza infections, larger studies are needed to determine if it is more effective. than conventional antiviral therapies (12, 13, 1) Short-term use is considered safe, but raw or immature fruit is toxic and can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea (1) Elderberry is used to treat cold and flu symptoms, and some research suggests that it may be at least mildly effective. While cooked elderberry is safe, it's toxic if eaten raw or unripened.
St. John's Wort (SJW) is an herbal medicine derived from the flowering plant Hypericum perforatum. Its small yellow flowers are commonly used to make teas, capsules or extracts (1) Its use dates back to ancient Greece, and SJW is still frequently prescribed by medical professionals in parts of Europe (1) Many studies point out that short-term use of SJW is as effective as some conventional antidepressants. However, there is limited data on long-term safety or efficacy for people with severe depression or suicidal thoughts (1) The SJW has relatively few side effects, but can cause allergic reactions, dizziness, confusion, dry mouth, and increased sensitivity to light (1) It also interferes with numerous medicines, including antidepressants, birth control, blood thinners, certain pain relievers, and some types of cancer treatments (1.If you decide to try it, SJW is available online and in numerous stores.
John's Wort Can Treat Mild to Moderate Depression. However, you may need to be careful or avoid it because it interferes with several conventional medications. Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is an herb that belongs to the ginger family (1) Curcumin is the main active compound in turmeric. It can treat a number of conditions, such as chronic inflammation, pain, metabolic syndrome and anxiety (1) In particular, several studies reveal that supplementary doses of curcumin are as effective in relieving arthritis pain as some common anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen (1).
and curcumin supplements are considered safe, but very high doses can cause diarrhea, headache, or skin irritation. You can also use fresh or dried turmeric in dishes such as curry, although the amount you normally eat in food probably doesn't have a significant medicinal effect. Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory benefits and may be especially effective in treating pain associated with arthritis. Like turmeric, ginger is a rhizome or stem that grows underground.
It contains a variety of beneficial compounds and has long been used in traditional and popular practices to treat colds, nausea, migraines and high blood pressure (18, 1.Its best-established modern use is to relieve nausea associated with pregnancy, chemotherapy, and medical operations (1.In addition, test tube and animal research reveals potential benefits for treating and preventing diseases such as heart disease and cancer, although the tests are mixed (1) Some small studies in humans suggest that this root may reduce the risk of blood clots, although it has not been shown that is more effective than conventional therapies (1) Ginger contains several active plant compounds and can treat a variety of conditions, although it is best known for relieving nausea. Valerian root can be dried and consumed in capsule form or soaked to make tea. Its use dates back to ancient Greece and Rome, where it was taken to relieve restlessness, tremors, headaches and heart palpitations. Today, it is most commonly used to treat insomnia and anxiety (2) However, the evidence supporting these uses is not particularly strong (2).
A review found that valerian is somewhat effective in inducing sleep, but many of the study's results were based on subjective reports from participants (2). , although it can cause mild side effects, such as headaches and digestive problems. You should not take it if you are taking other sedatives because of the risk of aggravating effects, such as excessive discomfort and sleepiness (2) Look for this herb online as well as at various health food stores. Chamomile is a flowering plant that is also one of the most popular medicinal herbs in the world.
Flowers are most often used to make tea, but leaves can also be dried and used to make tea, medicinal extracts, or topical compresses. For thousands of years, chamomile has been used as a remedy for nausea, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, urinary tract infections, wounds, and upper respiratory tract infections (2). This herb contains more than 100 active compounds, many of which are believed to contribute to its many benefits (2). studies suggest that chamomile treats diarrhea, emotional disorders, as well as cramps associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and pain and inflammation related to osteoarthritis (2).
Chamomile is safe for most people, but it can cause an allergic reaction, especially if you're allergic to similar plants, such as daisies, ragweed, or marigolds (2) You can find it at most grocery stores or order it online. Despite limited scientific evidence, chamomile remains one of the world's most popular herbal medicines and is used to treat a wide range of ailments. If you're considering taking herbal supplements, it's best to consult a healthcare professional to make sure the dosage is appropriate, understand possible side effects, and watch for reactions with other medications. For example, raw elderberries can be toxic, St.
John's wort can interact dangerously with antidepressants, and valerian root can aggravate the effects of sedatives. In addition, many herbal medicines have not been studied rigorously enough to verify their safety for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Therefore, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should talk to your healthcare provider before taking any herbal medications to ensure the best possible results for you and your baby. Another important factor to keep in mind is that herbal medicines are not strictly regulated like other medications.
In some countries, such as the United States, herbal manufacturers do not have to provide evidence of efficacy or purity before marketing their products. As such, some supplements may list ingredients incorrectly or even contain compounds that are not listed on the label. Therefore, you should go for brands whose quality has been tested by an external organization, such as U, S. Many people around the world rely on herbal medicines to treat health problems.
There are countless varieties, but some of the most popular are gingko, ginseng, ginger, turmeric and chamomile. Although their applications tend to be very broad, many of their purported benefits lack solid scientific evidence. Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strive to be objective, impartial, honest and present both sides of the argument. Lots of delicious ingredients are also exceptionally healthy.
These are 10 of the healthiest herbs and spices in the world, backed by science.
herbal remedies
are plants that are used as a medicine. People use herbal remedies to help prevent or cure diseases. They use them to relieve symptoms, increase energy, relax, or lose weight.Herbs are not regulated or proven like medicines. Of course, some herbs have been tested and work well for their intended purpose. Many are also quite safe, but the word natural won't tell you which ones are safe and which aren't. Peppermint has been used for hundreds of years as a health remedy.
Peppermint oil could help with irritable bowel syndrome, a long-term condition that can cause cramps, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation, and can also be good for headaches. More studies are needed to see how much it helps and why. People also use the leaf for other conditions, but there is very little evidence that it helps with any of them. No more, “Not tonight, dear.
It turns out that sex can help relieve pain when you have certain types of headaches, especially migraines. It has also been shown to improve heart health, relieve stress, and increase mental alertness. Some studies show that people who eat more garlic are less likely to develop certain types of cancer (garlic supplements don't seem to have the same effect). It can also lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels, but it doesn't seem to help much.
Embrace your inner herbal spirit and explore how to improve your physical and mental health through the natural healing legacy of plants. Because herbal medicines are derived from natural sources, people often assume that they are inherently safe, but this is not necessarily the case. The healthcare teams at CureJoy, an online health and wellness advice platform that uses advice based on natural and proven alternative medicine disciplines, gave their twenty remedies you can do at home to stay healthy. Some natural remedies may be more affordable and accessible than conventional medicines, and many people prefer to use them because they align with their personal health ideologies (.
Valerian root is often used as a natural sleep aid and anxiety aid, although evidence to support its effectiveness is weak. . .
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