Herbal medicine has been used all over the world for centuries. People all over the world still use ancient herbal remedies that have been passed down from generation to generation. Many people have started investigating herbal remedies for financial reasons as well as to prevent side effects that are associated with pharmaceutical drugs. No one should ever start any herbal remedies before speaking with a physician because herbal remedies are not FDA regulated and can have severe side effects and interactions with other herbs and pharmaceutical medications.
St. John's Wort
St. John's wort is an herbal remedy that has been used since the Middle Ages, according to Drugs.com. They go on to state that Hippocrates wrote of the wound healing and anti-diuretic properties of St. John's wort. Modern research has concluded that this herb may in fact be beneficial for wound healing and anti-anxiety remedy, but is not regulated by the FDA. St. John's wort can be dangerous and has caused death. Always consult a physician before adding any new treatment to your health-care regime.
Peppermint
Peppermint has been used for thousands of years as a medicinal and enjoyable herb. This herb is often used in teas, candies and poultices for ingestion and application. Recent research has indicated that peppermint may help prevent tension headaches. External application of a 10 percent peppermint oil preparation in a recent study was about as effective in relieving tension headaches as acetaminophen, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Always consult a physician before using any herbal remedies so he may check for potential side effects and drug interactions specific to your case.
Echinacea
Echinacea is an herb that has shown some potential in immune response. Initial studies suggest that echinacea may be beneficial in preventing and treating colds and findings found a 58 percent lower chance of catching a cold and approximately a 1.4 day shorter illness in those who did become sick, the UMMC reports. More research is needed to evaluate the risks and benefits of taking this herbal remedy. Echinacea is toxic when taken in the wrong amount and may cause death. Always consult a physician before starting this herb.
Kampo
Kampo is an ancient Japanese herbal remedy that has just begun research trials in the United States. This remedy is still commonly prescribed in Japan. Initial research has suggested some benefits of kampo in treating seizure disorders and as a protective barrier for neurons, according to an article in the March 1997 "Brain & Development." More research is needed to determine side effects and toxicity, and kampo should never be taken without the direction and supervision of a physician.
References
- PubMed Central: Traditional Herbal Medicine in Far-West Nepal: A Pharmacological Appraisal
- Drugs.com: St. John's Wart
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Tension Headache
- PubMed Central: Clinical Immunology and Traditional Herbal Medicines
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Herbal Medicine
- PubMed.gov: Nervous Diseases and Kampo (Japanese Herbal) Medicine: A New Paradigm of Therapy Against Intractable Nervous Diseases
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