Natural Herbal Remedies & Their Many Benefits

Eighty percent of the world's population primarily relies on herbal remedies for their health and wellness, according to "Prescription for Natural Cures," and physicians in Germany and China alike commonly prescribe herbs alongside conventional pharmaceuticals. Though natural herbal remedies can be beneficial for some health conditions, they also carry potential hazards. Use herbal remedies under the supervision of your doctor.

Benefits to Physical Health

The benefits of herbal remedies for various physical conditions are increasingly being explored by medical scientists. Examples of herbal remedies deemed "possibly effective" by the U.S. National Library of Medicine on the basis of scientific research include ginger, for morning sickness, dizziness, and post-surgical nausea; devil's claw, for osteoarthritis and low back pain; aloe, for constipation; and bilberry, for eye problems associated with diabetes. Do not use these herbs as a replacement for advice and treatment from your doctor.

Benefits to Mental Health

Many herbal remedies are touted as being beneficial for depression, and some have proven efficacy. The University of Maryland Medical Center says that most studies indicate that St. John's wort, a yellow-flowered herb native to Europe, appears to be as beneficial as pharmaceutical antidepressants for mild to moderate depression, and that kava, passionflower and valerian may be beneficial for anxiety. If you have anxiety or depression that is persistent or severe, seek your doctor's advice.

Promoting Overall Well Being

A class of herbs known as the "adaptogens" are used not only to heal disease but to enhance health and well-being. According to "Adaptogens: Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief" by herbalist David Winston, adaptogens help safeguard the body's energy resources from becoming depleted. They also help mitigate the impact of stress and oxidation, two factors that have been implicated in premature aging. Adaptogenic herbal remedies include ashwagandha, holy basil, rhodiola, licorice and astragalus. Consult your doctor before adding adaptogens to your daily regimen.

Cautions and Considerations

Even herbal remedies with scientifically proven benefits may carry hidden risks and hazards. They have the potential to negatively interact with prescription medicines or weaken their effects, according to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. The presence of an herbal supplement on your favorite store's shelves does not constitute proof of its safety or efficacy. While the Food and Drug Administration demands scientific studies from drug manufacturers before their products go to market, no such requirement is in place for manufacturers of herbal remedies. If you are considering the use of an herbal remedy, talk to your physician first.