Despite advances in medical research, herbal remedies have made a comeback. This has led to herbs being marketed around the world with many claims of health benefits. Many of these herbal medications have been used for centuries and people rediscovered them, finding them useful in treating their own ailments. Here are some of them.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a plant that has several uses. The most common use is on the skin as treatment for burns, infections and wounds. This is backed up by a preliminary report, according to the Mayo Clinic, that aloe vera may help heal wounds and sooth inflammation of the skin. Aloe vera also has been used for centuries to fight constipation.
Bloodroot
Bloodroot has been used to treat skin problems, such as warts and other ailments, including fevers and sore throats. Its scientific name is sanguinaria canadensis and other regional names include coonroot, tetterwort, red root and snakebite. It may have some medicinal value in treating cancer and diseases in the mouth, such as periodontal disease and gingivitis.
Burdock
The Japanese eat burdock, known in Asia as the vegetable gobo. It has been used to treat tumors, pain in the joints, breathing difficulties and to stimulate regeneration of cells in the body. The scientific name of burdock is arctium lappa. It also is known under such names as burr seed, cockle burr, hurr-bur and love leaves.
Alfalfa
Alfalfa is a natural herb that has many potential medicinal effects. Along with its nutritional value, alfalfa also has been used to treat cancer, heart disease, strokes, endometriosis and diabetes. It also can be used to help a person detox from drugs and alcohol. It also may work to flush cholesterol out of the human body, not allowing it to remain in the blood or stick to the walls of the arteries.
Gingko Biloba
The leaves of gingko biloba have been used to treat blood problems, especially in the elderly. It also may be used to treat problems in the ears, eyes, legs and heart. Gingko tea, made from gingko biloba also may have medicinal effects for breathing difficulties, such as bronchitis and asthma. There also may be antioxidant properties that destroy free radicals from the environment that can cause illness.
St. John's Wort
The scientific name for St. John's wort is hypercium perforatum. It is used to fight anxiety and depression and may work to control Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It also is known as hardhay, rosin rose, tipton and amber. It also may sooth menstrual cramps.
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