Herbal Health Options

Herbal remedies are used both for medicinal purposes and as a method of enhancing overall wellness and health. Most herbal remedies have their origins in hundreds or even thousands of years of use and have been proven to help certain symptoms. There are hundreds of herbal remedies available on the market. Here are a few of the more popular ones.

Goldenseal

• Goldenseal is a plant native to The United States. It was originally found on the eastern part of the country but has now been planted in the western United States and Canada, too. Goldenseal resembles a daisy flower yet has a small red berry that resembles a raspberry. The medicinal compound in Goldenseal is Berberine. It is suspected to activate white blood cells which helps fight infection. Goldenseal is used to treat indigestion, stomachache, constipation, diarrhea, ulcers, canker sores, sore throat, gingivitis, sore mouth, vaginal irritation, mild conjunctivitis, colds and flu, and earaches.

Chamomile

• Chamomile is native to Europe and Asia and has been used as a remedy for centuries. Chamomile is good for treating stomachaches and any inflammation. The active medicinal ingredients in chamomile are oils such as alpha-bisabolol, alpha-bisabolol oxides A & B, and matricin, and flavanoids such as apigenin, luteolin and quercetin. Chamomile is also good for treating muscle pain and spasms and as such has been used as a calming medicine by many cultures. Chamomile is usually taken as a tea.

Garlic

• Garlic is a strong medicinal herb that has been used by many cultures. Garlic is known to support the immune system and has been used to fight colds and flus. The active ingredient in garlic is alliin which is converted to allicin when crushed. Allicin gives garlic both its strong smell and medicinal properties. It is used to treat menstrual pain, high blood pressure, coughs, gastrointestinal problems, atherosclerosis and bronchitis, but has also been documented to kill fungal infections, viruses, bacteria and even help prevent colon cancer as it is a strong antioxidant. Garlic can be taken as a tablet, oil or simpy eaten raw or cooked with food.

Ginseng

• Ginseng is the single most popular herbal remedy. It has been used consistently over a 5,000-year period in China and provides many minerals that have highly beneficial properties for the human body. Ginseng is used to give energy and vitality and is used to support the immune system. It is used to treat stress, failing memory, obesity, flagging vitality, exhaustion, the immune system, fatigue, fertility issues and increases virility. It can be taken as a capsule and many teas and herbal energy drinks contain ginseng.