Herbal medicine, the oldest form of health care, involves the use of herbs for their therapeutic or medicinal value. Herbalists prepare leaves, flowers, stems, berries, roots and seeds to use in medicines or dietary supplements. Medicinal herbs are a major component of Ayurvedic, homeopathic, naturopathic, traditional Chinese and Native American medicine. Licorice root, milk thistle and ginger root are examples of medicinal herbs. There is insufficient clinical evidence to support the effectiveness of these herbs for improving organ health. Consult your health care provider before you begin an alternative herbal regimen.
Licorice Root
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine lists treating stomach ulcers and bronchitis among the uses of licorice. "There are not enough reliable data to determine whether licorice is effective for stomach ulcers," reports the Center. In modern Japanese medicine, licorice root is part of the treatment for liver inflammation. According to traditional Chinese medicine theory, licorice root invigorates the spleen and qi, moistens the lungs, clears toxic heat and affects heart, lung, spleen and stomach meridians. Consult your doctor before using licorice root, especially if you have heart disease or high blood pressure or if you are pregnant, all conditions that require caution in the use of licorice root.
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle "protects the cells of the liver by blocking the entrance of harmful toxins and helping to remove these toxins from liver cells," according to HolisticOnline.com. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, while studies provide some evidence that milk thistle "improves liver function" and increases survival in patients with cirrhosis and hepatitis, problems with the studies--including small study groups--"make it hard to draw any real conclusions."
"There is no conclusive evidence to prove its claimed uses" to improve liver function, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Check with your health care provider before using this herb, especially if you are taking medication to treat liver problems. Pregnant and breast-feeding women should avoid taking milk thistle.
Ginger Root
The Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine lists treating stomach aches, nausea and diarrhea as uses for ginger root in Asian medicine and reports many digestive and cold and flu dietary supplements sold in the U.S. contain ginger extract. "Studies are mixed on whether ginger is effective for nausea caused by motion, chemotherapy or surgery," according to the Center. As a digestive aid, "ginger root stimulates digestion, tones intestinal muscles and assists the transport of substances through the digestive tract," according to HolisticOnline.com. Check with your health care provider before using ginger as a dietary supplement.
References
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Herbs at a Glance: Licorice Root
- Yin Yang House: Gan Cao--Licorice Root
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Milk Thistle
- Holistic Online: Herb Information: Milk Thistle
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Herbs at a Glance: Ginger
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