For many patients looking to treat a minor disease or disorder without the need for prescription medication, alternative methods such as taking herbal supplements can be a fitting option. Available widely around the world in supermarkets and local drug stores, natural medication and herbal supplements can offer many different forms of healing opportunities for those looking to incorporate them into a daily diet regimen.
Ginkgo Biloba
As one of the most commonly used herbal supplements on the market today, ginkgo biloba offers many medical benefits to those individuals looking to treat a variety of minor medical disorders or diseases. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), ginkgo biloba has been prescribed for the treatment of anxiety, depression, insomnia and even as a means to boost memory and overall brain health due to the herb's neurological-stimulating qualities. Research continues on the use of ginkgo biloba for more serious diseases like Alzheimer's disease and severe anxiety dementia. Another less common benefit to taking ginkgo biloba is for the treatment of tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, due to the herb's natural effects on the auditory center within the brain.
Kava Kava
Another popular herbal supplement is kava kava. According to the UMMC, kava kava root is either taken as a pill supplement or can be ground up and added to cold water and consumed as a beverage. The major reason kava kava is prescribed by alternative medicine professionals is for the treatment of anxiety and depression, due to the herb's natural calming qualities. Since kava kava may offer the patient a sense of well-being and calmness, this herbal supplement has also been linked to the successful treatment of insomnia. New concerns exist, however, with the prolonged use of this herb due to kava kava's effect on the liver, which can eventually lead to liver disorders or disease.
Asian Ginseng
According to the University of Michigan Health System (UMHS), another popular alternative medication is Asian ginseng. Widely available in most states and parts of the world, this herbal supplement is prescribed for the treatment of a variety of different medical disorders, such as insomnia, concentration issues, ADHD and even male infertility. While more research needs to be conducted to accurately document the effects of this herb on more serious medical conditions, scientists at UMHS are hopeful that this versatile supplement will help an even wider population of patients one day.
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