Herbal Superstars
Following is a list and discussion of some common herbs that are among those that have the best, most-recognized track record in treating health conditions:
Aloe Vera: The gel from a piece of the live plant is near miraculous for preventing skin damage from burns. You can buy Aloe vera products, which are helpful, but to really get the most benefit, a live plant is best. Keep one on hand, and if you accidentally burn yourself, slice off a piece of leaf and cut it in half (if there are spikes, trim them off) and apply the juicy part to the burn.
Arnica: This herb is famous for preventing bruising and mitigating strains and sprains. There are several products on the market: creams, gels, tablets, and drops. Simply apply the cream or gel to the injured area (but not if the skin is broken) as soon as you can after you’ve hurt yourself. Arnica works well in homeopathic oral preparations, too.
Cranberry: Cranberry is very effective for helping to prevent bladder infections. It’s hypothesized that it affects the lining of the bladder so that bacteria are unable to attach and multiply. You can take capsules or drink juice. If you drink the juice, it’s best to buy unsweetened cranberry juice and sweeten it with Stevia, a non-caloric, plant-based sweetener that doesn’t have all the nasty side-effects associated with artificial sweeteners (the most ironic of which, in my opinion, is weight gain—the most serious of which is a link to lymphoma and leukemia).
Garlic: This well-known culinary herb fights infection of all kinds—viral, bacterial, and fungal (including yeast)—helps in the treatment of cancer, improves high blood pressure, and lowers cholesterol and triglycerides. Cooked garlic and raw garlic have different healing properties; fresh, raw garlic generally has more therapeutic properties than cooked (and prepared garlic supplements). Be careful not to eat too much raw garlic or stomach upset can result. One clove a day is usually sufficient (or one clove two or three times a day for something really gnarly). If you don’t like to eat raw garlic (I don’t), you can chop it up and put it in gel caps and take it with water, or you can crush a clove and put it in salads or salad dressings.
Ginkgo: This herb has been used successfully to improve short-term memory loss, dementia (both Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia), dizziness, and tinnitus. One of its actions is thought to be increased blood flow to the brain and improvement of micro-circulation in general. Ginkgo is a very nontoxic herb, but care should be taken not to pair it with other blood-thinners (this includes aspirin and high doses of vitamin E). There is some evidence to suggest that it can have a negative interaction with MAO inhibitors as well.
Hawthorn: Hawthorn preparations are used to treat heart and vascular conditions, including angina, the early stages of congestive heart failure, coronary insufficiency, and hypertension (high blood pressure). The berries, leaves, and flowers all have therapeutic properties. With a condition as serious as heart disease, of course, self-diagnosis and self-treatment is very unwise. Be sure to consult with your health care provider if you are concerned about your heart or vascular system.
Saw palmetto: This herb has been shown to be very helpful in alleviating symptoms (such as urinary ones) related to benign prostate enlargement. When using this herb, you should get regular check-ups by your physician to ensure that there is no possibility of prostate cancer.
St. John’s wort: St. John’s wort has been shown to be effective in treating mild to moderate depression. It is not recommended for severe depression nor should it be used in combination with other anti-depressants. If taking St. John’s wort, be careful not to spend too much time in the sun.
Turmeric: A powerful anti-inflammatory, turmeric is also used for its cholesterol-reducing and cancer-fighting properties, as well as for dyspeptic and liver conditions. Turmeric usually needs to be taken for a while before it acts effectively as an anti-inflammatory. Don’t take it if you have gallstones or obstructions of bile ducts.
Valerian: This herb works well as a mild sedative and treatment for insomnia. It may also help to relieve muscle spasms. Though very rare, long-term use may cause headaches or worsen insomnia.
Note: Use the above information with good common sense and at your own risk. Be sure to consult a professional health care provider if you have any potentially serious conditions or concerns, and/or you are currently taking pharmaceutical drugs.
Above: A picture of some thyme from our garden. Thyme also has medicinal properties, primarily for treating upper respiratory infections.
Monday, May 24, 2010