Herbs can be helpful in treating many types of illnesses and in controlling the
symptoms of many illnesses. Listed below are many of the popular herbs and their
common uses. **If you are pregnant or nursing it is not recommended
that you take ANY herb without consulting your doctor or health care professional!**
- Echinacea
This herb has many uses, but it is best known for its ability to boost your immune
system. Echinacea is generally used for illnesses such as the common cold or flu,
but can be used to help fight any kind of infection.
Caution: Echinacea should not be used by people allergic to plants in the sunflower
family or by people with autoimmune diseases.
- Garlic
A remarkable herb, this common household spice provides many wonderful health benefits.
Garlic has been shown to have antibacterial effects, lipid-lowering or cholesterol-lowering
effects, and anti-platelet effects, which means that it will increase the time it
takes for blood to clot. It is commonly used to treat upper respiratory infections,
ear infections, high cholesterol levels, and to slow the progression of atherosclerosis.
- Ginkgo Biloba
If memory is the problem, then Ginkgo may be the answer. This herb is best known
for enhancing memory function and increasing learning capacity. Ginkgo also improves
blood flow and has been used to treat headaches and tinnitus, commonly called ringing
of the ears.
- Goldenseal
This herb has been shown to have antibacterial properties that make it useful for
the short-term treatment of infections including strep throat. It has also shown
benefit it treating the common cold and flu.
Caution: This herb should not be taken continually for more than two weeks each
month. Diabetics and people with heart disease or glaucoma should talk with their
doctor or pharmacist before taking. This herb should not be taken if you are pregnant
or nursing.
- Saw Palmetto
This herb is known for it remarkable results with benign prostatic hypertrophy,
also known as an enlarged prostate. Some studies done with Saw Palmetto show it
having better results and fewer side effects than some prescription products.
- Aloe
One of the most common remedies for burns and scratches, this herb may also be taken
in capsule form for short-term use as a laxative. Aloe can also be bought as a drink
for digestive disorders and stomach irritation.
Caution: This herb should not be taken internally by children under 12 years old
or by those pregnant or nursing.
- Ginseng
Known for its ability to reduce fatigue and increase energy, ginseng can be enjoyed
as a tea or simply taken as a capsule. Many other uses have also been recorded for
Ginseng including enhancement of the immune system, helping the body to cope with
stress, and increasing concentration.
Caution: Should not be used by people with high blood pressure, heart disorders,
or hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
- Cat’s Claw
Also known as Una de Gato, this herb is widely used for its anti-inflammatory effects.
Cat’s Claw has many other uses such as stimulating the immune system, anti-viral
effects, and diuretic effects.
Caution: Cat’s Claw should not be used by anyone pregnant or nursing.
- Astragalus
Good for colds and the flu, astragalus stimulates the immune system, encourages
healing and provides energy to fight fatigue.
Caution: Should not be taken if a fever accompanies illness.
- Cayenne
Red pepper has been promoted for many years as a cream for arthritis and works extremely
well for some people. A person using a cayenne cream should be aware that the first
few days of use will cause a burning sensation that is uncomfortable to most people.
This should subside after a few days and the person should begin to notice relief
from arthritis pain. Cayenne can also be used as a digestive aid and it has been
noted that it improves circulation.
- Bilberry
This herb can be used to treat acute diarrhea when given in a tea form. If the diarrhea
persists for more than 3-4 days consult a doctor or pharmacist. Bilberry can also
be used to treat mild inflammation of the mouth and throat. In addition to these
uses, some studies have shown antioxidant effects associated with the liver.
Caution: May interfere with the absorption of iron if taken at the same time.
- Cranberry
This fruit’s juice has been recommended for years as a preventative for urinary
tract infection, and research supports the validity of this treatment. Cranberry
can be taken as a preventative of urinary tract infections or as a treatment for
current infections. Real, 100% cranberry juice with no added sugar is recommended.
Cranberry is also a good source of vitamin C.
- Dong Quai
Also known as angelica, Dong quai can be used to treat many of the complaints associated
with menopause and premenstrual syndrome including hot flashes, painful menstruation,
and vaginal dryness.
Caution: Taking this herb may cause photosensitivity. Dong Quai should not be used
during pregnancy or while nursing without consulting your health care professional.
- Grapeseed extract
A bioflavaniod, Grapeseed extract has been shown to be a powerful antioxidant that
works by increasing intracellular vitamin C which protects against free radical
damage. It has also been shown to strengthen and prevent the destruction of collagen
and help t o maintain tendons, ligaments, and cartilage.
- St. John’s Wort
Commonly prescribed in Germany, this herb is used to treat mild depression and anxiety.
This herb’s oil can be applied to minor burns and used as an anti-inflammatory.
Caution: St. John’s Wort can cause photosensitivity, especially in fair skinned
people.
*If a person is on medication for depression or anxiety, they should consult their
doctor or pharmacist before trying this herb.
- Ginger
The most common uses of this spice are prevention of motion sickness and nausea.
When tested, results showed that those who had consumed Ginger prior to testing
did not get nauseous as quickly as those who took a placebo.
Caution: If a person is diagnosed as having gallstones, or is pregnant or nursing,
they should consult their doctor or pharmacist before taking.
- Valerian
Uses for this herb are sleep disorders, such as insomnia, restlessness, and anxiety.
Valerian is often found in combination with chamomile, hops, and melatonin, all
of which are helpful for sleep disorders. Other conditions that Valerian might be
useful for include muscle cramps and hives.
- Feverfew
Known for its usefulness in treating headaches, it has most recently gained fame
for its effectiveness in treating migraine headaches. Taken as a preventative measure,
it has been recorded by many sources that it decreases the number of migraines even
in some that have not had success with conventional methods of treatment.
Caution: Should not be used if pregnant or nursing.
- Milk Thistle
For at least 2000 years, Milk Thistle has been used for liver complaints. One of
the most potent liver protectants known, Milk Thistle has been shown to be beneficial
in the treatment of hepatitis and jaundice. It helps to protect the liver from alcohol,
free radicals, and toxins that accumulate in the body. Milk Thistle can actually
help the liver to regenerate cells that are damaged by these toxins.
- Probiotics
This is a name given to products that contain bacteria that are good for our bodies.
Often when medications, like antibiotics, are given that destroy bacteria, both
good and bad, people see symptoms associated with the loss of good bacteria. These
symptoms might include yeast infections, digestive disorders, fatigue, acne, mouth
sores, trush, and many other illnesses. By replacing the bodies supply of good bacteria,
many times these symptoms can be eliminated.
- Chaste Tree Berry (Vitex)
This herb is used for almost any menstrual complaint. Best known for its ability
to regulate menstrual cycles, Chaste Tree Berry balances progesterone ad estrogen
production. Among its uses Chaste Tree Berry is said to reduce premenstrual breast
pain, help to regulate cycles, menstrual cramps, and premenstrual syndrome.
Caution: This product should not be used if you are pregnant or nursing.
- Black Cohosh
Sold as a remedy for menopause, this herb helps with many of the complaints of PMS,
or premenstrual syndrome. Among its uses it has been taken for hot flashes, menstrual
cramps, back pain associated with the menstrual cycle, and has been taken in combination
with Ginkgo Biloba for ringing of the ears.
Caution: Should not be used longer than 6 months without consulting your doctor
or pharmacist. Should not be used if you are pregnant or nursing.
- Bromelain
This extract comes from pineapple. It has long been recognized as a digestive aid,
but has recently reappeared as an anti-inflammatory for swollen tissues.
Common uses include swelling of the sinuses, bruising, indigestion, carpal tunnel
syndrome and arthritis.
Caution: This herb should not be used by people taking blood thinners without consulting
a doctor or pharmacist.
- Co-enzyme Q10
Found naturally in the body, but declines with age, this supplement has many uses.
Best known for its ability to strengthen the heart, Co-enzyme Q10
also boosts the immune system, has antioxidant properties, strengthens cell membranes,
and has been said to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy and aid in stabilizing
arrhythmias. Studies have also shown promising results in preventing and treating
atheroslcerosis and congestive heart failure.
- Flax Seed Oil
This essential fat can be used by anyone. Flax Seed Oil is high in Omega 3 fatty
acids which are hard to get in food because it breaks down to Omega 6 when it is
heated above a certain temperature. Almost all types of cooking break down Omega
3. There are many benefits to be obtained from flax oil. Flax oil has been reported
to lower cholesterol, prevent atherosclerotic plaques also known as coronary artery
disease, decrease the inflammation and pain in arthritis, and moisturize skin, hair
and nails.
- Kava Kava