Herbal healing remedies have been used for thousands of years by cultures around the world. Many pharmaceuticals manufactured today come from flowers, trees or shrubs found in nature, and as such, herbs are a valuable and useful resource for healing and wellness. Learn and understand how a few common herbs have been used to treat individuals in a variety of situations. However, discuss the safety and efficacy of herbal remedies with your health care provider before use, especially if you're currently taking prescription medications.
Aloe Vera
A native to the American southwest and the Middle East, the aloe vera plant is also known as the lily of the desert and burn plant. The juice of the aloe vera is used to treat topical wounds and injuries such as burns, cuts and scrapes. Aloe vera juice may also be used as a natural sun block and lotion, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. However, consumers should know that there is no scientific evidence regarding the efficacy of aloe vera for these uses.
Lavender
Lavender is a flowering plant believed to have calming and soothing properties. Commonly used in aromatherapy, lavender oil remedies may be combined with other oils and applied topically to the skin. Leaves and flowers of lavender may be brewed into a tea remedy to help soothe upset stomachs and reduce anxiety and depression, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. While there is no scientific evidence to support the use of lavender as an anti-anxiety treatment, there are new results that show that when combined with other herbal oils, lavender oil may help to treat hair loss.
Saw Palmetto
Saw Palmetto is believed to offer beneficial results to men experiencing prostate enlargement, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. However, individuals considering taking saw palmetto should know that the New England Journal of Medicine, Feb. 9, 2006, states that the herb was not any more beneficial to prostate health and wellness than a placebo. Before taking saw palmetto for prostate health, discuss its efficacy with your urologist.
Wild Cherry
The Cherokee tribe of Native Americans brewed teas from the bark of the wild cherry tree to treat colds and coughs, according to PowerSource.com, a website dedicated to Native American herbal remedies. The bark of the wild cherry was also chewed or brewed into tea to treat diarrhea and some lung conditions, including bronchitis. Today, wild cherry bark extract is used to treat indigestion, chronic coughs and pleurisy. Discuss the efficacy and safety of wild cherry bark extract or brews with your primary health care provider before use.
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