How Well Does an Herb Help With a Condition Or Symptom?
How Well Does an Herb Help With a Condition Or Symptom?
Blog Article
Herbs add flavour, colour and texture to our food without adding fat, salt or sugars. They also have a wide range of health-promoting properties, including reducing stress, anxiety and pain. But how well an herb works for a condition or symptom depends on many factors, such as the environment in which it grows and how it’s prepared.
Garlic
Garlic is one of the most familiar and used spices in the world. This bulb-shaped vegetable is a member of the Allium (onion) family, which includes scallions, shallots, leeks and chives.
A major ingredient in many cuisines, garlic is grown worldwide. It grows underground and is enclosed in a paperlike skin called the bulb or head. The bulb is comprised of individual sections called cloves.
Raw garlic is odoriferous, but cooking mellows the odor and flavor. Garlic has powerful antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant action. It also promotes healthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels and has been shown to prevent atherosclerosis. It may interact with certain health conditions, medications and dietary supplements.
Black Cohosh
Black cohosh is an herb used to treat women’s health problems, including hot flashes. Studies suggest it might also improve sleep, benefit mental health and help with weight loss. However, more research is needed to prove these benefits.
You can use black cohosh in a dietary supplement or as a tincture. A typical dosage is 20 to 40 milligrams per day. It is important to talk with your doctor before taking any herbs, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. This herb might cause unwanted effects when taken with certain medications, such as birth control pills and estrogen-sensitive conditions. This herb should also not be combined with any medication that moves in and out of cells through pumps, such as insulin.
Echinacea
Echinacea is a flowering plant in the daisy family and has been used as a medicinal herb for over 400 years. People use it to treat infections and wounds.
Several studies support the effectiveness of echinacea in shortening the duration and severity of colds, upper respiratory infections, vaginal yeast (candida) infections, and slow-healing wounds.
People who are allergic to plants in the Herbalife membership daisy family (such as ragweed or marigold) may have a reaction to echinacea. People should also not take echinacea if they are taking immunosuppressive medications such as those used to prevent rejection of organ transplants. Other reported adverse effects are rare and minor.
Rosemary
Rosemary, a shrub with fragrant needle-like leaves and flowers that can be either white or purple, is native to the Mediterranean region. It’s also grown as an ornamental plant in many places around the world.
Its antimicrobial properties can inhibit the growth of bacteria. It may help prevent macular degeneration in older people and it has been shown to reduce blood pressure.
Studies suggest that rosemary and its constituent rosmarinic acid can enhance cognition in animals, especially by helping them learn new things. It also promotes healthy circulation and supports digestion. You can add rosemary to foods or take it in a supplement. You can also apply rosemary essential oil to the skin.
Sorrel
Sorrel is a brightly tart leafy green that adds an interesting and healthy kick to soups, stews, and sauces. It also pairs well with goat cheese and eggs. It’s a good source of vitamin A and C. It can help reduce excess mucus and is used as a natural remedy for gastrointestinal issues such as acidity, constipation etc.
You can start sorrel from seeds or buy ready-made plants. It thrives in rich, moist soil. French sorrel is a low-growing plant with shield-shaped leaves and has less oxalic acid than garden or sheep sorrel. It’s great for salads and a tasty companion to smoked fish.
St. John’s Wort
St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a herb people take to treat depression and other mood disorders. In studies, it seems to be as effective as antidepressants. It can also help with atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.
However, if someone has major depression or bipolar disorder, it may worsen those symptoms. It can also increase a person’s risk for psychosis.
It’s best to consult with a doctor or pharmacist before taking this herb. It can interfere with some medications, including SSRI antidepressants. It can also cause serotonin syndrome, a serious condition that includes flushed skin, confusion, vomiting, rapid heart rate, and tremors. It can also interact with certain types of triptan drugs used to treat migraines.
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