The Medicinal Values of Herbs

Herbal remedies have been around for centuries, and there are natural medicines for treating everything from allergies to skin health to reproductive and sexual issues. Many people are also turning to herbs to improve their health since supplements are often more affordable than conventional medicines, and could pose fewer side effects.

Herbs for Allergies

• There are several over-the-counter and prescription medications for seasonal allergies and hay fever, but may of these have side effects like drowsiness or can make the throat and nasal passages too dry. According to Web MD, about half of the people who suffer from allergies try an herbal remedy for relief. Herbs that can reduce sneezing, itchy eyes and coughing include butterbur, which is the herbal equivalent to the allergy medicine Singulair, according to Dr. David Rakel. Butterbur works to block the chemicals in allergic substances like pollen or dander that cause nasal passage swelling. Bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapples, is also an effective herbal remedy for allergies. The enzyme thins the mucus and relieves nasal swelling; it is also safe to mix bromelain with conventional allergy medications, according to Web MD.

Herbs for Women

• Women who want to use natural remedies to balance their hormones and increase their chances of fertility may want to take supplements like dong quai. This herb has been a part of Chinese medicine for centuries, and balances the amount of estrogen in a women's body to help relieve menopausal symptoms. Dong quai can also help to regulate a woman's period; however, it's not safe for women with diabetes or those taking conventional blood thinner medications to take the herb, according to the Fertility Helper website. Agnus castus, or Vitex, is another herb with medicinal properties that are beneficial to women. The supplement helps to promote ovulation; The Fertility Helper website also asserts that Vitex can increase a woman's chances of becoming pregnant and relieve the symptoms of PMS.

Herbs for Men

• According to the Mayo Clinic, there are several herbs that may help treat impotence and erectile dysfunction in men, although further study is needed. For instance, dehydroepiandrosterone is an herbal supplement that is ideal for men with low levels of testosterone. However, the Mayo Clinic warns that the supplement could cause acne. Panax ginseng has long been used in Chinese medicine to treat erectile dysfunction; the Mayo Clinic confirms that the herb could lower blood sugar as well, so diabetic men should use caution when taking the supplement. Gingko, which has also been heralded as an herb that boosts memory, may help enhance blood flow to the penis. According to the Mayo Clinic, gingko may be helpful to men dealing with negative sexual side effects from taking antidepressants.

Herbs for Heart Health

• According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease was the cause of 398,563 male deaths in 2006. The Illinois Department of Public Health states that in 2003, even more female deaths -- 483,842 -- were the result of heart disease. While a low-cholesterol diet with minimal saturated fats will help to prevent heart disease according to the Mayo Clinic, there are also several herbs that can improve the heart's health as well. Garlic supplements can help prevent and treat artherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries due to fat and cholesterol deposits in the artery's inner walls. Taking cayenne and rosemary regularly can help to improve circulation, and can decrease blood pressure and cholesterol levels, according to the James and Phyllis Balch's " Prescription for Nutritional Healing."