The first written accounts of herbalism date back to ancient Mesopotamia, when Sumerians harvested herbs for healing practices. China and India began using herbs to treat illnesses around the same time, from which Chinese herbalism and Indian Ayurveda medicine is derived. Eastern countries have continued to use herbs as the primary source of combating illness. The benefits of herbalism in the Western world has been largely unexplored due to a preference for pharmaceutical drugs.
Taking alfalfa supplements can benefit your health in numerous ways. However, consult your doctor before taking this herb to treat any medical condition. Despite many perceived benefits, additional scientific research is needed...
Goldenrod has a long history of medicinal use in both Europe and North America. Modern uses of goldenrod include treatment of cold and flu, urinary tract problems, eczema and minor wounds. But more research is needed, particula...
A versatile and widely used plant for generations, sorrel can also cause side effects when used inappropriately. Consult a health-care practitioner familiar with its use before employing it as a treatment for any serious disease.
It contains phytoestrogens, which are plant hormones. The powdered extract is commonly used in capsules or tea for female issues related to menopause, such as hot flashes. However, do not use herbal remedies in place of traditi...
If you're allergic to the substance triggering the release of histamine, the swelling may be severe enough to constrict breathing. Herbal antihistamines may be beneficial for treating mild allergic reactions, but research is la...
Hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, includes taking synthetic estrogen to bolster reduced natural estrogen in the body. An alternative remedy is to take herbal estrogens, although doctors disagree on the benefits of these comp...
In Europe, vitex compounds are regularly prescribed by physicians for symptoms such as irritability, hot flashes, headache and irregular periods, according to herbalist Michael Castleman in "The New Healing Herbs." Always seek ...
The pawpaw tree grows in the eastern United States, from northern Florida to southern Ontario in Canada. Pawpaw fruit ranges from 3 to 6 inches in length and grows on the largest fruit tree native to the United States. Pawpaw ...
It's an all-natural product that has undergone clinical testing proving it is both safe and effective. Although Iberogast can be expensive, its herbal formula may be helpful if other treatments for indigestion haven't alleviate...
Several time-honored healing modalities incorporate roses as a treatment for a variety of ailments. Rosa rugosa, Rosa centifolia, and Rosa damascena are the species of rose used in aromatherapy, Ayurveda, and Traditional Chines...
Pycnogenol describes a particular type of pine bark extract from the maritime pine trees on the coast of France. Pine bark extract is an herbal supplement with a wide range of purported health benefits due to its high levels o...
Lobelia, a genus comprising as many as 400 species of flowering plants, is found mostly in tropical and warm temperate regions. Common names for Lobelia, such as asthma weed, Indian tobacco, pukeweed and vomitwort offered descr...
Traditionally, blue cohosh is used to treat female health issues, including painful menstrual periods and lack of menstruation. Additionally, blue cohosh may also help treat arthritis and kidney infections. However, additional ...
Wild indigo is perhaps best known for its use as a dye that produces a rich, deep blue color. Wild indigo is also used as an herbal medication, and purportedly has numerous health benefits. Preliminary studies provide evidence ...
If you have redness or eye pain, you should contact your doctor for an evaluation since these conditions may require treatment. If you elect to pursue herbal treatments, you may wish to talk with your doctor about the possible ...
Dandelion is a hardy plant grown commercially in the United States and Europe, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The plant's leaves are large and flat and have notched edges. Paradoxically, the plant is of...
Considered a common weed, chickweed is high in vitamin C. Chickweed may provide health benefits that can help soothe, relieve and heal a variety of ailments and conditions. It is best used in teas, lotions, ointments and compr...
For centuries, folk medicine has used horehound in the treatment of respiratory ailments. The best known herbal remedy for coughs, horehound grows in warm to hot climates in any type of soil. According to the Vitamin Stuff webs...
Phosphatidylserine, which was once derived from the brains of cows, is a plant-based supplement that may help treat memory problems. Consult with a doctor before beginning any herbal or dietary treatments.
Vitamin A can be found in animal and plant products, but retinol is usually found in high amounts in liver, eggs, butter, cheese, fish and meat. Retinol treatment can aid in bone and tooth development; it can help with vision a...
Chickweed is a creeping weed found all over the world. It's especially common in Europe. The entire chickweed plant, including the leaves and stems, is used in a variety of medicinal treatments. Before you begin to use chickwee...
Hyssop, or Hyssop officinalis, is an evergreen herb in the mint family of plants. It is native to the Mediterranean and now grows throughout the world. As a garden plant, its strong lemon scent attracts beneficial insects. Hyss...
According to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, acai is a more potent antioxidant than either blueberry or cranberry. The USDA began its latest comparative study of acai and the health benefits of other berries in Oc...
In traditional ayurvedic medicine, fenugreek is respected for its effect as a laxative, a lactation stimulant and as a demulcent (a soothing agent that relieves irritation). This herb is a supplement, a food product and may be ...
Herbal medications made from plant seeds, berries, roots, leaves, bark, or flowers are used to treat disease symptoms and discomfort and to improve stamina to help your body ward off illness. A National Institutes of Health 200...
Acai berries contain polyphenals, chemicals known to reduce the inflammation and oxidative stress responsible for cancer and heart disease. While there is no research on humans to support health claims for acai, some animal res...
Sarsaparilla, a woody, climbing perennial vine that is native to Central and South America and the Caribbean, has been used to cleanse the body for ages. Loaded with vitamins, including A, B-complex, C and D, sarsaparilla also ...
