Natural Herbs
Natural Herbs and Their Benefits What Are Natural Herbs? Natural Herbal refers to the use of plants’ seeds, berries, roots, leaves, bark, or flowers for medicinal purposes. Herbalism has a long-standing tradition of use outside of conventional medicine. It is becoming more mainstream as advancements in analysis, quality control, and clinical research highlight the value of natural herbs in treating and preventing diseases. What is the History of Natural Herbs? Plants have been used for medicinal purposes long before recorded history. Ancient Chinese and Egyptian papyrus writings describe medicinal uses for plants as early as 3,000 BC. Indigenous cultures, including African and Native American tribes, used herbs in their healing rituals. Traditional medical systems, such as Unani Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine, incorporated herbal therapies. In the early 19th century, with the advent of chemical analysis, scientists began extracting and modifying active ingredients from plants. Over time, chemists began synthesizing their own versions of plant compounds, leading to a decline in the use of herbal medicines in favor of pharmaceutical drugs. Today, nearly one fourth of pharmaceutical drugs are derived from botanicals. Recent estimates by the World Health Organization indicate that 80% of people worldwide rely on herbal medicines as part of their primary health care. In Germany, around 600–700 plant-based medicines are available, with about 70% of physicians prescribing them. In the United States, rising public dissatisfaction with the cost of prescription medications has sparked a return to natural and organic remedies, leading to an increase in the use of herbal medicines over the past two decades. How Do Natural Herbs Work? Scientists are still exploring the specific ingredients in many herbs that help treat conditions or illnesses. Herbs contain a variety of compounds, and it is believed that these ingredients work together to produce beneficial effects. The effectiveness of an herb can be influenced by several factors, including the climate, soil quality, and timing of harvest. How Are Natural Herbs Used? The use of herbal supplements has seen a significant increase over the last 30 years. In the U.S., herbal supplements are classified as dietary supplements under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994. Unlike prescription drugs, herbal supplements do not have to be tested for safety and effectiveness before being sold. However, they must be produced according to good manufacturing practices. Commonly used herbal supplements in the U.S. include: Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea and related species) St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) Garlic (Allium sativum) Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens) Ginseng (Panax ginseng and Panax quinquefolius) Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis) Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) Herbs are often used in combination to enhance effectiveness and minimize side effects. Healthcare providers must consider various factors such as the species, habitat, storage, and processing methods when recommending herbs. What is Herbal Medicine Good For? Herbal medicine is used to treat a wide variety of conditions, including asthma, eczema, premenstrual syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, migraines, menopausal symptoms, chronic fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, and even cancer. It is important to consult with a trained healthcare provider before using herbal supplements. For instance, a study found that 90% of arthritis patients use alternative therapies, such as herbal medicine. Some popular herbs and their uses include: Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba): Traditionally used for circulatory disorders and memory enhancement. Ginkgo may help treat dementia and poor circulation, and improve memory in older adults. It also improves blood circulation by dilating blood vessels and reducing blood platelet stickiness. Kava Kava (Piper methysticum): Known for its mood-enhancing and relaxation effects, kava has been studied for treating anxiety, insomnia, and nervous disorders. However, it may cause liver damage in some people. Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens): Used for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) treatment. It helps with symptoms like frequent urination and difficulty starting or maintaining urination. St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum): Known for its antidepressant properties, it may be effective for treating mild to moderate depression but can interact with a variety of medications. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis): Used as a natural sleep aid, valerian may have fewer side effects compared to prescription sleeping pills. Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea): Often used to boost immunity and prevent or treat colds. Studies show it may reduce the likelihood of getting a cold by 58% and shorten the duration by 1.4 days. Is There Anything I Should Watch Out For? When used correctly, herbs can help treat various conditions with fewer side effects than some conventional medications. However, since herbal products are not strictly regulated, they can sometimes be mislabeled or contain additives and contaminants. Some herbs can cause allergic reactions, interact with other medications, or be toxic when used improperly. It is important to consult with your doctor or pharmacist before using any herbal medicines. Some herbs and their potential adverse reactions include: St. John’s Wort: May cause skin sensitivity to sunlight and interact with several medications, including birth control pills and blood thinners. Kava Kava: Has been linked to liver toxicity and is banned in several countries. Valerian: Can cause sleepiness and may overstimulate in some people. Garlic, Ginkgo, Feverfew, and Ginger: May increase the risk of bleeding. Evening Primrose: May cause seizures in people with seizure disorders. To ensure safety, always purchase herbal supplements from reputable manufacturers and consult with a healthcare professional before use, especially if you’re undergoing treatment for serious health conditions like cancer. Who is Using Herbal Medicine? Almost one-third of Americans use herbal remedies, but a study in the New England Journal of Medicine found that nearly 70% of people using herbal medicines were reluctant to inform their doctors about it. This highlights the importance of open communication between patients and healthcare providers about complementary and alternative therapies. How is Herbal Medicine Sold in Stores? Herbal medicines are sold in various forms including teas, syrups, oils, liquid extracts, tinctures, and dry extracts (capsules or pills). Teas can be made by steeping dried herbs in hot water. Syrups are often used
