See more details. Many essential oils Herbal remedies for ailments burn the skin or Immune system-boosting drinks simply too high dose used straight; diluting Hsrbal in Energy-boosting benefits oil rekedies another food grade oil such ailmens almond oil can allow these to be used safely as a topical. In addition, they can pose risks and side effects, and their safety and efficacy are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration FDA. Follow Mayo Clinic. Concentrations of curcumin —an active ingredient in turmeric—is higher in supplements than in foods and may cause stomach upset when taken in large doses, as well as diarrhea, skin rash, yellow stool, and headache.

Herbal remedies for ailments -

This is not always correct. Herbal medicines may produce negative effects that can range from mild to severe, including:. Like other prescription medications, herbal medicine should always be prescribed by a qualified and registered practitioner.

Contact the professional association for your chosen therapy and ask for a list of members in your area. This may include:. During the first visit with your practitioner, ask about their training and qualifications.

Be very cautious about any practitioner who advises you to abandon your conventional medical treatment. Herbal medications and supplements may interact in harmful ways with over-the-counter or prescription medicines you are taking.

Taking herbal supplements may increase or decrease the effectiveness of other drugs you are taking or may increase the risk of negative side effects. If you are considering taking herbal medicines, it is always a good idea to talk to your doctor about possible side effects and interactions with other medications you are taking.

Not all herbal medicines that are sold are safe. Always purchase from a source that stocks products from a reputable manufacturer or supplier, such as health food stores, supermarkets, pharmacies or from a reputable practitioner.

Be careful about purchasing herbal medicines over the internet. Unregulated herbal medicines from overseas may not be manufactured to the same quality and standard as regulated medicines. In some cases, products purchased online have been found to have dangerous levels of lead , mercury or arsenic, which can cause serious health problems.

Herbal medicines made in Australia are subject to regulations. Consult with your pharmacist about the safety and effectiveness of the herbal medicine or supplements you are thinking of buying. If you are considering taking herbal medicine, it is recommended that you:.

This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:. Acupuncture is part of traditional Chinese medicine and consists of inserting fine needles into specific points on the skin.

The Alexander technique stresses that movement should be economical and needs only the minimum amount of energy and effort. The different smells and chemical constituents of aromatherapy oils can produce different emotional and physiological reactions. Ayurveda is an ancient healing system from India that uses a range of techniques to treat illness and encourage wellbeing.

Bowen is a holistic remedial body technique that works on the soft connective tissue fascia of the body. Bowen therapy can be used to treat musculoskeletal or related neurological problems including acute sports injuries and chronic or organic conditions.

It is gentle and relaxing and does not use forceful manipulation. Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional.

The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances.

The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website. Skip to main content. Complementary and alternative care. Home Complementary and alternative care.

Herbal medicine. Actions for this page Listen Print. Summary Read the full fact sheet. On this page. What is herbal medicine? Active ingredients and herbal medicine Medicinal uses for specific herbs Do not self-diagnose ailments Special considerations for herbal medicine Where to get help.

Active ingredients and herbal medicine Herbal medicines contain active ingredients. Medicinal uses for specific herbs Herbal medicine aims to return the body to a state of natural balance so that it can heal itself.

Some herbs that are commonly used in herbal medicine, and their traditional uses, include: Echinacea — to stimulate the immune system and aid the body in fighting infection. Used to treat ailments such as boils , fever and herpes.

Dong quai dang gui — used for gynaecological complaints such as premenstrual tension , menopause symptoms and period pain. Some studies indicate that dong quai can lower blood pressure.

Garlic — used to reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering levels of blood fats and cholesterol a type of blood fat. The antibiotic and antiviral properties of garlic mean that it is also used to fight colds , sinusitis and other respiratory infections.

Ginger — many studies have shown ginger to be useful in treating nausea, including motion sickness and morning sickness. It's important to understand the herbs you're using. The quality of herbs also matters. Some companies add fillers. This helps to make their herbal supplements cheaper. But they may not work as well.

Or they may cause side effects. Even if something is natural, it may not be safe. Below are common herbal medicines that research has shown to be safe and work when used right. Always tell your healthcare providers if you use any herbs or supplements. They need to know if they may cause problems when combined with other medicines you take.

Chamomile is often used in the U. to help with anxiety and relaxation. In Europe, it's used to heal wounds and reduce inflammation and swelling. You can drink chamomile tea.

Or you can use it as a compress. It's considered safe by the FDA. But it might make you feel more tired if you're taking other medicines. Be careful, as it could affect how some medicines work in your body.

Chamomile for the skin may be used to treat skin rash from radiation treatments. Chamomile in a capsule may be used to ease vomiting from chemotherapy. Echinacea is most often used to treat or prevent colds, flu, and infections, and for wound healing.

Many studies have looked at how well it works to prevent or shorten a cold. The results have not been clear. Some studies do show some benefit of echinacea to help with upper respiratory infections. Studies have shown that long-term use can affect the body's immune system.

Because of this, only short-term use is advised. Check with your healthcare provider about any interactions with other medicines that you take.

People allergic to plants in the daisy family may have an allergic reaction to echinacea. The daisy family includes ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and daisies. Feverfew has been used to treat fevers.

Some research has shown that feverfew can prevent migraines. It is also used to treat arthritis. If the leaves are chewed, side effects include mouth ulcers and digestive upset. Stopping feverfew suddenly may cause migraines to come back.

Feverfew should not be used with NSAID medicine. These medicines may change how well feverfew works. Feverfew should not be used with warfarin or other medicines that thin the blood.

Garlic is used in cooking. And it has proven health benefits. Garlic has been shown to fight germs, protect your heart, and reduce inflammation.

It may help lower cholesterol and blood pressure. But the results are mixed. The FDA considers garlic safe. But it can increase your risk of bleeding. It should not be used with warfarin or other medicines that thin the blood. It may cause too much bleeding.

Ginger is most known for easing nausea and motion sickness. Research suggests it may help the nausea from pregnancy and chemotherapy. Ginger is in research for use in surgery and as an anticancer agent. It has strong anti-inflammatory effects.

It is also a strong antioxidant. Side effects may include bloating, gas, heartburn, and nausea. Ginkgo leaf extract is used for asthma, bronchitis, fatigue, and tinnitus.

It is used to improve memory and to help prevent dementia. Some studies have shown it may work slightly. But how gingko works isn't fully known. Only extract from leaves should be used.

A aailments Herbal remedies for ailments known as a medicinal ailmens —is ailmenys collected from the wild Wilments intentionally grown for its medicinal, aolments curative, value. Examples of healing plants for Liver Health Awareness Campaign there is some evidence supporting their ability remediees either treat or relieve Nutrition tips for preventing injuries of certain health conditions include:. This article covers the traditional uses of these healing plants, what research says about them, how to take them, and what to consider. In addition, they can pose risks and side effects, and their safety and efficacy are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration FDA. Ashwagandha comes from the Withania somnifera plant, also known as Indian ginseng and Indian winter cherry. The evergreen shrub is native to Africa and Asia and grows in some parts of the Middle East and India.

Video

5 Natural Remedies For Common Ailments