What are medicinal herbs? All medicinal herbs and what they can do

What are medicinal herbs? All medicinal herbs and what they can do

Let's start with the top 12 medicinal herbs and then go through all the medicinal herbs.

chamomile

(Flower)

Considered by some to be a panacea, chamomile is widely used in the United States to treat anxiety and relaxation. It is used in Europe to heal wounds and reduce inflammation or swelling. Few studies have examined how well it works for each condition. Chamomile is used as a tea or applied as a compress. It is considered safe by the FDA. It may increase sleepiness caused by medicines or other herbs or supplements. Chamomile can affect the way the body uses some medicines, leading to too high levels of the medicine in some people.

Chamomile for skin (topical) can be used to treat skin irritation caused by radiation cancer treatments. Chamomile in capsule form can be used to control vomiting during chemotherapy.

Echinacea

(leaf, stem, root)

Echinacea is often used to treat or prevent colds, flu, and infections, and to heal wounds. Many studies have examined how well echinacea works to prevent or shorten the course of a cold, but none have been conclusive. Some studies show some benefit from using echinacea for upper respiratory tract infections.

Short-term use is recommended as other studies have also shown that long-term use can affect the body's immune system. Always check with your doctor about interactions with medications you are already taking. People who are allergic to plants in the Asteraceae family may be more likely to be allergic to echinacea. The daisy family includes ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds and daisies.

Feverfew

(Sheet)

Feverfew has traditionally been used to treat fever. It is now commonly used to prevent migraines and treat arthritis. Some research has shown that certain feverfew supplements can prevent migraines. Side effects include mouth ulcers when the leaves are chewed and digestive irritation. People who suddenly stop taking feverfew for migraines may find their headaches return. Feverfew should not be used with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs because these drugs may alter the effects of feverfew. It should not be used with warfarin or other anticoagulant medications.

Garlic

(cloves, root)

Garlic is used around the world in cooking and for its many medicinal properties. The compounds isolated from garlic have been shown to have antimicrobial, cardioprotective, anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties may play a role in the belief that garlic helps lower cholesterol and blood pressure. Unfortunately, the evidence is contradictory. The FDA considers garlic safe. However, it may increase the risk of bleeding and should not be used with warfarin, a blood thinner. For the same reason, large amounts should not be taken before dental procedures or operations.

Ginger

(Root)

Ginger is best known as an herb for relieving nausea and motion sickness. Research suggests that ginger may relieve nausea caused by pregnancy and chemotherapy. Other areas being investigated in the use of ginger include surgery and as an anticancer agent. Its broad spectrum of activity may be due in part to its strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

Reported side effects may include bloating, bloating, heartburn, and nausea in certain individuals.

Gingko

(Sheet)

Ginkgo leaf extract has been used to treat a variety of conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, fatigue and tinnitus. It is also used to improve memory and prevent dementia and other brain diseases. Some studies have supported its low effectiveness. But exactly how gingko works is not known. Only leaf extracts should be used. Seeds contain ginkgo toxin. This toxin can cause seizures and, in large quantities, death. Because some information suggests that ginkgo may increase the risk of bleeding, it should not be used with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, anticoagulants, anticonvulsants, or tricyclic antidepressants.

ginseng

(Root)

Ginseng is used as a tonic and aphrodisiac, even as a panacea. Research is uncertain about how well it works, in part because of the difficulty of defining “vitality” and “quality of life.” There is a wide variation in the quality of the ginseng sold. Side effects include hypertension and tachycardia. It is considered safe by the FDA. However, it should not be used with warfarin, heparin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, estrogens, corticosteroids or digoxin. People with diabetes should not use ginseng.

Goldenseal

(root, rhizome)

Goldenseal is used to treat diarrhea and eye and skin irritations. It is also used as an antiseptic. It is also an unproven treatment for colds. Goldenseal contains berberine, a plant alkaloid with a long history of medicinal use in both Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. Studies have shown that goldenseal is effective for diarrhea. But it is not recommended because it can be toxic in high doses. It can cause skin, mouth, throat and stomach irritation.

Milk thistle

(Fruit)

Milk thistle is used to treat liver disease, high cholesterol, and reduce the growth of cancer cells. Milk thistle is a plant that has its origins in the Mediterranean region. It has been used for many different diseases over the past millennia, particularly liver problems. Study results are uncertain about the actual benefits of milk thistle for liver disease.

St. John's wort

(flower, leaf)

St. John's wort is used as an antidepressant. Studies have shown that it has a small effect on mild to moderate depression over a period of about 12 weeks. However, it is not clear whether it is effective for severe depression. One side effect is photosensitivity, but this is only seen in people who take large doses of the herb. St. John's wort has been shown to cause dangerous and potentially fatal interactions with commonly used medications. It is very important to always talk to your doctor before using this herb.

Saw palmetto

(Fruit)

Saw palmetto is used to treat urinary symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). However, recent studies have shown that it is not effective for this condition. Side effects include indigestion and headache, both mild.

valerian

(Root)

Valerian is used to treat insomnia and reduce anxiety. Research suggests that valerian may be a helpful sleep aid, but the evidence is not consistent to confirm this. In the United States, valerian is used as a flavoring for root beer and other foods. As with any medicinal herb, always speak to your doctor before taking it.