Herbs have been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments. Some herbal remedies have been scientifically proven to be effective, while others have not. Herbs are classified as a food and not a drug; they are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration in potency or in their compounds. Prior to using an herb, whether in supplement or its natural form, you should first consult your doctor.
Chamomile
Chamomile has a calming effect and can be found today as an additive in many relaxation teas, hair-care products and skin lotions. When used topically, it is said to relieve some skin irritations and inflammations because of its anti-fungal and antibacterial properties. The part of the herb that is used comes from the flower heads, which are dried and used, or made into an oil by crushing and then steaming.
Gingko Biloba
Gingko biloba is a traditional folklore remedy for memory loss and for circulation. Today it is used for some Alzheimer's patients and for dementia. Gingko contains flavonoids and terpenoids, agents that are believed to be powerful antioxidants. These chemicals are used to fight free radicals, which can harm healthy cells, in the body. Gingko biloba is used in the forms of dried leaves, liquid tinctures, tablets and capsules, and in standardized extracts.
Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto, referred to as "the prostate herb," does not shrink an enlarged prostate, but it does lessen the symptoms of prostate-related conditions. Some research has shown that it may be effective in use for a treatment to BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia). The berries of saw palmetto are made into powders for capsules or into liquids for tinctures.
Feverfew
Feverfew is a centuries-old treatment for headaches and fever. The name is actually derived from "febrifugia," a Latin word meaning "fever reducer." Feverfew was used as a popular 1980s remedy in England. A study done in Great Britain study of 270 participants showed that 70 percent had improvement in headache symptoms after taking feverfew. It is used in liquid, fresh, freeze-dried and pill form.
Echinacea
Popular in the 18th to 19th centuries as a cure for scarlet fever, blood poisoning and even syphilis, echinacea went into a decline as soon as antibiotics were introduced. Today it is a popular addition in cold and flu remedies as a boost to the immune system. There is wide variance in the potency of echinacea supplements because the root is chemically different than the upper plant parts. A random sample of 11 different echinacea products by ConsumerLab.com showed that only 4 had what was listed on the label.
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