Common Herbal Remedies
Some people may dismiss herbal remedies, but the use of natural botanical as remedies has been used for ages. In fact more than one fourth of all drugs used today contain active ingredients derived form plants. As much as eighty percent of the world population uses some form of herbs for healthy care. In the US it is estimated that over 1,500 botanicals are sold for dietary supplements. Some of the most popular are echinacea, garlic, goldenseal, ginseng, ginko, aloe, and cranberry.
The following is a list of some of the most common herbs and how they are used:
- Chamomile is a popular tea, but the chamomile plant is also used as an herbal remedy to treat muscle pain, cramping, and anxiety.
- Echinacea was used by Native Americans centuries ago, and is still being used today fight off the common cold. It is helpful in boosting the immune system to ward off infection.
- Ginko Biloba is believed to improve circulation and increase brain activity.
- Ginseng is an ancient remedy. Today many people use it to increase energy.
- St. John’s Wort is an herbal alternative for mild depression and anxiety.
- Garlic can naturally lower cholesterol and blood pressure. It also has antibiotic properties. It can be found widely in capsule, pill or powder form.
- Ginger is often used to reduce nausea.
Your doctor should be consulted before and new medication or supplement is started. Some herbs do not interact well together or may cause complication for certain conditions. Even herbal remedies can have side effects.
