Healthy Herbs For The Human Body

By Kate McMahon


Long before individuals went to doctors and pharmacies for the medication needed to keep them feeling well, they turned to healthy herbs. These herbal remedies helped to strengthen the immune system and relieve pain. They were often dried so they could be preserved for use when out of season; however, this does cause some loss of the healthy benefits the plants have to offer.

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 is an herb used in improving immune system function. Discovered by Native Americans, the plant helps the body to produce lymphocytes to destroy pathogens. However, according to some clinical evidence, individuals with autoimmune diseases should avoid this herb. It can help to reduce the time the body needs to recover from a cold when used as a tea or taken in capsule form.

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 can help users to relax. It makes a great tasting tea without caffeine. It is helpful with insomnia, mouth ulcers, anxiety, eczema and gum disease. It can help with problems with the nervous and digestive systems. Chamomile is also thought to have antimicrobial properties. Tinctures offer an option other than the tea that some people prefer to use.

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 can help to boost one's memory. It is recorded as being used first in China more than 5,000 years ago. The herb offers antioxidant help and improves nerve action as well as circulation. Side effects include mild headaches and upset stomach. The herb does cause thinning of the blood, so it should not be used in conjunction with aspirin or within the weeks before surgery. The root of the plant is brewed into a tea, but extracts are also available for individuals who prefer the ability to simply add the herb to other beverages they enjoy without waiting for it to brew.

Healthy herbs offer many positive benefits for the human body. However, certain medical conditions make the side effects undesirable. When used correctly, you may feel better, and your body better prepared to fight against disease.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment