Healthy Herbs For Better Health

By Kate McMahon


Thousands of years before prescription medication was available for human health ailments, people used healthy herbs to keep the body well, both physically and emotionally. These plant based medications help to strengthen one's immune system or to relieve pain. They often are purchased in dried form, although it is also possible to grow many of the plants in one's own garden.

While herbal remedies have a long history and are considered all natural, they also cause side effects. If taking other medication, you should speak with your doctor about potential drug interactions. In addition, pregnant or nursing mothers should speak with their physician about any possible problems the medication could cause the baby before using them for a supplement.

Echinacea stimulates the activity of the immune system. First used by Native Americans, this medication helps in the production of lymphocytes that destroy foreign bacteria as well as viruses. Some evidence has suggested the herb should be avoided by those with autoimmune diseases. The plant is helpful in reducing the time of healing from a cold. It can be used as a tea or leaves may be swallowed in a capsule.

St. John's Wort is offers help with depression and other mood disorders. It is an herbal alternative to Prozac. It can help to increase serotonin production in the body. The herb does have side effects and should not be combined with other anti-depressants. Other prescription medication is affected by the herb.

Chamomile is an herb that helps one to relax. It is a good option for tea before bedtime. It helps to relieve insomnia as well as with disorders in the nervous system or the digestive tract. Tinctures are an alternative for those who do not enjoy using the herb as a tea. It is also thought to offer antimicrobial properties that may be beneficial to the user.

Ginseng is a natural energy booster that does not use caffeine. It has been used for thousands of years in China. It may help with memory and intellectual performance. Ginseng is helpful for individual suffering chronic fatigue syndrome, but can cause retention of water along with insomnia. It should not be used if one suffers from hypertension. It can be consumed in capsule form, as a tea or as a tincture.

Ginkgo is a memory booster that has been used by the Chinese for over 5,000 years. It helps to ease depression and with memory loss. The antioxidant properties of the plant can boost the action of nerves as well as circulation. Some users experience upset stomach or mild headaches. It is a blood thinner so it should not be used with aspirin or before surgery. While the root is often consumed as a tea, drops of its extract can be added to any drink for faster preparation.

Healthy herbs can provide many positive effects for one's body. However, there are certain medical conditions where the effects of these materials are not desirable. With proper use, the health benefits can help you to feel better may help the body to fight disease.




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