Herbal remedies have been used for centuries to help treat numerous ailments. MedlinePlus states that herbs are plants or plant parts that are used medicinally and possess therapeutic properties. Herbs are a type of dietary supplement that may help improve the health and function of your body's organs and tissues. If you are considering using herbs to help treat your health concerns, meet with your doctor to discuss herb-related topics, including dosage, treatment duration and side effects.
Herbs for Gout
The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases states that gout is a painful condition in which uric acid -- a metabolic waste product -- is deposited into your joints and the surrounding soft tissues. Numerous herbs have been used to treat gout, states Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic doctor, botanical medicine expert and author of "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth." Commonly used herbal remedies for gout include burdock, dandelion, juniper, nettle and shepherd's purse.
Herbs for Kidney Stones
Kidney stones, states the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse, are concretions, or hard masses, that develop from crystals that separate out of your urine in your urinary tract. If your kidney stones block the flow of urine, you may experience significant back, side and abdominal pain. Herbs that may help treat acute kidney stone attacks include wild yam, valerian and kava kava. Herbs that may help prevent kidney stones from forming include gravel root, corn silk and hydrangea.
Herbs for Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy
According to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse, enlargement of a man's prostate gland is called benign prostatic hypertrophy, or BPH. Common symptoms of BPH include a weak stream when urinating, urinary urgency or leaking and increased frequency of nocturnal urination. Joseph E. Pizzorno Jr., a naturopathic doctor and author of "The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Medicine," states that saw palmetto, cernilton, African pygeum and stinging nettles are helpful herbs in treating BPH.
Disclaimer
Some herbs are not appropriate for certain individuals. If you are pregnant or have a known medical condition, you should use extra caution when taking herbs to help treat your ailments. Consider visiting a botanically trained health care professional prior to taking herbs to discuss herb-related procedures and risks and other therapies that may also be beneficial. Herbs, like pharmaceutical drugs, contain chemically active substances that can induce significant physiological changes within your body.
References
- MedlinePlus: Herbal Medicine
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: Gout
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
- National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Kidney Stones in Adults
- National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse: The Prostate Gland
