In 1994, the U.S. Congress passed the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act, which drastically changed the way nutritional supplements and herbal treatments were sold and marketed. Manufacturers are able to make treatment claims on the labels of their products, which makes it easier for consumers to identify helpful herbs. Once available only from natural food stores or herbalists, herbal supplements with medical benefits are readily available in chain pharmacies and discount department stores.
Stress Reduction
An old-fashioned remedy to reduce stress and relieve tension is a cup of hot chamomile tea. St. John's wort has been used as an antidepressant and natural stress reliever for many years in Europe, though it is contraindicated for anyone taking prescription antidepressants. Valerian root is a valuable herb for anxiety and stress-related insomnia and is sometimes combined with passion flower to ensure deep sleep. Kava is an herb from the South Pacific reported to elevate moods and reduce anxiety. Kava causes drowsiness, so use it only near bedtime.
Circulation and Heart Health
Garlic is a natural blood thinner that has been proven to reduce blood pressure and blood lipids, but is contraindicated for anyone taking prescription blood thinners. In 1858 Louis Pasteur proved garlic to be a powerful anti-bacterial. Pasteur placed a few cloves in a Petri dish full of bacteria and discovered that garlic killed a variety of microorganisms. Hawthorne is an approved treatment for heart disease in Europe. Hawthorne increases blood floor and oxygen to the heart, lowers blood pressure, helps rid the body of excess salt and water, and strengthens the heart.
Colds and Flu
A study conducted at the University of Oslo in Norway by Erling Thom, published in the Journal of International Medical Research in 2002 reported that elderberry extract "could be an efficient and safe treatment for flu symptoms in otherwise healthy people and for those with compromised immune systems, such as the elderly."
Improve your defense against colds and flues with a combination of echinacea, American feverfew and goldenseal. Goldenseal reduces inflammation of the mucus membranes, which helps clear congestion; it is also reported to have mild antibiotic properties. Echinacea boosts your natural immunity. Feverfew brings body temperature down to normal. Fenugreek tea is also a natural expectorant and helps sooth a sore throat -- use 1 tsp. of fenugreek leaves in 1 cup of hot water, or 10 to 20 drops of fenugreek extract in warm water.
Sexual Potency
Ginseng is recommended for both men and women, reportedly boosting energy, improving physical stamina and enhancing sexual desire. Damiana is also considered to be a rejuvenating sexual tonic for males and females, alleged to have mild aphrodisiac properties. In Europe, saw palmetto is a highly regarded treatment for male prostate problems; the usual dosage is three 500 mg capsules per day. Ginkgo biloba relaxes blood vessels and helps improve blood flow to the genitals of men suffering from impotence due to atherosclerosis.
Warning
In spite of their general safety, herbs are powerful and sometimes interact with other herbs or prescription medications. Please consult your doctor or a qualified herbalist before beginning a herbal self-treatment program.
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