herbal supplements
Herbs are the basis of several modern medicines. For example, quinine is made from cinchona bark, foxglove from foxglove, and aspirin from willow bark. Even today, an estimated 25% of all medicines are derived directly from plants.
Herbs have been used as treatments for hundreds of years. By their very nature, herbs are complex, each consisting of dozens, if not hundreds, of individual compounds, so identifying their active ingredients is not easy.
Herbs are classified as dietary supplements or nutraceuticals. Herbal labels do not claim specific health benefits because manufacturers cannot claim that their products will cure a disease or alleviate symptoms.
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side effects
Herbs are generally not as powerful as medicines. Herbs have few side effects, but that doesn’t mean they can be consumed freely and without worry. Many people mistakenly believe that because they are natural, they are harmless. Taking high doses for long periods of time can cause problems, and some can cause allergic reactions and other symptoms. Herbs can be very effective, but they must be used responsibly.
quality and potency
The quality of herbal medicine depends on various factors. Growing season, climate, soil conditions, whether organic or farmed, harvest time, storage conditions, and storage duration all make a difference in quality. This means that the product’s potency is not as precise as man-made drugs.
herbal interactions
Some herbs interact with drugs, other herbs, and foods. For example, garlic and ginkgo biloba can increase the side effects of blood-thinning medications. Echinacea may be effective against immunosuppressants. Siberian ginseng may increase the effectiveness of antibiotics, and valerian may enhance the effectiveness of other sedatives.
herbal tonic
Herbs are sometimes called “specials” or “tonics.” Certain ones target specific symptoms, such as valerian taken for insomnia. They are usually taken only for short periods of time or when symptoms occur.
Tonics act on the whole body or organs. Ginseng slowly strengthens the immune system. Tonics are taken for a long period of time, sometimes with breaks in between. Some herbs have both specific and tonic properties.
strength
Most herbal remedies are sold as capsules or tablets containing dried herbs or standardized extracts. Dried plants may lose potency more quickly, and you may need to take several capsules to make one effective dose. Extracts are made by steeping the herb in alcohol to extract the chemical components from the plant.
Some products achieve their strength as standardized extracts of active ingredients. For example, bilberry contains 25% anthocyanosides, garlic contains 5.4mg allicin, and ginkgo biloba contains 24% ginkgo flavone glycosides.
combination of herbs
There are many products that contain not only single herbs, but also combinations. Single herbs have the advantage of being able to choose the right one for your symptoms and identify those that cause side effects or allergic reactions.
Combination products may be convenient and inexpensive, but they may not have all the information you need to make an informed choice. For example, is each herb sufficient to produce the desired effect, or are some herbs included that are truly unnecessary? Some products combine the important actions of each herb in lower doses.
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Consume herbs safely
- Be well-informed – research the herbs you plan to take. Don’t just follow a friend’s advice unless you have experience or special knowledge about herbs.
- Follow label instructions.
- Some herbs can take several weeks to take effect. Make sure you know what will happen and how long it will take.
- Start with the lowest dose and watch for side effects such as rash, nausea, and headache. If you experience any side effects, stop taking the herb immediately.
- People over the age of 65 are more sensitive to the drug and should adhere to lower doses.
- If you are already taking prescription medications, you should consult your doctor or appropriate health care professional before taking any herbs.
- Compare products by looking at the amount of active ingredients each product contains. Be aware of the number of capsules you need to take per day and the cost.
- Buy quality products from trusted sources. A good product will have a clear expiry date, batch number, and manufacturer’s contact details in case of any problems or inquiries.
How to choose herbal medicine
These herbs are believed to have the following properties:
- Ginseng – common tonic, may boost energy
- Bilberry – may improve circulation and repair veins
- Garlic – May lower cholesterol and help prevent cancer
- Ginkgo biloba – has antioxidant properties and may improve blood circulation and memory
- Green tea – antioxidant and tonic properties
- Milk thistle – may repair liver cells
- Turmeric – antioxidant
disease prevention
These herbs are thought to help prevent the following conditions:
- Bilberry – arteriosclerosis, decreased night vision
- Cranberry – urinary tract infection
- Evening Primrose Oil – Omega-3 Deficiency
- Feverfew – Migraine
- Garlic – arteriosclerosis, high cholesterol, high blood pressure
- Ginkgo biloba – memory loss, tinnitus, macular degeneration
- Milk thistle – liver problems
- Saw palmetto – enlarged prostate
- St. John’s Wort – Mild Depression
Search for herbal medicine
aloe
bilberry
black cohosh
caffeine
cat claw
chamomile
chaste berry
cranberry
devil’s claw
Dong Quai
echinacea
evening primrose
Feverfew
garlic
Ginger
ginkgo biloba
golden seal
Green Tea
Guarana
milk thistle
saw palmetto
st john’s wort
tea tree
turmeric
valerian
Japanese yam
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