The use of herbs for health and healing dates back more than 5,000 years. The Pen Tsao Ching, the earliest recorded herbal manual, was written in China about 3,500 B.C.E., according to Michael Castleman, author of "The New Healing Herbs." Herbs may offer a variety of benefits for personal health. However, they should not replace traditional medical attention for any disease, illness or condition.
Talk to your doctor before taking any herb for personal health.
Garlic
Garlic's use as an herbal healer began with the Ancient Egyptians, who used this herb to ward off disease. They also believed that garlic could lengthen lifespan, according to Castleman. Garlic's health benefits may come from ajoene and allicin, which are chemicals contained in fresh garlic cloves. These chemicals may have antibiotic properties, helping your body destroy fungi, bacteria and virus cells that can cause respiratory, skin and bladder infections. Garlic may also help lower "bad" cholesterol, which may prevent circulatory system blockages and reduce your risk of stroke and heart attack. Check with your doctor before using garlic as an herbal healer. This herb may reduce your body's ability to clot blood.
Echinacea
Echinacea may help prevent the breakdown of hyaluronic acid, an enzyme that helps lubricate joints. This may help ease swelling and pain associated with arthritis, according to Castleman. Echinacein, a chemical found in echinacea, may aid the production of fibroblasts, which aid the healing of wounds. Echinacea may also help your body destroy virus cells, particularly those that cause flu and the common cold. Talk to your doctor before treating any condition with echinacea -- this herb may cause diarrhea.
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba, an herb native to China, may promote overall health by improving blood circulation, according to certified nutritional consultant Phyllis Balch, C.N.C., author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Proper blood circulation may enhance the delivery of vitamins, minerals, oxygen and glucose to the cells of your body. Ginkgo biloba may also offer antioxidant benefits, inhibiting free radical activity and potentially preventing the growth and spread of cancerous tumors. Contact your physician if you plan to ginkgo biloba for personal health -- like garlic, ginkgo biloba may interfere with blood clotting.
Cayenne
Cayenne is known for its intense heat and is commonly used in pepper sauces, marinades, Asian vegetable dishes and Indian curries. However, cayenne may also offer healing benefits. Capsaicin, the heat-producing chemical compound in cayenne, may help reduce arthritis pain, as well as muscle pain caused by overuse, sprains and fibromyalgia. This chemical may also help reduce "bad" cholesterol, and may help control blood glucose, according to Castleman. Although Americans commonly believe that cayenne peppers and other hot peppers cause indigestion, capsaicin may help soothe the lining of your digestive system. Talk to your physician if you plan to use cayenne -- it may cause skin rashes and diarrhea.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C., et al.; 2010
- "The New Healing Herbs"; Michael Castleman; 2010
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