The use of herbs to treat disease is almost universal among non-industrialized societies, and is often more affordable than purchasing expensive modern pharmaceuticals. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 80% of the population of some Asian and African countries presently use herbal medicine for some aspect of primary health care. Studies in the United States and Europe have shown that their use is less common in clinical settings, but has become increasingly more in recent years as scientific evidence about the effectiveness of herbal medicine has become more widely available.
Herbs act in magnificent ways: spasms may relax, pains are relieved, constipation overcome, nervousness recede, headaches disappear, colds be banished, allergies counteracted, fevers controlled, blood flow arrested… the magic is endless.
Since early Neanderthal man, plants and herbs have been used for healing purposes and maintaining good health. Even has medical science has progressed, methods and ideas based on herbal healing have sustained and grown in different countries, across different cultures, often being used in exactly the same way. For instance, bitter chamomile is used as digestive aid throughout the world.
Traditional herbal remedies have led scientists to the development of numerous modern pharmaceutical drugs and medicines: aspirin, tranquilizers, establishing beyond doubt the efficiency of ‘herbal medicine‘. Digoxin was first used as the plant Digitalis and Aspirin was first isolated from the bark of the Willow. Despite the advances of modern healthcare and medicine, it is quite clear to many people that plant medicine, or Phytotherapy, still plays a very important part in the health of everyone today.
Using Herbs Safely
- Never exceed the manufacturer’s recommended dose.
- Stop taking your herbal medicine if you suffer side-effects.
- Always seek professional advice if your symptoms persist.
- Do not take herbal medicines in pregnancy or when breast feeding, unless their safety has been established.
- If you are taking conventional medicine, or have any long-term medical condition, check with your doctor before taking a herbal medicine or supplement.
Recommended Herbs
- Acai Berry – Acai is thought of as nature’s perfect energy fruit. It is packed full of amino acids, antioxidants and essential omega fatty acids. The good fats! Also contains lots of iron, fiber, and many other vitamins and minerals. It is a reddish-purple fruit that is a relative of the blueberry, cranberry, and other dark purple fruits. Its antioxidant content makes it a food with unique benefits that some have referred to as a “superfood.” Vast health benefits are associated with the acai berry and its pulp. In particular, acai has 30 times the amount of anthocyanins found in red grapes. Anthocyanins are a class of flavanoids – chemicals that have been clinically shown to have extensive and remarkable benefits. They help to protect the body’s cells by fighting free radicals, which contribute to the changes that lead to cancer and heart disease.
- Green Tea – The benefits of green tea in a human body are so remarkable that it is believed that the key to a longer and healthier life may just be brewing in your cup!
- White Tea With Acai – White tea is the least processed tea and has the highest antioxidant levels. It may be the supreme drink of health.
Herbs Information Chart / Table
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HERBS
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INDICATIONS
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DOSAGE
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SIDE EFFECTS
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Angelica
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Stimulates Appetite, Expectorant for Coughs, Urinary Tract Infections, Digestive and Stomach Disorders
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Several parts of the plant are used, namely the stem, seeds and especially the root.
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Diabetic may want to refrain from using angelica, as it tends to increase sugar levels in the urine. Pregnant and lactating women too.
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Bilberry
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Diabetic Retinopathy, Allergies, Cataracts, Varicose Veins
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80 – 160mg two to three times daily. Standardized to contain 240mg anthocyanidins
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None
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Borage Oil
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Arthritis, Atherosclerosis, High Cholesterol, PMS
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1000mg up to four times daily. Standardized to contain 240mg gamma linolenic acid
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None
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Boswellia
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Arthritis, Atherosclerosis, High Cholesterol, PMS
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400mg three times daily
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None
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Bromelain
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Inflammation, Sports Injuries, Respiratory Infections, Dysmenorrhea
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250-750mg, 3 times daily on an empty stomach
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GI upset at larger doses
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Cranberry Extract
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Urinary Infection, Kidney Stone Prevention
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1 capsule twice daily Standardized to contain 11-12% quinic acid
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None
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Dong Quai
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Menopause, Menstrual Cramps, PMS
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500-1000mg three times daily. Photosensitivity at higher doses
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None
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Enchincea
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Common Cold, Viral Infection, Impaired Immune Function
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250mg two to four times daily Standardized to contain 3.5-4% total echinacosides
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None
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Evening Primrose Oil
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(See Borage Oil)
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Borage Oil has 5 times the GLA of Evening Primrose Oil
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|
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Feverfew
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Migraine Headaches, Arthritis
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50mg twice daily Standardized to contain 0.2% parthenolides
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None
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Garlic
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Infections, High Cholesterol, High Blood Pressure, Diabetes
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300-600mg up to three times daily
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May cause GI irritation
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Ginger
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Morning or Motion Sickness, Vertigo, Arthritis, Nausea
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250-500mg up to three times daily Standardized to contain 0.8% essential oils
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Can cause GI irritation at high levels
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Ginkgo Biloba
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Cerebrovascular Insufficiency, Memory Loss, Dementia, Vascular Disorders
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60mg twice daily Standardized to contain 24% ginkgoflavonglycosides
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Rare incidence of GI upset and headache
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Ginseng, Panax
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Illness Recovery, Enhancement of Sexual Function, Mental & Physical Performance, Fatigue
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100mg one to three times daily Standardized to contain 7% ginsenosides
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At higher doses possible anxiety, irritability, breast pain, menstrual changes, hypertension, insomnia
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Ginseng, Siberian
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Stress, Fatigue, Atherosclerosis, Enhancement of Mental & Physical Performance
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100-200mg up to three time daily Standardized to contain 0.5% eleutheroside
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At higher doses possible insomnia, irritability, melancholy, anxiety
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Goji
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Improves prostate health, Menstrual discomfort, Weight loss, Vision related issues, Treatment of cervical cancers, Antibacterial, Immune system, Skin irritation and inflammation
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N/A
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None
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Goldenseal
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Infections, Especially GI Parasitic & Mucous Membrane
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200mg up to three times daily. Standardized to contain 0.5% total Alkoloids calculated as hydrostine
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Higher doses may interfere with B vitamin metabolism-Not recommended during pregnancy
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Gotu Kola
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Cellulite, Wound Healing, Varicose Veins, Scleroderma
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60-120mg daily. Standardized to contain 60% asiatic and madecassic acids & 40% asiaticosides
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None
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Grapeseed Extract
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Diabetic Retinopathy, Macular Degeneration, Bruising, Peripheral Vascular Disease, Vascular Fragility
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50-100mg three times daily. Standardized to contain a procyanidolic value of 95
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None
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Gugulipid
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Atherosclerosis, Elevated Cholesterol & Triglycerides
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25mg three times daily
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None
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Hawthorn
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Atherosclerosis, High Blood Pressure, Congestive Heart Failure, Angina
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120-240mg three times daily. Standardized to contain 1.8% vitexin – 4′-rhamnoside or 10% procyanidins
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None
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Licorice
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Allergies, PMS, Menopause, Peptic Ulcer
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380-760mg 20 minutes before meals. Delycyrrhizinated licorice (DLG) is preferred
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Can cause sodium retention, high blood pressure
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Milk Thistle
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Liver Disorders, Hepatitis Cirrhosis, Psoriasis
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100-200mg up to three times daily Standardized to contain 80% silymarin calculated as silibin
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None
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Saw Palmetto
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Benign Prostate Enlargement, Decreased Function of Testes
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160mg twice daily. Standardized to contain 85% to 95% fatty acids and sterols
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None
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St. John’s Wort
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Depression, Anxiety, Insomnia
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150-300mg three times daily. Standardized to contain 0.14% hypericin
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At high levels can cause photosensitivity
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Valerian
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Insomnia, Anxiety, Intestinal Spasm, High Blood Pressure
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150-300mg one hour before sleep time. Standardized to contain 0.8% valerenic acids
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None
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