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Herbs and Botanicals
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Herbs are plants that are used for food, flavoring, and medicinal purposes. They have been used to treat or prevent diseases in many countries for thousands of years. They have not been as rigorously studied as prescribed medicines.
Garlic lowers cholesterol and triglycerides, and can prevent atherosclerosis. It has also been shown to improve hypertension. Garlic is probably cancer protective because it has been shown to have antioxidant properties, protecting against free radicals. Garlic also has antibacterial properties; garlic has been used as an antibiotic until more pharmaceutical antibiotics were available. Garlic has been shown to have anti-fungal properties, thus it has been used for recurrent yeast infections and athlete’s foot. It is also a natural anticougulant.
St. John’s Wort has been found to be equally effective as SSRIs in treating mild depression, with fewer side effects. It has also been used as a mild tranquilizer. It is unknown exactly how St. John’s Wort works, but it probably inhibits the reuptake of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. St John’s Wort has also been used for menopausal symptoms and PMS but without outstanding results. Women have used St. John’s Wort for menstrual cramps with mild success.
Black cohosh is used for treating menopausal symptoms, PMS, and dysmenorrhea. Women have used black cohosh as a substitute for hormone replacement therapy, but plants can not produce estrogen or progesterone. As a result, studies have shown that black cohosh is no better than a placebo in controlling hot flashes. It has also been shown to be mildly effective in treating PMS and nervous tension.
Ginkgo biloba is used to improve memory, so it is taken to improve or prevent Alzheimer’s Disease. It works by protecting brain cells from injury. Because of ginkgo’s blood thinning effect, it is also used to improve circulation and has been used to treat peripheral vascular disease such as claudication. As a result it should not be used with other blood thinners like coumadin. It has been postulated to alleviate altitude sickness as well as help with the emotional disturbances of PMS. Ginkgo has also been used to treat mild depression.
Chamomile is widely used in tea. It is used to promote restful sleep. People also take it to enhance mood, it is felt to act on the GABA receptor. It has also been used in a cream form for skin inflammation and wound healing. Inhaled chamomile has been used for asthma.
Echinacea is used for preventing or treating infections, especially the common cold and flu. Antibiotics attack the bacterial pathogen, whereas echinacea stimulates the immune system to make antibodies to attack the pathogen. It is most efficient when taken at the onset of an infection, and long term use to enhance the immune system has not been shown to be effective. It is mainly used for upper respiratory illnesses, but has also been used to treat urinary tract infections and ear infections.
Valerian is used to thwart anxiety. It has been helpful in promoting sleep problems related to anxiety and nervousness. It is felt to work on the GABA receptor. Valerian is also used to promote concentration.
Passion flower is used to relieve anxiety, insomnia, restlessness, and muscle tension. It is less potent than valerian.
Chasteberry is mostly used for treating menopause symptoms and PMS. It has also been used for cyclical breast pain. It is felt to act on the pituitary and suppress the release of prolactin. As a result it has been used for irregular menstrual cycles and infertility without any conclusive results.
Lemon balm (melissa officinalis) in the oral form is primarily used for anxiety and insomnia. In the topical form it is used for oral and genital herpes outbreaks.
Kava is used for anxiety and insomnia. It is felt to act on the GABA receptor, similar to valium and valerian. It is recommended that kava is not used for longer than three months secondary to the possibility of liver damage.
Ginseng is used to treat fatigue, concentration, and improve general well being. It is also used as a stimulant to improve sports performance. It has also been found to improve immunity. Women have used ginseng for menopausal symptoms, but studies have shown no significant benefits.
Devil’s claw is used for arthritis and is felt to maintain joint mobility. It is also used for back pain and indigestion.
Green tea is believed to be an antioxidant secondary to having high levels of polyphenols and catechins. As a result it may be protective against cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. It is also felt to be protective to the liver. It has been shown to increase weight loss by increasing fat metabolism. All teas have been found to boost the immune system by increasing interferon gamma.
Cranberry is believed to protect from heart disease, strokes, and cancer secondary to possessing a strong antioxidant effect. It protects the cardiovascular system further by increasing HDL cholesterol levels. It is also used for the prevention of bladder infections.
Blueberries have been found to protect from arterial damage secondary to keeping arterial walls elastic.
Flaxseed is taken to reduce cholesterol, triglycerides, and artherosclerosis. It is also thought to be protective against breast cancer. The dominant oil in flaxseed is omega-3 fatty acid, as a result it reduces inflammation. Flaxseed is also a good source of protein and fiber.
Turmeric is primarily used to flavor curry. Curcumin is a nutrient within turmeric. Curcumin is an antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory properties. It aids in digestion. More recently small studies have indicated that it may lower cholesterol, protect from liver disease, and prevent Alzheimer’s disease. It is also felt to be protective against colon cancer.
Milk thistle is an enhancer of liver function. Silymarin is the principle active ingredient in milk thistle that protects the liver. As a result it is used to treat liver cirrhosis, viral hepatitis, and alcoholic hepatitis. There is no pharmaceutical counterpart.
Broccoli contains glucoraphanin. Glucoraphanin increases the production of antioxidants, thus decreasing inflammation. Broccoli can improve cardiovascular health by preventing artherosclerosis, decreasing blood pressure, and preventing strokes.
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