Chamomile. (Flower) Considered by some to be a cure-all, chamomile is commonly used in the U.S. for anxiety and relaxation
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is a dried flower that can be found pre-packaged at most health food stores. When brewed as a tea, chamomile is thought to be a relaxant, can be helpful in restoring insomnia, and be soothing to an upset stomach. Chamomile tea infusion has long been used for colic in infants. Chamomile is also effective topically for skin inflammations such as eczema and acne. Chamomile essential oil has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties that make it useful for massages, baths, or compress treatments for bruises, muscle aches or pain, menstrual cramps, and even teething pain in infants.
Echinacea. (Leaf, stalk, root)
Echinacea is one of the most popular herbs in America, and for good reason. This herb has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments, including colds, flu, and infections. Echinacea is thought to work by stimulating the immune system, making it more effective at fighting off infection.
Astragalus (Root): Astragalus is another popular herb that has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries. This herb is thought to boost the immune system, making it more effective at fighting off infection and disease. Astragalus is also believed to have anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it helpful in treating conditions like arthritis and asthma.
Ginseng (Root): Ginseng is a well-known herbal remedy that has been used for thousands of years in Asia. Ginseng is thought to improve overall health by boosting energy levels and improving circulation. Additionally, ginseng is believed to help protect the body from stress and disease.
Ginger (Root): Ginger is a common spice that has many medicinal properties. Ginger can be used to treat nausea, stomach pain, and inflammation. Additionally, ginger may help improve circulation and boost immunity.
Garlic (Cloves): Garlic is another common spice with numerous health benefits. Garlic contains compounds that are thought to fight off infections and disease while also helping improve circulation and lowering blood pressure. Additionally, garlic may help reduce cholesterol levels and protect against some cancers.
Feverfew. (Leaf)
Feverfew is a small, daisy-like herb that has been used for centuries to treat fevers and headaches. The leaves of the plant are the part that is used medicinally. Feverfew contains a number of compounds, including:
o Chrysanthemic acid – an anti-inflammatory agent
o Parthenolide – a compound with anti-spasmodic properties
o Tanetin – an antioxidant
Feverfew has been traditionally used to treat fevers, headaches (including migraines), and stomach cramps. In recent years, feverfew has also been studied for its potential ability to prevent or reduce the severity of migraines. A number of small studies have found that feverfew may be effective in reducing the frequency and severity of migraines, although larger studies are needed to confirm these findings. Feverfew is typically taken in capsule form or as a tea.
Garlic. (Cloves, root)
Used to fight infection, garlic is antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal. It helps the body detoxify and is a natural expectorant, making it useful for treating colds and flu. Garlic is also a good source of vitamins C and B6, manganese, selenium, and fiber.
Garlic (Allium sativum) is a species in the onion genus that produces edible bulbs. The plant grows to about 1 meter (3 ft) in height and produces hermaphrodite flowers that are grouped in umbels. The fruit of garlic consists of numerous small cloves that are used for culinary purposes around the world.
Allium sativum has been used medicinally for thousands of years by many different cultures. It is best known for its ability to fight infection, but garlic also has detoxification properties and is a natural expectorant. These attributes make it an effective treatment for colds and flu. Garlic is also a good source of vitamins C and B6, manganese, selenium, and dietary fiber.
The health benefits of garlic have been well-documented in both traditional medicine and modern scientific research. Garlic supplements are available in various forms including capsules, tablets, extracts, tinctures, oils, powders etc., but eating fresh garlic cloves or adding them to food dishes remains the most popular way to consume this healing herb.
Ginger. (Root)
Ginger is a perennial herb that grows in many tropical countries. It is well known for its medicinal properties and has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. The root of the plant is used to make medicine.
Ginger is commonly used to treat various types of stomach problems, including motion sickness, morning sickness, colic, upset stomach, diarrhea, gas, bloating, and nausea. It is also used for pain relief from arthritis or muscle soreness. Some people use ginger to help treat heartburn, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis.
In addition to its gastric benefits, ginger also boasts antimicrobial properties that can help fight infections. One study found that ginger extract was able to inhibit the growth of several strains of bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus (the bacteria responsible for staph infections) and Escherichia coli (a common cause of food poisoning). Additionally, test-tube studies have demonstrated that ginger can kill certain cancer cells. However, it’s important to note that these studies were conducted on cells in a laboratory setting and not on humans. Therefore, more research is needed before any conclusions can be drawn about the potential anticancer effects of ginger in humans.
Gingko. (Leaf)
Gingko (Gingko biloba) is a deciduous tree native to China that has been cultivated for centuries for its medicinal properties. The leaves of the gingko tree are often used in herbal medicine, and are thought to be effective in treating a variety of ailments, including memory loss, anxiety, and depression.
Gingko leaves contain compounds called ginkgo lide s and bilobalides, which are believed to be responsible for the herb’s therapeutic effects. These compounds work by inhibiting the activity of certain enzymes in the brain that are involved in the development of Alzheimer’s disease and other age-related cognitive disorders. Gingko also increases blood circulation to the brain, which may help to improve cognitive function.
In addition to its use as an herbal remedy, gingko is also taken as a supplement by people seeking to improve their memory or prevent age-related mental decline. Some research suggests that ginkgo supplements can indeed help improve memory and cognitive function in healthy adults as well as those with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias. However, it is important to note that not all studies have found positive effects from taking ginkgo supplements. More research is needed to confirm the efficacy of this herb for treating or preventing memory problems.
Ginseng. (Root)
Ginseng is a popular herb that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments. Today, ginseng is still revered for its medicinal properties and is commonly used to boost energy levels, relieve stress, enhance cognitive function and promote overall good health.
Native to Asia, ginseng (Panax ginseng) is a member of the Araliaceae family and grows in temperate forests. The herb has a long taproot that can grow up to 1 meter in length and small, oval-shaped leaves. Ginseng flowers are yellow or red and produce small berries.
The root of the plant is the part most often used for its medicinal properties. Ginseng root can be consumed fresh, dried or powdered and is also available in tincture, capsules or tablets form.
Ginsenosides are the active compounds in ginseng that are responsible for its health-promoting effects. These compounds have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immunomodulatory activities .
Goldenseal. (Root, rhizome)
Goldenseal is a perennial herb that is native to North America. Goldenseal root and rhizome have been used traditionally by Native Americans for centuries as a medicinal herb. Goldenseal has a long history of use in herbal medicine and is still used today for its healing properties.
The active ingredients in goldenseal are thought to be alkaloids, which are compounds that have medicinal effects. The most well-known alkaloid in goldenseal is berberine, which has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting effects. Goldenseal also contains other alkaloids such as hydra stine and canadine, which also have medicinal properties.
Goldenseal root and rhizome are typically dried and powdered for use in capsules or tinctures (liquid extracts). The dried herb can also be made into a tea. When taking goldenseal internally, it is important to start with small doses and increase gradually as tolerated since large doses may cause gastrointestinal upset or diarrhea. It is best to take goldenseal on an empty stomach so that it can be absorbed more easily by the body.
Goldenseal should not be used long-term or in large doses due to its potential toxicity. Berberine, the main active ingredient in goldenseal, can accumulate in the body and lead to adverse effects such as liver damage or kidney failure if used excessively or for prolonged periods of time. Therefore, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before taking goldENSEAL supplements if you have any underlying health conditions or take any medications that could interact with berberine (such as certain cholesterol-lowering drugs). Pregnant women should avoid using goldENSEAL since there is lack of safety data regarding its use during pregnancy; similarly, breastfeeding mothers should also avoid using this herb since berberine may be present in breastmilk and could potentially harm the nursing infant.