Herbs
From New Age Village
Herbal supplements are a type of dietary supplement that contains herbs, either singly or in mixtures. An herb (also called a botanical) is a plant or plant part used for its scent, flavor, and/or therapeutic properties.
Contents |
Introduction
Popular Herbs
- Aloe Vera - Used topically to heal wounds and for various skin conditions, and orally as a laxative. In addition, people take aloe orally to treat a variety of conditions, including diabetes, asthma, epilepsy, and osteoarthritis, as well as topically for osteoarthritis, burns, and sunburns.
- Bilberry - Used to treat diarrhea, menstrual cramps, eye problems, varicose veins, venous insufficiency (poor blood flow to the heart), and other circulatory problems.
- Black Cohosh - Used more recently to treat hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and other symptoms that can occur during menopause.
- Echinacea - Traditionally used to treat or prevent colds, flu, and other infections. It is believed to stimulate the immune system to help fight infections.
- Evening Primrose - In the past was used for eczema. Other conditions include inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Believed effective in conditions affecting women's health, such as breast pain associated with the menstrual cycle, menopausal symptoms, and premenstrual syndrome.
- Garlic - Used for high cholesterol, heart disease, and high blood pressure, as well as certain types of cancer, including stomach and colon cancers.
- Ginger - Used in Asian medicine to treat stomach aches, diarrhea, and nausea, as well as nausea caused by motion, chemotherapy, and pregnancy. Also reputed to help with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and joint and muscle pain.
- Gingko Biloba - Used to improve memory; to treat or help prevent Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia; to decrease intermittent claudication (leg pain caused by narrowing arteries); and to treat sexual dysfunction, multiple sclerosis, tinnitus, and other health conditions.
- Ginseng (Asian) - Support overall health and boost the immune system; improve the health of people recovering from illness; increase a sense of well-being and stamina, improving both mental and physical performance; treat erectile dysfunction, hepatitis C, and symptoms related to menopause; lower blood glucose and control blood pressure.
- Grape Seed - For conditions related to the heart and blood vessels, such as atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and poor circulation. Other reasons include complications related to diabetes, such as nerve and eye damage; vision problems, such as macular degeneration (which can cause blindness); and swelling after an injury or surgery.
- Hawthorn - Primarily used for heart failure, including symptoms of coronary artery disease (such as angina). Also used for digestive and kidney problems.
- Kava kava - Used to help people fall asleep and fight fatigue, as well as to treat asthma and urinary tract infections.
- Milk Thistle - Used to treat liver cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis (liver inflammation) and gallbladder disorders.
- Saw Palmetto - Mainly for urinary symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate gland. Other conditions include chronic pelvic pain, bladder disorders, decreased sex drive, hair loss, and hormone imbalances.
- St John's Wort - Used by some for depression, anxiety, and/or sleep disorders.
- Valerian - Used for sleep disorders and anxiety. Has also been used for other conditions, such as headaches, depression, irregular heartbeat, and trembling.
Tell your health care providers about any herb or dietary supplement product that contains vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and/or other ingredients intended to supplement the diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has special labeling requirements for dietary supplements and treats them as foods, not drugs. This helps to ensure safe and coordinated care.
Complete Herbal
- Complete Herbal - An A-Z guide to all of the commonly used herbs, including remedies and preparation advice.
Articles
Back to Alternative Health
