Natural Medicinal Herbs

Medicinal herbs can bring relief for many common problems if used correctly. Herbal medicinal tradition and recent scientific study can be found on many common herbs and may help you find an alternative remedy for a variety of health issues. Check with a qualified expert to ensure you understand how an herb works, what cautions should be observed and how the herb may interact with other herbs and drugs.

Calendula

• The flower petals of calendula, or pot marigold, are used in a variety of healing remedies. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, healers as early as the 12th century used calendula medicinally. Calendula has antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. Many healers use calendula to treat burns, infections, bruises and cuts.

  A study using rats published in the 2009 "Journal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology" establishes that calendula can be effective for wound healing. A report in "Seminars in Oncology Nursing" reported that calendula cream may reduce dermatitis rash and inflammation that occur in breast cancer radiation treatments.

  Calendula may cause allergic reactions in individuals who are allergic to ragweed, daisies and asters. Calendula is not recommended for pregnant and nursing women or for individuals who are attempting to get pregnant.

Chickweed

• Chickweed is another wound-care plant. It can reduce pain and swelling and has traditionally been used to treat rheumatism, stiff joints and gout. Chickweed ointment or oil is typically used for these symptoms.

  Many skin conditions like acne and eczema respond well to chickweed therapy. It may be used as an ointment or poultice to care for wounds that do not heal quickly. Chickweed compresses can also reduce hemorrhoids.

  Chickweed may be taken internally as food or as a tea. You can use the leaves and flowers in raw salads. It is a mild diuretic and herbal tradition reports that it helps reduce weight and removes toxins.

Angelica

• Angelica archangelica leaves and roots have been used medicinally for centuries to treat menstrual disorders. The root has antispasmodic properties and may stimulate the secretion of gastric juices.

  Angelica root has been approved by European health regulators for treating a depressed appetite and for intestinal gas complaints. According to the "Physicians' Desk Reference for Herbal Medicines." The fruit of the plant is approved for treating fevers and cold, urinary tract infections, depressed appetite and for intestinal gas complaints.

  According to a 2005 study published in "In Vivo," angelica leaves contain an extract that inhibits the growth of tumor cells in mice. A 2004 study published in "Current Medicinal Chemistry" reported that angelica genus plants exhibited liver protective, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antitumor, analgesic and anticancer properties.

Yarrow

• The "BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine" Nov. 6, 2010 electronic journal revealed that the yarrow plant has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. The authors of the study concluded that further studies were needed to explore traditional Native American use of this plant.

  According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, traditional European herbal medicine has used yarrow topically to heal wounds, staunch bleeding and reduce inflammation. Yarrow tea reduces fever and can reduce indigestion and heartburn.

  Yarrow's antispasmodic properties work on the smooth muscles and can relieve muscle and menstrual cramps.