We hope this guide will act as a starting point to those who wish to integrate herbal remedies into their lives and arrive armed with knowledge.

As always, speak with your doctor before starting any new health treatment. As one of the oldest tree species, gingko is also one of the oldest homeopathic plants and a key herb in Chinese medicine.

The leaves are used to create capsules, tablets, and extracts, and when dried, can be consumed as a tea. Recent research is looking into a component that can help diabetes, and there continue to be more studies, including an animal study that says it might influence bone healing.

The gingko tree is considered a living fossil, with fossils dating from million years ago. These trees can live up to 3, years. Originating in India, turmeric is believed to have anticancer properties and can prevent DNA mutations.

According to recent research, turmeric is also showing promise as a treatment for a variety of dermatologic diseases and joint arthritis. Turmeric has been used as a medicinal herb for 4, years. Studies that are available on this oil tend to be all over the map, but there are studies that are stronger than others.

For example, some studies have found that evening primrose oil has anti-inflammatory properties. It can also help with other health concerns, such as breast pain. Recent research points to improving the quality of life for patients with multiple sclerosis , changing hormones and insulin sensitivity in those dealing with polycystic ovary syndrome , and using it topically to improve mild dermatitis.

According to these studies, evening primrose oil might just be the Swiss Army knife of the medicinal plant world. The caveat is that it can interact with several medications. More research is coming, and the applications are promising. Evening primrose flowers are also called moonflowers because they bloom as the sun begins to set.

People often say they smell like lemons. Flax seed, also available as an oil, is one of the safer choices among plant-based dietary supplements. Harvested for thousands of years, today flax seed is praised for its antioxidant activity and anti-inflammatory benefits. Although more research needs to be done with human subjects, one study says that flax seed can help prevent colon cancer.

Another study cites that flax seed has the ability to reduce blood pressure. When consumed, it can even aid in reducing obesity. The best way to add flax seed is through your diet. Sprinkle ground seeds on cereal or salad, cook in hot cereal, stew, homemade breads, or smoothies.

Add flaxseed oil to salad dressing. Flax seeds are one of a handful of plant-based sources for omega-3 fatty acids. Other sources include chia seeds, walnuts, and soybeans. One recent study said that tea tree oil slowed the growth of acne-causing microbes. Wilson recommends that tea tree oil, as with all essential oils, should be diluted in a carrier oil.

She adds that it often already comes diluted in a variety of skin care products and creams. Echinacea is a lot more than those pretty, purple coneflowers you see dotting gardens. These blooms have been used for centuries as medicine in the form of teas, juice, and extracts.

Today, they can be taken as powders or supplements. The best-known use of echinacea is to shorten symptoms of the common cold , but more studies are needed to verify this benefit and to understand how echinacea boosts immunity when a virus is present.

Generally, save a few potential side effects, echinacea is relatively safe. Some of the earliest people to use echinacea as a medicinal herb were Native Americans. The first archaeological evidence dates back to the 18th century.

For years, grapeseed extract, which is available via liquid, tablets, or capsules, has been well-established and applauded for its antioxidant activity.

It has potent health benefits, including lowering LDL bad cholesterol and reducing symptoms of poor circulation in the leg veins. Studies are confirming that regular consumption of grapeseed extract has anticancer effects and seems to halt cancer cell growth.

Herbal medicine. Actions for this page Listen Print. Summary Read the full fact sheet. On this page. What is herbal medicine? Active ingredients and herbal medicine Medicinal uses for specific herbs Do not self-diagnose ailments Special considerations for herbal medicine Where to get help.

Active ingredients and herbal medicine Herbal medicines contain active ingredients. Medicinal uses for specific herbs Herbal medicine aims to return the body to a state of natural balance so that it can heal itself.

Some herbs that are commonly used in herbal medicine, and their traditional uses, include: Echinacea — to stimulate the immune system and aid the body in fighting infection. Used to treat ailments such as boils , fever and herpes. Dong quai dang gui — used for gynaecological complaints such as premenstrual tension , menopause symptoms and period pain.

Some studies indicate that dong quai can lower blood pressure. Garlic — used to reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering levels of blood fats and cholesterol a type of blood fat. The antibiotic and antiviral properties of garlic mean that it is also used to fight colds , sinusitis and other respiratory infections.

Ginger — many studies have shown ginger to be useful in treating nausea, including motion sickness and morning sickness. Ginkgo biloba — commonly used to treat poor blood circulation and tinnitus ringing in the ears.

Ginseng — generally used to treat fatigue , for example during recovery from illness. It is also used to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels, however overuse of ginseng has been associated with raised blood pressure.

It is also used for anxiety and insomnia. Do not self-diagnose ailments It is very important that people do not self-diagnose any health conditions. Special considerations for herbal medicine Herbal medicines can be mistakenly thought to be completely safe because they are 'natural' products.

Herbal medicines may produce negative effects that can range from mild to severe, including: allergic reactions and rashes asthma headaches nausea vomiting diarrhoea. This may include: Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency AHPRA External Link — Chinese medicine practitioners, chiropractors, osteopaths Naturopaths and Herbalists Association of Australia NHAA External Link — Western herbalists and naturopaths Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association External Link — the peak body for Chinese medicine, acupuncturists, herbalists and traditional remedial massage practitioners.

Always tell your herbal medicine practitioner: which over-the-counter, herbal medicines, complementary medicines and prescription medications you are taking any allergic reactions you have experienced if you are pregnant , planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Be aware herbal medicine can interact with other medications Herbal medications and supplements may interact in harmful ways with over-the-counter or prescription medicines you are taking. Purchase herbal medicine products from a reputable supplier Not all herbal medicines that are sold are safe.

If you are considering taking herbal medicine, it is recommended that you: Never stop taking prescribed medications without consulting your doctor. Always tell your doctor if you are planning to start a course of herbal medicine for your condition.

Always purchase products from a reputable source. Be cautious about buying herbal medicines or supplements manufactured overseas. Take all herbal medicines strictly as prescribed and consult your health practitioner immediately if you experience any side effects.

Where to get help Your GP doctor A qualified herbal therapist or naturopath Your pharmacist Medicines Line External Link — for information on prescription, over-the-counter and complementary medicines.

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Studies are confirming that regular consumption of grapeseed extract has anticancer effects and seems to halt cancer cell growth. If you experience anxiety, chances are that someone along the way has recommended that you use lavender essential oil, and for good reason.

This aromatic, purple flower has a fairly strong standing among studies, which have mainly focused on its anti-anxiety capacities. The calming powers of chamomile have been frequently studied, including a study that states chamomile is superior to taking a placebo when treating generalized anxiety disorder.

There are two types of chamomile: German chamomile, an annual that thrives in the Midwest, and Roman chamomile, a perennial that attracts pollinators and smells like apples. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

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A Quiz for Teens Are You a Workaholic? How Well Do You Sleep? Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. Gingko Turmeric Evening primrose oil Flax seed Tea tree oil Echinacea Grapeseed extract Lavender Chamomile.

We scoured through histories of herbal studies for you. Was this helpful? Things to consider Long-term use may increase chance of thyroid and liver cancer , which has been seen in rats. It can interact with blood thinners. Gingko seeds are poisonous if ingested. Side effects can include headache, upset stomach, dizziness, and allergic reaction.

Gingko use needs to be discussed with your doctor because of numerous drug interactions. Share on Pinterest. Turmeric could be beneficial for: pain caused by inflammatory diseases, like arthritis preventing cancer stopping DNA mutations several skin diseases. Things to consider When used as a supplement, people tend to take too much, so it can be difficult to trust the dosage and quality.

Safety increases when ingested as an herb in cooking or tea. Long-term use can potentially cause stomach problems. Turmeric has low bioavailability. Consuming with pepper can help your body absorb more of its benefits. Evening primrose oil.

Evening primrose oil could be beneficial for: PMS mild skin conditions breast pain menopause inflammation diabetic neuropathy multiple sclerosis PCOS blood pressure.

Things to consider interacts with some blood-clotting medications safety during pregnancy is uncertain may interfere with drug absorption during HIV treatment interacts with lithium for bipolar disorder long-term use may not be safe.

Flax seed. Flax seed could be beneficial for: decreasing obesity regulating blood pressure preventing colon cancer inflammation hot flashes.

Things to consider Flax seed can affect estrogen production in women, especially if they have a history of cancer or are pregnant. Tea tree oil.

Things to consider Tea tree oil is poisonous if taken orally. Your skin could experience an allergic reaction. It may influence hormones. Echinacea could be beneficial for: colds immunity bronchitis upper respiratory infections.

Things to consider It can be tough on the digestive tract and upset the stomach. Allergic reactions are possible. Grapeseed extract. Grapeseed extract could be beneficial for: cancer lowering LDL bad cholesterol leg vein circulation edema blood pressure.

It may reduce iron absorption. Lavender could be beneficial for: anxiety stress blood pressure migraine. Things to consider It can cause skin irritation. It may disrupt hormones when applied undiluted.

Chamomile could be beneficial for: anxiety stress insomnia cancer. Things to consider It can cause allergic reactions. How we reviewed this article: Sources. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations.

We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

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Practitioners of herbal medicine believe that an active ingredient can lose its impact or become less safe if used in isolation from the rest of the plant.

For instance, salicylic acid is found in the plant meadowsweet and is used to make aspirin. Aspirin can cause the lining of the stomach to bleed, but meadowsweet naturally contains other compounds that prevent irritation from salicylic acid.

According to herbal medicine practitioners, the effect of the whole plant is greater than its parts. Critics argue that the nature of herbal medicine makes it difficult to give a measured dose of an active ingredient. Herbal medicine aims to return the body to a state of natural balance so that it can heal itself.

Different herbs act on different systems of the body. It is very important that people do not self-diagnose any health conditions. Any medication herbal or otherwise should be taken under the supervision of a knowledgeable and qualified practitioner.

Herbal medicines can be mistakenly thought to be completely safe because they are 'natural' products. This is not always correct. Herbal medicines may produce negative effects that can range from mild to severe, including:.

Like other prescription medications, herbal medicine should always be prescribed by a qualified and registered practitioner. Contact the professional association for your chosen therapy and ask for a list of members in your area.

This may include:. During the first visit with your practitioner, ask about their training and qualifications. Be very cautious about any practitioner who advises you to abandon your conventional medical treatment. Herbal medications and supplements may interact in harmful ways with over-the-counter or prescription medicines you are taking.

Taking herbal supplements may increase or decrease the effectiveness of other drugs you are taking or may increase the risk of negative side effects. If you are considering taking herbal medicines, it is always a good idea to talk to your doctor about possible side effects and interactions with other medications you are taking.

Not all herbal medicines that are sold are safe. Always purchase from a source that stocks products from a reputable manufacturer or supplier, such as health food stores, supermarkets, pharmacies or from a reputable practitioner. Be careful about purchasing herbal medicines over the internet.

Unregulated herbal medicines from overseas may not be manufactured to the same quality and standard as regulated medicines. In some cases, products purchased online have been found to have dangerous levels of lead , mercury or arsenic, which can cause serious health problems.

Herbal medicines made in Australia are subject to regulations. Consult with your pharmacist about the safety and effectiveness of the herbal medicine or supplements you are thinking of buying.

If you are considering taking herbal medicine, it is recommended that you:. This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:.

Acupuncture is part of traditional Chinese medicine and consists of inserting fine needles into specific points on the skin. The Alexander technique stresses that movement should be economical and needs only the minimum amount of energy and effort.

The different smells and chemical constituents of aromatherapy oils can produce different emotional and physiological reactions. It contains a variety of beneficial compounds and has long been used in traditional and folk practices to treat colds, nausea, migraines, and high blood pressure 18 , Its best-established modern use is for relieving nausea associated with pregnancy, chemotherapy, and medical operations Furthermore, test-tube and animal research reveals potential benefits for treating and preventing illnesses like heart disease and cancer , although the evidence is mixed Ginger is very well tolerated.

Negative side effects are rare, but large doses may cause a mild case of heartburn or diarrhea You can find ginger supplements at your local supermarket and online.

Valerian root may be dried and consumed in capsule form or steeped to make tea. Its use can be traced back to ancient Greece and Rome, where it was taken to relieve restlessness, tremors, headaches, and heart palpitations.

One review found valerian to be somewhat effective for inducing sleep, but many of the study results were based on subjective reports from participants Valerian is relatively safe, though it may cause mild side effects like headaches and digestive issues.

Look for this herb online , as well as various health food stores. Valerian root is often used as a natural sleep and anti-anxiety aid, though evidence supporting its efficacy is weak. Chamomile is a flowering plant that also happens to be one of the most popular herbal medicines in the world.

The flowers are most often used to make tea, but the leaves may also be dried and used for making tea, medicinal extracts, or topical compresses. For thousands of years, chamomile has been used as a remedy for nausea, diarrhea, constipation , stomach pain, urinary tract infections, wounds, and upper respiratory infections This herb packs over active compounds, many of which are thought to contribute to its numerous benefits Several test-tube and animal studies have demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activity, though insufficient human research is available Yet, a few small human studies suggest that chamomile treats diarrhea, emotional disturbances as well as cramping associated with premenstrual syndrome PMS , and pain and inflammation linked to osteoarthritis You can find it in most grocery stores or order it online.

Despite limited scientific evidence, chamomile remains one of the most popular herbal medicines in the world and is used to treat a broad range of ailments. For instance, raw elderberries can be toxic, St. Additionally, many herbal medicines have not been studied rigorously enough to verify their safety for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Another important factor to consider is that herbal medicines are not strictly regulated like other medications. As such, some supplements may list ingredients improperly or even contain compounds not stated on the label.

Thus, you should opt for brands that have been tested for quality by a third-party organization, such as U. Pharmacopeia or NSF International. Herbal medicines carry many possible side effects, so you should consult your healthcare provider prior to taking them.

When shopping, choose brands that have been certified for purity and quality. Many people around the world rely on herbal medicines to treat health conditions. Countless varieties exist, but some of the most popular include gingko, ginseng, ginger , turmeric, and chamomile.

Though their applications tend to be very broad, many of their supposed benefits lack strong scientific evidence. Keep in mind that, like conventional drugs, herbal remedies may interact negatively with other medicines.

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Meet gingko, grapeseed extract, echinacea, and six more powerful plants with science-backed health benefits.

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Here's what you should know about this herbal remedy. Herbal Remedies: Powerful Natural Remedies And Recipes For Health, Wellness, Anti-aging And Beauty Felix M White. Learn More. This product requires a minimum order of 1.

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