Common Herbs for Natural Health

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Olive leaf comes from the olive tree, and it is used in extracts, powders and teas to reduce inflammation, improve cardiovascular health, boost the immune system, prevent diabetes, support cognitive function, protect the skin, kill bacteria and fungi, reduce the risk of cancer, and boost energy levels. 68. Oregano

Khalesi S, et al. (2015). Flaxseed consumption may reduce blood pressure: A systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled trials. DOI:

Sarsaparilla is an herb that’s a member of the lily plant family. The plant’s roots are ground and used to make teas, tinctures and supplements that help relieve respiratory conditions, treat skin problems like psoriasis, reduce pain caused by inflammation, improve libido, ease headache pain, aid digestion, reduce fevers, and fight infections. Skullcap is a plant in the mint family that can be used to alleviate anxiety, insomnia and hysteria; stimulate blood flow in the pelvic region; relieve muscle spasms; reduce inflammation; and encourage menstruation. Research also suggests that skullcap, which is available in many forms, can help fight cancer cells because of its ability to neutralize free radicals. 86. Slippery Elm You can also use fresh or dried turmeric in dishes like curries, although the amount you typically eat in food isn’t likely to have a significant medicinal effect. Therefore, I suggest that you bulk up your spice cabinet and start cooking with fresh herbs — perhaps blended into your own seasoning blends — that provide therapeutic components you probably didn’t realize were there. There are also some more obscure herbs and spices (such as gymnema sylvestre) that can be found in tea, extract, capsule and tablet forms to relieve specific conditions, from infertility and menopause symptoms to diabetes, liver disease and cognitive decline. The possibilities are limitless! 101 Herbs and Spices for Healing the Body 1. Aloe Vera

Koulivand PH, Khaleghi Ghadiri M, Gorji A. Lavender and the nervous system. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013;2013:681304. doi:10.1155/2013/681304 St. John’s wort (SJW) is an herbal medicine derived from the flowering plant Hypericum perforatum. Its small, yellow flowers are commonly used to make teas, capsules, or extracts ( 16). Kava is an herbal plant that is commonly used to ease anxiety, stress and insomnia. It also boosts the immune system, relieves headache and migraine pain, eases respiratory tract infections, and may even play a role in cancer prevention. However, kava root comes with the potential for drug abuse, and when taken by mouth, it can cause liver damage. 53. Kudzu Root It’s commonly used to relieve arthritis pain because of its ability to reduce inflammation and ease pain. Some other devil’s claw benefits are digestive support and improved kidney health. 33. Dill Weed Chamomile is safe for most people but may cause an allergic reaction — especially if you’re allergic to similar plants, such as daisies, ragweed, or marigolds ( 26).As well as the range of single herbs, there are many combination products available. Single herbs have the advantage that you can choose the ones that may be right for your symptoms and identify any that cause side effects or allergic reactions. University of Toronto researchers combed 30 years of medical literature (1966 to 1996) for reports of drug side effects in hospital patients. Extrapolating from the 39 most rigorous studies, they estimated that drug side effects kill an astonishing 106,000 U.S. hospital patients per year and cause 2.2 million serious, nonfatal problems. This makes drug side effects the nation’s fourth leading cause of death. The true number of drug-caused injuries is undoubtedly higher; this study focused solely on hospital patients, not the public. Note: These deaths didn’t result from medical errors; they occurred when drugs were administered as approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Holy basil is an adaptogen herb that can be used to relieve or ease conditions like anxiety, hypothyroidism, adrenal fatigue and acne. Research shows that holy basil benefits also include its ability to fight cancer, control blood glucose levels and regulate cortisol levels. You can find holy basil in supplement form or drink tulsi tea for these benefits. 47. Horehound

As Gypsies Wander: Being an account of life with gypsies in England, Provence, Spain, Turkey, London: Faber, 1952 Though insufficient data exists to evaluate the long-term effects of this herb, short-term use is generally considered safe. That said, side effects like nausea, stomach pain, and skin rash have occasionally been reported ( 4). Milk thistle is a weed that has been used medicinally for over 2,000 years. It works by drawing toxins that can cause illness and disease out of the body.Another study cites that flax seed has the ability to reduce blood pressure. When consumed, it can even aid in reducing obesity. Many people add flax seed and flaxseed meal to oatmeal and smoothies, and it’s also available in the form of tablets, oil (which can be put into capsules), and flour. Consuming saffron promotes cardiovascular health, alleviates symptoms of PMS, treats anxiety and depression, promotes satiety and can help with weight loss, treats erectile dysfunction, and helps prevent or treat cancer. 81. Sage It works as a potent antioxidant, reduces inflammation, boosts the immune system, supports digestion, reduces pain and lowers cholesterol levels. Ginger root benefits also include its ability to improve diabetes, reduce arthritis pain and fight cancer. 42. Ginkgo Biloba

As Gypsies Wander: Being an account of life with gypsies in England, Provence, Spain, Turkey, London: Faber & Faber, 1962. Several varieties exist, but the two most popular are the Asian and American types — Panax ginseng and Panax quinquefolius, respectively. American ginseng is thought to cultivate relaxation, while Asian ginseng is considered more stimulating ( 5).

Ginseng

Taghizadeh, M., et al. (2015). Effect of the cumin cyminum L. intake on weight loss, metabolic profiles and biomarkers of oxidative stress in overweight subjects: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Studies that are available on this oil tend to be all over the map, but there are studies that are stronger than others. For example, some studies have found that evening primrose oil has anti-inflammatory properties. It’s been known to help with conditions such as atopic dermatitis and diabetic neuropathy. It can also help with other health concerns, such as breast pain.