More and more people are turning to in herbal supplements as an alternative to pharmaceutical drugs. Cultures around the world have made use of the healing power of plants for hundreds of years. Today, scientists are uncovering the active ingredients responsible for the medicinal properties of many botanicals. Some of the most popular and widely recommended herbal remedies are described below.
Ginko biloba is a tree that grows in mountainous regions of China. Compounds in its leaves work to lower high blood pressure by widening the arteries. Improved circulation to the brain enhances concentration, alertness and memory. The herb is also a source of antioxidants which protect cells from damage and help to defend against cancer.
Ginko biloba is a tree that grows in mountainous regions of China. Compounds in its leaves work to lower high blood pressure by widening the arteries. Improved circulation to the brain enhances concentration, alertness and memory. The herb is also a source of antioxidants which protect cells from damage and help to defend against cancer.
Gotu kola is red-flowered herb that grows in swampy areas. Molecules in the leaves called triterpenes help to reduce swelling and improve circulation. Gotu kola is most commonly taken as a treatment for varicose veins. It improves vascular tone and elasticity, reducing the leakage that causes blood vessels to bulge.
Hoodia Gordonii is an African succulent plant which resembles a cactus. It was traditionally used by the San Bushmen of the Kalahari desert to ward off hunger and thirst during long hunting trips. In the West, hoodia has become a popular as an aid to weight loss. It contains a steroidal glycoside, called P57 which acts as a natural appetite suppressant.
Milk thistle belongs to the sunflower family. A substance called silymarin contained within its seeds works to detoxify, regenerate and repair the liver. The herb can be used to protect against the liver damaging effects of chemotherapy. It is also helpful for those suffering from liver diseases such as hepatitis.
Saw palmetto is a palm which grows in the southeastern United States. Native Americans used the berries to treat male reproductive and urinary problems. Today the herb is most commonly taken by men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (an enlarged prostate). It is helpful for improving BPH symptoms including urination problems.
Valerian is a plant with trumpet-shaped flowers native to Europe and Asia. The ancient Greeks and Romans used its root as a sedative and sleeping aid. Valerian is still a popular remedy for insomnia. Many people take it as an alternative to prescript
Hoodia Gordonii is an African succulent plant which resembles a cactus. It was traditionally used by the San Bushmen of the Kalahari desert to ward off hunger and thirst during long hunting trips. In the West, hoodia has become a popular as an aid to weight loss. It contains a steroidal glycoside, called P57 which acts as a natural appetite suppressant.
Milk thistle belongs to the sunflower family. A substance called silymarin contained within its seeds works to detoxify, regenerate and repair the liver. The herb can be used to protect against the liver damaging effects of chemotherapy. It is also helpful for those suffering from liver diseases such as hepatitis.
Saw palmetto is a palm which grows in the southeastern United States. Native Americans used the berries to treat male reproductive and urinary problems. Today the herb is most commonly taken by men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (an enlarged prostate). It is helpful for improving BPH symptoms including urination problems.
Valerian is a plant with trumpet-shaped flowers native to Europe and Asia. The ancient Greeks and Romans used its root as a sedative and sleeping aid. Valerian is still a popular remedy for insomnia. Many people take it as an alternative to prescript
Milk thistle belongs to the sunflower family. A substance called silymarin contained within its seeds works to detoxify, regenerate and repair the liver. The herb can be used to protect against the liver damaging effects of chemotherapy. It is also helpful for those suffering from liver diseases such as hepatitis.
Saw palmetto is a palm which grows in the southeastern United States. Native Americans used the berries to treat male reproductive and urinary problems. Today the herb is most commonly taken by men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (an enlarged prostate). It is helpful for improving BPH symptoms including urination problems.
Valerian is a plant with trumpet-shaped flowers native to Europe and Asia. The ancient Greeks and Romans used its root as a sedative and sleeping aid. Valerian is still a popular remedy for insomnia. Many people take it as an alternative to prescription sleeping pills which may become addictive with long-term use.
Always consult your doctor before taking herbal supplements. Although they are prepared from natural botanicals, they do contain medically active ingredients. Some herbs used to treat one condition may exacerbate another. Herbs may also interfere with the effects of prescription drugs.
Saw palmetto is a palm which grows in the southeastern United States. Native Americans used the berries to treat male reproductive and urinary problems. Today the herb is most commonly taken by men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (an enlarged prostate). It is helpful for improving BPH symptoms including urination problems.
Valerian is a plant with trumpet-shaped flowers native to Europe and Asia. The ancient Greeks and Romans used its root as a sedative and sleeping aid. Valerian is still a popular remedy for insomnia. Many people take it as an alternative to prescription sleeping pills which may become addictive with long-term use.
Always consult your doctor before taking herbal supplements. Although they are prepared from natural botanicals, they do contain medically active ingredients. Some herbs used to treat one condition may exacerbate another. Herbs may also interfere with the effects of prescription drugs.