All About Herbs and Herbal Products
This is an article about herbs and herbal products. Hope you find it helpful and informative.
Using herbs is a great tradition in different cultures around the world
whether for their flavor in cooking or their healing properties for the
mind and body. The Chinese have known about herbs for a very long time and
have had herbal medicine as part of
their everyday treatment for different ailments. Each health condition has
its own treatment solutions, with many herbs duplicating each other. The
possibilities of herbal remedies are endless.
The monks and nuns in early England were amongst the first people in the
West to learn about herbs. They experimented with herbalism in their
gardens and soon became experts in dispensing the appropriate treatment.
Today the use of herbs and their effects is well documented. A lot of
medical professionals from conventional backgrounds are beginning to give
herbal remedies more respect as they learn more about herbs.
When learning about the usage of herbs for medicinal purposes, it is
important to choose the correct dosage and to make sure of the purity of
the herb. Many people who don't know about herbs think that they are
completely harmless because they grow naturally. Unfortunately this is not
true. Herbal remedies can sometimes cause side effects if taken in
excessive dosage.
If you are not sure about herbs, consult your physician or go to a
licensed herbal practitioner. This is particularly important if you are
pregnant, breast feeding or taking medications. You need to consider the
possible drugs or nutrients interaction that could manifest due to using
medicinal herbs or herbal supplements.
A few examples of the variety of uses of different herbs and herbal products
Aloe Vera is a multi purpose herb, treating many ailments including
arthritis, acne, warts, and allergic reactions. Nigella Sativa (Black Cumin), is another herb that is used
for a variety of patients, treating influenza, stomach ache, and pulmonary
infections. Lavender can also help with arthritis.
Chamomile promotes faster healing in patients with stomach distress,
ulcers, and infections. It is also helpful to calm the nerves. Ginseng
stimulates the immune system, protects the liver from toxins and improves
stamina, while ginger helps prevents motion sickness and internal blood
clots that cause heart attack.
A lot of people who suffer from acute insomnia are reluctant to take sleeping
pills because of the possible side effects and addictive potential.
Several studies about herbs have found that Valerian root is a
good alternative and doesn't cause drowsiness in the morning. Periwinkle or dandelion
have helped many who experience general fatigue. Periwinkle and fennel can also ease
the symptoms of menopause.
Other studies about herbs an herbal products
revealed the effectiveness of raspberry leaf in treating morning sickness,
uterine irritability, and preventing threatened miscarriage during
pregnancy. Spearmint and peppermint have been shown to relieve indigestion
and aid in relaxation. St. John's Wort (one of the more dangerous herbs in incorrect
doses), has been tested in medical trials for the treatment of mild to
moderate levels of depression. Results have shown that the herb performed
better than a placebo.
Many gardeners get a lot of pleasure from growing an herb garden,
providing wonderful scents and flavor for the pot. A stock of mint, basil,
oregano, sage, thyme, and parsley will give you the basic supply needed
for most dishes. Add some rosemary and chives and you're well set up.
Although some people may not think of garlic as herb, besides the flavor,
garlic has antibiotic and anti-viral properties. In addition, it can also
treat high cholesterol and helps prevent the formation of blood clots. So,
you know what to add to your food!You'll have fun learning all about
herbs and their uses in the kitchen as well as medicine cabinets. Whether
you follow advice in herbal medicine or cookery books, listen to the experts, or
do some experimenting of your own, you will certainly learn many new and
exciting things about herbs and herbal products. Other items of
interest:
Alternative
Medicine, Including Herbs at About.com
More About Herbs
at Wikipedia
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