Many people prefer using natural or alternative treatments over conventional medicine for common health problems. Many herbs have shown efficacy in the treatment of acute colds, flu, headaches and stomach upsets. Herbs can produce side effects, so before using new herbal remedies, consult an herbal specialist or your health care practitioner.
Ginger
Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory properties as well as its ability to help settle upset stomachs. Ginger is especially helpful in the treatment of nausea and vomiting from motion sickness, flu or morning sickness. You can use ginger in one of several ways, either by making herbal tea from fresh ginger, or eating candied ginger. Additionally, you can take ginger supplements, available from health food stores, or drink ginger ale as long as it contains real ginger. Ginger can thin the blood, so consult your health care practitioner if you take blood thinners before you use ginger in large quantities.
Feverfew
Feverfew may provide relief for your headaches. It is used for many kinds of headaches, including migraines. Feverfew helps reduce sensitivity to bright light and lessens nausea associated with a migraine. It acts as an anti-inflammatory and can reduces spasms in small blood vessels contributing to migraine and tension headaches, according "The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook." Feverfew is most effective when it is taken daily over a period of time. For treatment and dosing guidelines, consult your health care practitioner.
Turmeric
Turmeric is an herb used traditionally in Eastern medicine to reduce inflammation and pain contributing to arthritis, gout and other joint diseases, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Turmeric is especially effective when combined with the natural enzyme bromelain, which comes from pineapples. Bromelain also reduces inflammation and may help relieve arthritis pain, stiffness and swelling. Both turmeric and bromelain are reputed to be most effective when taken in combination with one another. Supplements for both products are available at health food stores. Bromelain and turmeric both have the capability of thinning the blood, so speak to your health care practitioner first if you take blood thinners.
Licorice Root
Licorice root is known to help relieve sore throats, coughing and other ailments affecting the airways, such as bronchitis. It stimulates the production of prostaglandins, which cause the formation of mucilage, or a mucus film that coats tender mucous membranes, protecting them from damage. Licorice root is best taken in herbal tea form. It is naturally sweet so needs no additional sweetener. Licorice can raise the blood pressure, so speak with your health care practitioner before using it if you take medicine for hypertension.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Ginger
- Relieve-Migraine-Headache.com: Can You Get Feverfew Migraine Relief?
- "The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook: Your Everyday Reference to the Best Herbs for Healing"; James Duke; 2002
- "The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies"; Joe Graedon, MS, and Sifu Teresa Graedon; 2002
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Gout -- Lifestyle Changes
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