Herbs That Are Good For Health

Herbal remedies come from the roots, leaves and pods of plants. These plants contain chemicals that, when used properly, ease the symptoms of some medical conditions. While the medical benefits of many herbs need more study, research studies have proved some herbs effective for treating several common ailments. Discuss herbal remedies with a physician to avoid some of the adverse effects.

Echinacea

Echinacea contains glycoproteins, flavonoids, alkamides and other substances that make it useful for health purposes. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that several studies confirm the substances in echinacea relieve pain, boost the immune system, reduce inflammation and provide antioxidant effects on the body.

Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo biloba, also known as maidenhair tree, grows in Korea, China, France and some parts of the United States. The leaves of this tree contain ginkgo flavone glycosides and terpene lactones. Ginkgo flavone glycosides may keep platelets from sticking together and have an antioxidant effect. Terpene lactones increase circulation and may protect the nerve cells from damage. The University of Michigan Health System reports that reliable and consistent data exists to support the use of ginkgo biloba for early-stage Alzheimer's disease, glaucoma and age-related cognitive decline.

Ginger

Used as a remedy for digestive problems, ginger root eases nausea, vomiting and the symptoms of motion sickness. Ginger also eases morning sickness in pregnant women. Researchers from the University of Naples performed a review of randomized, double-blind research studies to determine the effectiveness of ginger in treating morning sickness. Four of the six studies that met the review criteria showed that ginger relieved morning sickness symptoms better than a placebo. Two of them showed that ginger had the same efficacy as vitamin B6, which doctors recommend for pregnancy-induced nausea. The results of this review appeared in the April 2005 issue of "Obstetrics and Gynecology."

St. John's Wort

St. John's wort grows in Europe and the United States, particularly in southern Oregon and northern California. This herb contains dianthrones, xanthones, flavonoids and hyperforin. Some of these substances increase the amount of dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain, producing an antidepressant effect. While some people advocate the use of this herb for eczema, depression and seasonal affective disorder, insufficient studies exist to support the benefits of St. John's wort for these conditions.

Black Cohosh

Black cohosh relieves symptoms of menopause such as irritability, hot flashes and mood swings. The National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements indicates that one study compared the use of black cohosh with estrogen replacement or a placebo in women who had hysterectomies. These women retained at least one ovary after the hysterectomy procedure. The group that used black cohosh experienced a greater decrease in hot flashes than the groups receiving estrogen replacement or the placebo.