Cultures throughout history have used organic herbs for healing purposes, and now modern technologies are helping to prove our ancestors may have been on to something. Researchers have conducted clinical trials to determine organic herbs' effectiveness on certain conditions. Through these trials, we can see which herbs have merit and which do not. Herbs for healing will still have allergy precautions and side effects. Always check with a doctor before beginning an herbal remedy.
Green Tea
Green tea, or Camellia sinensis, is made by steaming the leaves of the plant. It has been said to prevent cancer, particularly skin, breast and stomach cancer, because of the EGCG component. EGCG, or epigallocatechin gallate, is an antioxidant. It is also added to skin products and weight loss aids. Clinical testing shows green tea may be able to protect or slow cancer, but more research is needed, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Side effects do include frequent need to urinate, nausea, diarrhea, upset stomach, insomnia, anxiety and irritability.
St. John's Wort
St. John's wort, or Hypericum perforatum L., is commonly used as an antidepressant. In clinical testing, it has shown preliminary effectiveness equal to tricyclic antidepressants for depressive disorder, according to Medline Plus. It has shown promise in early testing for effectiveness in treating somatoform disorders, which are physical symptoms that appear to be of psychic origin. Side effects include skin reactions, headache, dry mouth, dizziness, gastrointestinal upset, sexual dysfunction and fatigue.
Saw Palmetto
Saw Palmetto, or Serenoa repens, is used for prostate treatment. It is clinically shown in early trials to be effective in improving the frequency and the severity of symptoms from benign prostatic hypertrophy, or enlargement of the prostate, according to Medline Plus. Side effects from saw palmetto include stomach pain, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, bad breath and nausea.
Black Cohosh
Black cohosh, or Cimicifuga racemosa, is used for menopausal symptoms like vaginal dryness, mood disturbances and hot flashes. Clinical trials have tested black cohosh for its effectiveness in other areas, such as arthritis pain, breast cancer and migraines. In these laboratory tests, as well as for menopausal symptoms, there has been no definitive effectiveness found, according to Wellness.com. Side effects include headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, show heart beat, constipation and low blood pressure.
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