Just switch on the television, scan the bookshelves, or read a newspaper and you will be bombarded with information on herbal remedies. People spend a fortune every year on herb products such as garlic to lower cholesterol, kava to ease anxiety and St. John’s Wort to treat depression. Do these herb remedies work and are they safe?
I am going to give you a list of 10 different healing herbs. What they do, scientific proof. Amounts, side effects and drug interaction. But before you begin an herb regimen, check with your doctor or health professional to make sure it is safe for you.
Once you are on an herbal schedule, you should find yourself feeling better; at least I hope you will. I find that it helps me and keeps my visits to the doctor at a minimum. Therefore, it saves me money.
You will, of course pick and choose which herbs are right for you. If your problems are not listed here, then do some research and find the right herbs for you.
CHAMOMILE
WHAT IT DOES: Relieves insomnia, inflammation and upset stomach
SCIENTIFIC PROOF: At least 10 studies, including one in which 10 out of 12 subjects fell sound asleep after drinking chamomile tea.
AMOUNTS AND FORMS: Tea, taken as needed
SIDE EFFECTS: None, although may cause a reaction to people allergic to ragweed.
DRUG INTERACTION: None known
ECHINACEA
WHAT IT DOES: Helps prevent colds or keeps them from getting worse.
SCIENTIFIC PROOF: At least 26 clinical trials. One study found that Echinacea may shorten the length of a cold.
AMOUNTS AND FORMS: 300mg capsules taken 3 times a day.
SIDE EFFECTS: May, in rare cases cause an allergic reaction.
DRUG INTERACTION: None known, but not recommended for people with autoimmune diseases.
FEVERFEW
WHAT IT DOES: Prevents and treats migraine headaches.
SCIENTIFIC PROOF: In at least 5 clinical trials found that 70% of those who took feverfew daily for prolonged periods had a decrease in the frequency and the severity of migraines.
AMOUNTS AND FORMS: One 125mg capsule per day.
SIDE EFFECTS: none
DRUG INTERACTION: Should not be taken with aspirin or Coumadin, (a blood thinning medication.)
GARLIC
WHAT IT DOES: Lowers cholesterol.
SCIENTIFIC PROOF: At least 28 clinical trials, including one in Germany that concluded taking 800mg daily caused a 9% reduction in cholesterol.
AMOUNTS AND FORMS: One or two cloves daily or tablets containing 500mg of allicin per day. (Varies with brand, read label.)
SIDE EFFECTS: None, other than bad breath with fresh garlic.
DRUG INTERACTION: Should not be taken with aspirin or Coumadin.
GINGER
WHAT IT DOES: Helps relieve nausea.
SCIENTIFIC PROOF: At least 5 studies including a British study which found it reduced nausea after gynecological surgery.
AMOUNTS AND FORMS: Tea – One teaspoon dried ginger in 8 oz. boiling water. Or two 500mg capsules daily. Or fresh ginger, taken as needed.
SIDE EFFECTS: None
DRUG INTERACTION: Should not be taken with aspirin or Coumadin.
GINKGO BILOBA
WHAT IT DOES: Promotes mental sharpness and concentration.
SCIENTIFIC PROOF: At least 36 clinical trials, one which showed that 28% of 156 patients suffering from two different types of dementia showed an improvement after taking 240mg daily for 24 weeks.
AMOUNTS AND FORMS: Two to four 60mg tablets per day.
SIDE EFFECTS: Stomach upset, headache or skin reaction.
DRUG INTERACTION: Should not be taken with aspirin or Coumadin.
KAVA
WHAT IT DOES: Relieves anxiety.
SCIENTIFIC PROOF: At least 9 clinical trials, including one in Germany that concluded after eight weeks of taking 240mg daily, patients were decidedly less anxious.
AMOUNTS AND FORMS: One capsule containing 120mg kavapyrones or kavalactones daily.
SIDE EFFECTS: None.
DRUG INTERACTION: Should not be taken with antianxiety or antidepressant medication.
SAW PALMETTO
WHAT IT DOES: Improves urinary flow and reduces enlarged prostrates.
SCIENTIFIC PROOF: At least 15 clinical studies, including one in Belgium which found that 85% of participating men suffering from enlarged prostrates felt better after 1 year of taking 320mg daily and urinary flow had increased 22%.
AMOUNTS AND FORMS: One 160mg softgel or capsule taken twice daily.
SIDE EFFECTS: None.
DRUG INTERACTION: None known.
ST. JOHN’S WORT
WHAT IT DOES: Eases mild depression.
SCIENTIFIC PROOF: More than 25 clinical trials, including one in which 80% of 3250 men and women were either improved or were free of depressive symptoms after 4 weeks of taking 900mg daily.
AMOUNTS AND FORMS: 300 mg, taken three times a day (to ensure proper standardization, it’s best to take the tablet form)
SIDE EFFECTS: May cause fair skinned people sun sensitivity.
DRUG INTERACTION: Should not be taken with anti-anxiety or antidepressant medication.
VALERIAN
WHAT IT DOES: Improves the quality of sleep.
SCIENTIFIC PROOF: At least 10 studies including one in Germany that concluded patients that took 600mg daily for 28 days both improved the quality of sleep, and were able to fall asleep faster.
AMOUNTS AND FORMS: Tea – 1 tsp. of dried herbs in 8 oz of boiling water or tablets equivalent to 2-3 grams of root daily.
SIDE EFFECTS: None
DRUG INTERACTION: Should not be taken with over-the-counter or prescription sleeping pills.
DANGEROUS HERBS
Now that I have told you about safe herbs, here are some very dangerous herbs that you should not take, for any reason. They can be dangerous in any dosage.
CHAPARRAL
USE: Treat Arthritis and cancer
DANGER: Has been associated with liver damage.
COMFREY
USE: External: wound healing. Internal: healing stomach ulcer and as a blood purifier.
DANGER: Has been associated with liver damage.
LOBELIA
USE: Induces vomiting.
DANGER: Has been associated with impaired breathing, decreased blood pressure, coma and death.
YOHIMBE
USE: To enhance sexual performance.
DANGER: Has been associated with seizures, kidney failure and death.
GERMANDER
USE: Weight loss.
DANGER: Has been associated with liver damage.
WILLOW BARK
USE: Fever and pain reducer.
DANGER: Has been associated with stomach upset, Reye’s Syndrome, stroke and problems in pregnancy.
JIN BU HUAN
USE: Pain reliever
DANGER: Has been associated with dangerously lowering heart rate.
EPHEDRA (MA HUANG)
USE: Stimulant, nasal decongestant, ingredient in some weight loss products.
DANGER: Has been associated with increasing heart rate and causing high blood pressure, nerve damage and stroke.
LAXATIVE TEAS (May also be called cleansing teas)
USE: Weight loss.
DANGER: Some teas have been associated with stomach cramps, dehydration and heart problems.