12-27-2023 11:32am

Herbal medications and how well do they work

Anita Johnson-Brown Editor

According to Better Health.gov and expert scientists, it's very important to be advised that scientists are often not certain about specific ingredients in an herb that work to treat a medical condition or sickness, because whole herbs have many ingredients that may work together to produce beneficial health results. Additionally, the effectiveness of herbal medicines is generally very limited, and their use tends to be based on traditional use rather than scientific medical research.

While some herbs can have an effect within a few days, others are slower and can take several months to produce their benefits. Tonifying body systems is typically a longer proc and tonic herbs are slower but have deeper acting benefits that can be thought of as a long-term building.

Some of nature's most effective medicinal plants include Gingko, Turmeric, Evening primrose oil, Flax seed, Tea tree oil, Echinacea, Grapeseed extract, and Lavender. According to BetterHealth.gov, herbal medicine aims to return the body to a state of natural balance so that it can heal itself, and different herbs act on different systems of the body.

Some herbs that are commonly used in herbal medicine include Echinacea, Dong quai (dang gui), Garlic, Ginger, Ginkgo biloba, Ginseng, and Hypericum perforatum (St John’s Wort). Echinacea is used to stimulate the immune system and fight infection, Dong quai is used for gynecological complaints, Garlic is used to reduce the risk of heart disease and fight respiratory infections, Ginger is useful in treating nausea, Ginkgo biloba is commonly used to treat poor blood circulation and tinnitus, Ginseng is used to treat fatigue and reduce blood pressure, and Hypericum perforatum is used to treat mild to moderate depression, anxiety and insomnia.

It's important to remember that people must not self-diagnose any health conditions and that any medication, herbal or otherwise, should be taken under the supervision of a knowledgeable and qualified practitioner.

This is because herbal medicines can produce negative effects that can range from mild to severe, including allergic reactions, rashes, asthma, headaches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Remember it is important to let your health care provider know you are thinking of seeking herbal treatment for any medical ailment, especially chronic conditions.

By Anita Johnson-Brown|The Los Angeles News