You may find the solution to some or your health problems in herbal medicines. Herbal medicine aims to return the body to a state of natural balance so that it can start healing itself.
While pharmaceutical medicines normally use a combined version of a plant’s active ingredient, herbalists claim that an active ingredient can lose its impact or become less safe if separated from the rest of the plant. For instance, salicylic acid that is used to make aspirin is found in the plant meadowsweet. Aspirin can cause the lining of the stomach to bleed, but meadowsweet naturally contains other compounds that counteract the irritant qualities of salicylic acid.
The following herbs have been found to be effective and safe:
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- Echinacea boosts the immune system and helps your body fight infection. It’s used to treat ailments such as boils, fever, herpes, earache and to fight colds.
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- Garlic can be used to reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering blood fats and cholesterol (a type of blood fat) levels. Because of the antibiotic and antiviral properties of garlic, it is also used to fight colds, sinusitis and other respiratory infections. Other cold remedies are echinacea, elderberry syrup, andrographis, ginseng, coffee, licorice root (sore throat), tea (nasal and chest congestion) and eucalyptus (cough).
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- Cinnamon is another antiviral and antibiotic used to stabilise blood sugar, lower fever and relieve coughs and congestion.
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- Ginger is useful in treating nausea, including motion sickness and morning sickness, and arthritis.
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- Ginkgo biloba is commonly used to treat poor blood circulation and tinnitus (ringing in the ears). Some studies found ginkgo biloba may help in the treatment of neurological disorders such as memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease.
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- Ginseng is generally used for debility and weakness, for example during recovery from illness. It can be used to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels; however, overuse of ginseng has been associated with raised blood pressure. Some studies show that ginseng can also boost immunity, improve mental functioning and speed the healing processes of the body.
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- Hypericum (commonly known as St John’s Wort) is just as effective as some synthetic antidepressants in treating mild to moderate depression, anxiety and insomnia. However, recent information suggests that hypericum can interact with a number of prescription drugs, including the oral contraceptive pill. Other remedies for anxiety and stress include hops, kava, passionflower, valerian, chamomile and lavender.
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- Calendula, aloe and tea tree are used to treat acne.
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- Parsley is handy for treating bad breath.
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- Clove oil and willow can be used to relieve toothache.
Any medication (herbal or otherwise) should be taken under the supervision of a qualified practitioner. Never stop taking your prescription medication without the knowledge and approval of your doctor. Always tell your doctor if you’re planning to start a course of herbal medicine for your condition and always tell your herbalist what conventional medicine you’re taking.
Sources
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au
http://www.motherearthnews.com