Herbal Remedies Weight Loss Diet Nutrition Tips Guide

Herbal Remedies To Treat Illness

By Veronica Tripplethorn

Do herbal remedies really work? It’s a question that both scientists and consumers have tried to answer only to come to a variety of conclusions. Herbal medicines can have a significant impact on sickness, but herbs affect people in different ways.

The quality of the herbs also plays a large role in its effectiveness. If you are considering using herbs to treat illness, then keep reading. We’ll suggest a few common herbals used for every day ailments.

Herbal Remedies For Depression

Millions of people suffer from depression yet few receive proper treatment. There are many herbal remedies that are used for depression, but if you are currently taking medication for depression, do not stop without consulting your doctor. The herb St. John’s wort has long been used in folk medicine for sadness, worry, nervousness and poor sleep.

Medical research and clinical trials suggest that St. John’s wort works better than a placebo and is as effective as antidepressants for mild to moderate depression and has fewer side effects. St. John’s wort may cause dizziness, dry mouth, indigestion, fatigue, and increases photo sensitivity. It can also interfere with the effectiveness of prescription and over-the-counter drugs such as antidepressants, drugs to treat HIV and AIDs, and oral contraceptives.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

A lot of attention is being given to the benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids for normal brain function. Studies show that a diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids may help lower triglycerides and increase HDL cholesterol (the good cholesterol). Omega-3 fatty acids may also act as an anticoagulant to prevent blood from clotting.

Several other studies also suggest that these fatty acids may help lower high blood pressure. In countries with higher fish consumption, such as Japan and Taiwan, the depression rate is 10 times lower than in North American. However, fish oil capsules may interact with blood-thinning drugs, and cause indigestion.

Treating Headaches With Herbs

We’re all dealing with more stress in our lives than ever before. One of the most common byproducts of stress is headaches. Instead of treating headaches with over the counter medications, try treating them with relaxing herbal remedies. The pain of tension headaches can be diminished with herbs that have sedative and antispasmodic properties.

The sedative herbs will relax you, decrease anxiety and help you feel calmer. To get both sedative and antispasmodic effects, use valerian, skullcap, lemon balm and passion flower. Make a tea or tincture of these herbs at the first sign of a headache and drink a cup or two. You can also review your options and include herbs such as lavender and mullein. For a stronger effect, choose chamomile, rosemary or mint.

Medicinal Herbs In Your Kitchen

Herbs and spices have been used for centuries for their medicinal qualities, and researchers continue to study the healing properties of these herbal remedies. These medicinal herbs can be found in your own kitchen and incorporated into your diet to improve your health.

Cayenne pepper and Tabasco sauce can increase metabolism and fat-burning ability by up to 25%. Ginger speeds metabolic rate, plus it inhibits nausea and vomiting often caused by morning sickness or motion sickness. Peppermint is used to treat gastric and digestive disorders, as well as tension and insomnia.

Whether you prefer herbal teas, supplements or even creams, herbals can be an enjoyable and effective part of your health care routine.

This Article was about Herbal Remedies.

Please Note: All information given on this site is for general information purposes and is not to replace any medical opinion or medical diagnosis given by a qualified medical doctor, a dietitian/nutritional expert or any other medical expert, as individual circumstances may vary. Please see your medical doctor, before any action is taken to alleviate symptoms.

About the Author:
Veronica Tripplethorn is an author of health, nutrition, dieting and weight loss articles including Celiac Disease, Holistic Health, Hollywood 48-Hour Miracle Diet, Massage Therapy.
Keep a lookout for more of her articles coming soon.

More Facts About Herbs...

How are herbs used in cooking?
When an herb is used in cooking it is to bring in a certain flavor. Lemongrass will give a dish a light and tangy taste. Chances are that you use at least one herb every single day.

The top ten herbs that are used in cooking are: basil, dill, rosemary, chives, mint, sage, cilantro, oregano, thyme and parsley. Each herb brings a different flavor to a dish.

You have to know what taste an herb has before you go adding them into a dish though. Some light dishes can easily be overpowered by a stronger herb such as oregano. Some heartier dishes will completely mask the taste of lighter herbs such as dill.

If you abstained from herbs completely in dishes, the finished product would be quite bland. The herb is used to bring out the flavor of the main parts of the dish such as the meat or vegetables. In the correct hands an herb is a flavor enhancer. In the wrong hands it can completely ruin a favored meal.