Herbs used in herbal medicine.
Herbalism (also called herbal medicine) has been practiced throughout the world for thousands of years to treat a variety of ailments and illnesses as well as aiding in the prevention of many diseases.
Written records of herbal medicine in China and Egypt described many herbs that they used. Herbal remedies were passed down through the generations from healer to healer in most native peoples. Several cultures developed complete systems with detailed herbal therapies which are still being practiced.
In the 1800s, as chemical analysis was developed, scientists discovered how to extract the elements from the herbs and then began to modify these elements. After much trial and error, the scientists began to make sythetic versions of the compounds discovered in herbal medicine as well as further discoveries. The medical community were enthusiastic about the new discoveries and considered the herbal remedies as “old-fashioned” and inferior to the modern pharmaceuticals that were being created. Herbal medicine declined in popularity throughout the western world as pharmaceuticals become the wave of the future.
Within the last couple of decades, the growing unhappiness with the ever rising costs of prescription medications and the tight control over them from the big pharmaceutical companies, more and more people are turning back to organic, natural remedies.
While you don't see many traditional doctors prescribing herbal medicine in the United States, there is a rise in homeopathic and naturalist practitioners across the country. Researchers have turned back to herbal remedies and have found that many really are valuable in the prevention and treatment of many illnesses.
Here is a brief overview of the most commonly used herbs in modern herbal medicine :
- Cayenne Pepper (Capsicum annuum) – prevents and relieves gas in the digestive tract; induces sweating; reduces deep inflammation
- Cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon) – prevents urinary tract infections
- Garlic (Allium sativum) – helps maintain proper cholesterol level; provides circulatory system support
- Ginger (Zingiber officinale) – prevention of motion sickness; prevention of heartburn; relief of indigestion
- Ginkgo biloba – relieves symptoms of tinnitus; prevention of vertigo; memory and concentration support; relief of pain from peripheral arterial occlusive disease
- Ginseng – boosts immune system function; improves energy
- Echinacea – boosts immune system function; reduces symptoms and duration of the common cold and other respiratory infections
- Grape Seed (Vitis vinifera) – reduces and prevents inflammation; supports and strengthens small blood vessesls and improves blood flow through the circulatory system
- Green Tea (Camellia sinensis) – reduces cholesterol; inhibits growth of cancerous cells; inhibits the formation of blood clots; boosts immune system function
- St. John's Word (Hypericum perforatum) – aids in mood disorders such as depression; reduces anxiety; aids in sleep
- Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis) – improves symptoms of illnesses associated with essential fatty acid deficiencies such as chronic fatigue syndrome
- Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) – relief of migraine headaches; fever reducer; relief of pain and inflammation associated with disorders of the menstrual cycle
- Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) – reduces mucus production; relieves inflammation in the nose and throat due to mucus production during colds or respiratory infections
- Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) – helps improve creation of new blood cells and overall circulatory system function; assists memory
- Kava Kava (Piper methysticum) – mild sedative effect that aids in disorders of nerves, anxiety and stress; sleep enhancer
- Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) – reduces inflammation in the nose and throat due to mucus production during respiratory illnesses; relief of pain caused from gastric and duodenal ulcers; support for glandular deficiencies
- Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) – aids in relief and support with chronic liver diseases such as cirrhosis; helps to reduce liver damage caused by toxin buildup
- Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens) – assists with normal urinary function for those with certain prostate conditions; slowing of hair loss with male pattern baldness; increasing sex drive; treatment of hormonal imbalances
- Valerian root (Valeriana officinalis) – sleep aid, especially when insomnia or sleep difficulties are caused by stress or anxiety disorders; mild sedative
- Bilberry fruit (Vaccinium myrtillus) – supports and strengthens small blood vessels and improves blood flow throughout the circulatory system; improves night blindness and aids the eyes in adapting to changes in light strength
- Cascara Sagrada (Rhamnus purshiana) – relieves constipation
- Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis) – improves pain and inflammation associated with various menstrual disorders
