Herbal medicine is an old method of treatment that makes use of herbs or substances obtained from them. For thousands of years, dozens of herbs have been used to treat minor health conditions. Today, many of the drugs that are prescribed or used by doctors are also derived from herbs. However, herbalists prefer to use these herbs in their natural, unrefined state because they believe that the side effects are equalized. For every bodily disorder, herbalists believe there is a corresponding natural remedy.
Four herbs with the best potentials for yielding good results are garlic, ginger, ginkgo, and ginseng – often referred to by some people as the “G4 herbs.” Let’s examine how each works:
Garlic. May be used both externally and internally. When taken in, it may help lower levels of blood pressure and blood cholesterol. It may also help prevent blood coagulation and possibly, though not certainly, certain cancer types, particularly colon cancer. Cloves that are freshly crushed contain allicin, an antimicrobial compound which is known to combat both topical and internal infections.
Ginger. Probably the most common aromatic vegetable product used for seasoning or flavoring foods, its effectiveness in relieving indigestion has long been validated. It has also been proven to treat nausea (including both morning and motion sickness) efficiently.
Ginkgo. The compounds found in its leaf extracts may help in dilating blood vessels, inhibit clotting of the blood, and improve blood circulation around the body extremities and the brain. Some studies have shown that ginkgo may also help retard the advance of two of the most widely known cognitive impairments – Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Ginseng. This popular Chinese herb, specifically its root, contains compounds that are believed can help fight bodily and mental tensions, nullify the effects of fatigue, and improve the functions of the immune system.
But these herbs are not without their downsides and caution must be observed when using them. Garlic, for example, may cause heartburn, flatulence, and gastrointestinal trouble when taken in large amounts. It may also cause an allergic response in some cases. For people who are taking aspirin or any blood-thinning medication, it is advised to first consult your doctor before taking any of the garlic preparations.
Ginger, on the other hand, may cause excessive sweating, and ginger preparations may not be safe for pregnant women without a doctor’s prescription as to the correct amount of dosage to be taken. Ginkgo may cause headache and stomach upset and, as in the case of garlic, must not be taken in conjunction with other blood-thinning medications without the necessary professional medical advice. Ginseng may cause the breaking out of rashes on the skin. For diabetics and those with high blood pressure, be sure to consult your doctor before taking ginseng preparations.
Herbal remedies do have side effects and they can interact with other curative medications. As a matter of fact, most people do not consider herbal medicine as a substitute for conventional medical treatment. They regard it, rather, as merely complementary to it.
