Healthy Herbs For Your Body

By Kate McMahon


Centuries before people went to see a doctor or fill a prescription for medication at a pharmacy, they turned to healthy herbs to ensure physical and emotional health. These plant based remedies help to strengthen the immune system as well as relieve pain. They are often dried in order to preserve them for use out of season; however, the process can cause them to lose some of their benefits.

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 stimulates the activity of the immune system. First used by Native Americans, this medication helps in the production of lymphocytes that destroy foreign bacteria as well as viruses. Some evidence has suggested the herb should be avoided by those with autoimmune diseases. The plant is helpful in reducing the time of healing from a cold. It can be used as a tea or leaves may be swallowed in a capsule.

St. John's Wort is offers help with depression and other mood disorders. It is an herbal alternative to Prozac. It can help to increase serotonin production in the body. The herb does have side effects and should not be combined with other anti-depressants. Other prescription medication is affected by the herb.

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 is a natural energy booster that does not use caffeine. It has been used for thousands of years in China. It may help with memory and intellectual performance. Ginseng is helpful for individual suffering chronic fatigue syndrome, but can cause retention of water along with insomnia. It should not be used if one suffers from hypertension. It can be consumed in capsule form, as a tea or as a tincture.

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 have positive benefits on the health of the user. However, individuals suffering from certain medical conditions may not be able to tolerate the side effects. With correct usage, you can feel better and have a healthier body.




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