Medicinal herbal remedies -
Manufacturers use different ways of extracting the chemicals from the plant parts. They use fresh and dried plants to make the medicine. Herbal medicine aims to restore your body, so that it can protect, regulate and heal itself. It is a whole body approach.
It looks at your physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. It is sometimes called phytomedicine, phytotherapy or botanical medicine. Manufacturers make many drugs from plants. Herbalists believe that the remedy works due to the delicate chemical balance of the whole plant, or mixtures of plants, and the effects are not just due to one active ingredient.
The two most common types of herbal medicine used in the UK are Western and Chinese herbal medicine. Less common types include Tibetan or Ayurvedic medicine Indian and Unani Tibb. Western herbal medicine focuses on treating the whole person rather than their illness.
So, the herbalist looks at your:. Western herbal therapists usually make medicines from European and North American herbs. They also use some herbs from the Chinese and Indian traditions.
Herbalists use remedies made from whole plants or plant parts. They believe it helps your body to heal itself or to reduce the side effects of medical treatments. Chinese herbal medicine is part of a whole system of medicine.
The system is called Traditional Chinese Medicine TCM. TCM aims to restore the balance of your Qi pronounced chee.
TCM practitioners believe that Qi is the flow of energy in your body and is essential for good health. Yin and yang refer to different qualities of Qi. When all of the yin and yang aspects of Qi are in harmony with one another, there is health, wellbeing and peace.
Illness is due to a disturbance of the balance between yin and yang. Chinese herbalists use plants according to how they affect a part of the body or energy channel. TCM uses hundreds of medicinal substances from plants.
Practitioners may use different parts of plants. They might use the leaves, roots, stems, flowers or seeds. Usually, they combine herbs and you take them as teas, capsules, tinctures, or powders. Herbal medicine is one of the most used complementary and alternative therapies by people with cancer.
People have used herbal medicine for centuries to treat many different health conditions. They believe it is a natural way to help you relax and cope with anxiety and depression or to help with other conditions such as:.
People might also use herbal medicine to help themselves to feel better or more in control of their situation. During your first visit, the herbalist will ask you general questions about your health, lifestyle and diet.
They will take a medical history and find out about any medication or supplements you are taking. They will also do a physical examination.
This might include taking your pulse and blood pressure and examining your skin, nails, tongue and eyes. They might also feel your abdomen. The herbalist will then decide which remedies you need.
They will usually make it while you wait. Your herbalist may suggest that you go back for another appointment after a few weeks. How long you continue seeing them will depend on why you are using herbal medicine. Some herbal medicines are safe to use but others may have severe and potentially dangerous side effects if used incorrectly.
Some herbal medicines can interact with prescription drugs and other cancer treatments you are having. Check with your cancer specialist before taking any herbal medicines.
Some herbal treatments might affect the way your body processes cancer drugs. This means it could make the imatinib less effective at treating your cancer. Some herbal medicines might increase the effect of cancer drugs. This means that you could have too much treatment.
Other herbal medicines can interfere with some drugs. For example, Asian ginseng and bilberry can increase the risk of bleeding after surgery. Some herbal remedies may make your skin more sensitive to light.
Do not take them while having radiotherapy. Each type of herbal remedy might have side effects. Some are safe to use and do not have any noticeable side effects.
But some plants are poisonous to humans and can have serious and severe side effects. Always tell your doctor if you are using any type of herbal remedy.
It might be helpful to ask your herbalist for a list of all the ingredients in your herbal remedy. Then if you do have any side effects, your doctor will know what you have taken.
You, your doctor or herbalist can report side effects. You can report it to the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Authority MHRA. The MHRA is the UK regulatory body. It collects information about the side effects of drugs, including herbal medicines. Let both your herbalist and doctor know immediately if you feel worse or ill while you are taking herbal medicine.
There is no reliable evidence from human studies that herbal remedies can treat, prevent or cure any type of cancer. Some clinical trials seem to show that certain Chinese herbs may help people to live longer, might reduce side effects, and help to prevent cancer from coming back.
This is especially when combined with conventional treatment. But many of the studies are published in Chinese, and some of them don't list the specific herbs used. Some journal articles don't give enough detail on how the researchers did the studies. It is difficult to know how reliable the research is and which herbs may be helpful.
But there are trials looking into this. In Europe, chamomile is used to aid in wound healing and reduce inflammation and swelling. Its proven effectiveness backs up the popularity of this herbal remedy.
A review found that chamomile is a versatile herb. It is commonly used for its antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and antidiarrheal effects.
It is also beneficial for managing knee osteoarthritis, ulcerative colitis , premenstrual syndrome, and gastrointestinal disorders.
Chamomile can be brewed as a tea, applied as a compress, or used topically to treat skin irritation. Chamomile tea has an apple-like fragrance and taste. To prepare the tea:. You can add ice to the tea if you prefer a cooler beverage. Chamomile is available as a tea and in capsule form in most health food stores.
If using capsules, look for pharmaceutical-grade products. Other grades, such as therapeutic grades, may not be as high in quality. Chamomile may cause allergic reactions, and some people have reported anaphylaxis a severe, whole-body allergic reaction that can be deadly from its use.
Avoid using chamomile if you take blood thinners or the antirejection drug cyclosporine. It can negatively interact with these medications.
Echinacea is a flowering plant in the daisy family. It grows in eastern and central North America, and the leaf, stalk, and root of echinacea are commonly used for medicinal purposes. Echinacea has traditionally been used as a remedy for toothache, bowel pain, snake bites, seizures, skin irritation, arthritis, and cancer.
Today, echinacea is a home remedy commonly used to shorten the duration of or prevent the common cold and flu.
It is also widely used to promote wound healing. Echinacea is rich in substances believed to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and have antiviral and antioxidant effects. Some studies show a minor benefit in using echinacea to prevent upper respiratory infections.
But more studies are needed to determine its efficacy in preventing or shortening the duration of a cold. Echinacea is available in capsule, tincture, and tea bagged and loose-leaf forms.
There is no recommended daily intake of echinacea. To prepare loose-leaf echinacea tea:. Echinacea can be hard on the digestive system and may cause stomach upset. Experts say echinacea should only be used on a short-term basis.
Check with your healthcare professional before using echinacea. It may interact with your medications, particularly medicines that affect your liver. If you are allergic to plants in the daisy family, such as ragweed, marigold, and daisies, you may have an allergic reaction to echinacea.
Garlic is a perennial plant native to Central Asia that is grown for its flavorful bulbs. It is now grown worldwide by many cultures. Garlic is valued both for cooking purposes and its medicinal properties. Humans have been using garlic for thousands of years. Traditional medicinal uses include preventing infection, lowering blood pressure, treating tuberculosis, colic, liver disease, and intestinal worms, and reducing fevers.
The compounds found in garlic have antimicrobial, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. Research shows garlic can lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Garlic may be effective at preventing certain types of cancer. Research shows that regular consumption of cooked or raw garlic may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. Garlic can be consumed both cooked and raw. It can also be used in powder to season meats, vegetables, soups, and stews.
Garlic supplements are available in capsule, oil, and tincture form. Recommended daily dosages vary depending on how you are using garlic, including:. Speak with your doctor if you plan to supplement with garlic for its health benefits.
Garlic can increase the risk of bleeding and should not be used if you are taking blood thinners. For that same reason, do not take large amounts of garlic before surgery or dental procedures.
Ginger Zingiber officinale has a leafy stem and yellow-green flowers. Native to Asia and India, ginger belongs to the Zingiberaceae family. The versatile spice comes from the underground stem of the ginger plant and is added to foods and beverages worldwide.
In traditional Chinese medicine, the fresh rhizoma underground stem of Zingiber officinale Roscoe is used, called Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens. Ginger has been used extensively since the s in many traditional medicines worldwide. Over 2, years ago, ginger was so valued and sought after for its medicinal properties that a pound of it was equivalent to the cost of a sheep.
It was used to remedy common ailments, such as nausea, pain, and vomiting. Today, ginger has the distinction of being classified as an herb, food, and medicine. Regarding its medicinal properties, ginger is perhaps best known for its ability to help reduce nausea. Research confirms ginger may help relieve nausea and vomiting for people undergoing surgery and pregnancy-related nausea.
Ginger may also help relieve chemotherapy-related nausea. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, ginger is also an effective pain reliever. One study found that ginger helped reduce pain and increase mobility in individuals with osteoarthritis.
Ginger is versatile and used in many forms, including fresh, dried, pickled, candied, and powdered. It has a strong and spicy smell and tastes somewhat sweet and peppery.
Ground ginger root is what you typically find on spice shelves in grocery stores. It is commonly used for cooking and baking.
There are numerous ways to consume ginger, including in tea. You can purchase ginger tea bags in most grocery stores or make them at home with fresh ginger. If you consume fresh ginger, peel the skin with a vegetable peeler before use. Ginger is considered to be safe when taken orally as a dietary supplement, and it may also be safe when used topically on the skin.
Side effects are generally mild and include diarrhea, heartburn, and abdominal discomfort, particularly when consumed in large doses.
Though using ginger during pregnancy is considered safe, talk with your healthcare professional before using it if you want to reduce pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting. Ginkgo biloba widely known as ginkgo is one of the oldest surviving tree species.
Native to Asia, ginkgo is one of the top-selling herbal remedies in the United States. Ginkgo leaves are used to create extracts, capsules, and tablets. Ginkgo leaves can also be consumed as tea.
The nut is also used in traditional Chinese medicine for wheezing. Ginkgo leaves have been used for thousands of years for medicinal benefits. These include treating bronchitis, asthma, chronic fatigue, and tinnitus ringing in the ears.
Some people believe that ginkgo has powerful brain-boosting properties, though more studies are needed to determine if this is true. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health notes no conclusive evidence that ginkgo helps any medical condition.
There is currently no recommended standardized dose of ginkgo. Different doses and formulations have been used in various research studies.
The right dose for you will depend on your age, medical history, sex, and type of formulation used. It is generally better to start with a lower dose to determine which amount is right for you. It may take up to six weeks to notice any health benefits of ginkgo.
When using a supplement, ensure that only extracts from ginkgo leaves are used to produce the product. The seeds contain a toxin that can cause seizures. Side effects include headache, upset stomach, dizziness, and allergic reactions. Ginkgo may increase the risk of bleeding. It should not be taken with NSAIDs, anticoagulants, anticonvulsants, or tricyclic antidepressants due to potential drug interactions.
Ginseng is a well-known herb with several health benefits attributed to it. American ginseng Panax quinquefolius is an herbaceous perennial native to deciduous forests of the United States. Asian ginseng Panax ginseng is native to China, Korea, and eastern Siberia. Siberian ginseng Eleutherococcus senticosus is also called eleuthero or ci wu jia in traditional Chinese medicine.
It is less of a tonic than the other types and functions more as an adaptogen. Panax notoginseng, also called radix notoginseng or sanchi , is traditionally used to control bleeding.
Ginseng has been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine. The herb has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antiobesity, and antiviral properties, making it a popular herb for medicinal use even today.
Research shows that ginseng helps improve circulation, boosts immunity, and protects against certain types of cancer. The powerful herb has also been shown to reduce blood sugar levels and improve diabetes treatments.
Studies show that ginseng improves learning and memory acquisition, making it a popular antiaging herb to support brain health in older adults. Ginseng has also been shown to reduce inflammation in the body and has potency for pain relief and inflammation reduction comparable to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory NSAIDs medications.
There are many ways to consume ginseng to reap its health benefits. If you purchase fresh ginseng, it can be eaten raw or steamed. Freshly sliced ginseng can also be steeped in hot water to make tea.
It can also be added to food and is popular in stir-fry meals and soups. However, these culinary uses are too costly if you buy expensive ginseng. Ginseng is also available in health food stores and some drug stores as a dietary supplement.
It can be purchased in capsule, powder, and extract forms. There is currently no daily recommended dosage of ginseng, and various amounts have been examined in research studies, ranging from 0.
If you use ginseng supplements, follow the dosage directions on the label. Ginseng is generally safe for consumption with no serious side effects. 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.
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