Herbal medicine, also known as alternative medicine, is used to prevent and treat various ailments. It is also known as phytotherapy, herbalism, botanical medicine, medical herbalism or medicinal botany. A basic system of herbal medicine includes Ayurvedic herbalism, traditional Chinese herbalism and Western herbalism. Various herbs are known for having amazing medicinal properties. Herbal medicine is one of the oldest forms of health care. Use of herbs has been practiced for several centuries to cure a number of illnesses. Herbal medicines can be taken in the form of tablets, extracts, teas, essential oils or ointments.

Herbs having Medicinal Properties

In nature, there are a huge variety of herbs, having medicinal properties and they are used to prepare the herbal medicines. They can be used directly in the form of extracts or tea, or used to produce the drugs. Several herbs consist of powerful ingredients, which are helpful to cure a number of health problems. They can be used safely, without causing any side effects. Some of the commonly used herbs are American ginseng, bee pollen, astragalus, cat’s claw, black cohosh, bladder wrack, chamomile, feverfew, damiana, dong quai, flaxseed, ginger, garlic, ginkgo biloba, grape seed, green tea, licorice, muira puama, saw palmetto, suma, schizandra, tea tree, turmeric, soy isoflavones, white willow, etc.

Ephedra is an appetite suppressant. It is used to treat asthma or bronchitis. Echinacea helps strengthen immune system and protects from flu and common cold. Feverfew is used to prevent migraine headache and also helps manage allergies, rheumatic disease and arthritis. Kava-kava is used to treat stress, anxiety and restlessness. Ginkgo increases oxygenation and blood circulation and helps improve memory and concentration. Valerian is a muscle relaxant and a mild sedative and helps deal with insomnia. Ginger decreases and prevents vertigo, nausea and vomiting. Read the rest of this entry »