Healthy Herbs For Your Body

By Kate McMahon


Thousands of years before prescription medication was available for human health ailments, people used healthy herbs to keep the body well, both physically and emotionally. These plant based medications help to strengthen one's immune system or to relieve pain. They often are purchased in dried form, although it is also possible to grow many of the plants in one's own garden.

Even though these remedies have been used for centuries and are natural, they can also cause undesirable side effects. Before combining herbs with any other medication, talk with a pharmacist or your doctor about any possible interactions. Nursing mothers as well as pregnant women should talk with their doctor about any problems the herb could cause for their baby.

Echinacea is an immune system stimulant. It was first used by Native Americans, but today is understood to help produce lymphocytes that help to destroy viruses and foreign bacteria. Some evidence suggests this herb should not be used by individuals with auto-immune diseases. It may reduce the time to heal from the common cold. Echinacea is used as a tea or leaves of the plants may be used in the capsule form.

St. John's Wort can help to improve one's mood. The herbal remedy offers an alternative to Prozac. It helps the body in the production of serotonin. St. John's Wort can have side effects and should not be used if one is already taking an anti-depressant. Other medications may also be affected by this plant.

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 can help to boost one's energy. This ancient Chinese medicine has been used for thousands of years. It may also help to stimulate intellectual performance. Individuals who suffer chronic fatigue syndrome may find ginseng useful. However it can also cause insomnia and water retention. Individuals suffering from hypertension should not use ginseng. Ginseng is used as a tea, tincture or in the capsule form.

Ginkgo is a memory booster that has a recorded history of more than 5,000 years. The drug helps with depression as well as with memory. The herb has antioxidant properties that improve circulation and nerve action. However, it can cause mild headaches or stomach upset. Ginkgo is a blood thinner so it should not be used when taking aspirin or if anticipating surgery. The root is often brewed into a tea, but an extract of the root can be used with any drink for quick preparation.

Healthy herbs can provide many positive effects for one's body. However, there are certain medical conditions where the effects of these materials are not desirable. With proper use, the health benefits can help you to feel better may help the body to fight disease.




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