Welcome to Part II of our three-part series about herbs in the form of supplements that can address many of our physical, and in some instances mental, conditions or afflictions that have been plaguing humankind for centuries.
There are dozens of types of herb-based natural remedies that are not only over-the-counter available but have time and again proven their worthiness in mitigating symptoms of various illnesses, injuries, tears, inflammation, etc. Besides, most cost much less than the prescription medications manufactured to deal with the same ailments.
As convenient as these herbal supplements are to obtain and use, though, it is important that you pay strict attention for the directions on how they are to be used and in what doses. On top of that, be sure to discuss using any herbal supplement – just as you would any other type of supplement or nutrient – with your personal physician or other healthcare professional, mostly to make sure they won’t conflict with any prescription medicines you might be taking.
A Brief History on Herbs
Some herbs and spices, long known for their healing properties, have been an integral part of traditional medical treatments and practices dating back thousands of years. One of the best-known practitioners of herb-based treatments was Hippocrates, who lived more than 2,000 years ago (460-377 BC). He used a “doctor’s bag” of herbal remedies that included sing cinnamon, thyme, coriander and other plant-based treatments that are still being used today, and with success!
Little if any scientific evidence suggests that such herbal treatments can cure serious diseases, but research shows more and more that they can alleviate a wide assortment of ailments, generally speaking, beginning with such ailments as fevers, aches or pains, joint restrictions, and even digestive health issues.
5 More Herbal Supplements to Consider Keeping Around
In Part I of this series, we featured five popular herbal supplements: ashwagandha, astragalus, basil, black cohosh, and cayenne. Between them, we pointed out how those herbal supplements covered the gamut of health benefits ranging from relieving stress, anxiety and muscle pain to addressing menopausal symptoms and sexual performance. This time we present five different herbal supplements, which together provide their own broad assortment of treatments and medical needs, opening up even more doors to the types of remedies offered by these natural plant-based supplements.
Cinnamon. Thanks to its sweet taste and varied health benefits, cinnamon ranks high on the popularity list for supplement-savvy consumers. What makes cinnamon especially suitable for your herbs and spice cupboard is its “anti” properties: it is deemed to be an effective antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic, among other “anti’s. In terms of that last “anti,” a 2015 review singles out cinnamon for its ability to reduce blood-sugar levels by regulating the body’s glucose.
Echinacea. Echinacea is roughly comparable to vitamin C in that it often comes up in conversation when the topic turns to boosting immunity and fending off colds. It is sourced from the coneflower plant, and while research still seeks a resolution to the question of whether it can in fact fight viruses on its own, it has anecdotal support in that regard from the many people who use it as a guard against not only colds, but upper-respiratory infections, flu, and ear and yeast infections.
Feverfew. Scientifically known as Tanacetum parthenium, feverfew’s purported health benefits take us down a path different from most other herbal supplements in that it is best known for helping to treat migraine headaches and menstrual cramps. Its major components include parthenolide which has significant biological activity and its antimigraine characteristics have been attributed to its ability to thwart serotonin release from platelets and its anti-inflammatory properties.
Garlic. Garlic won’t do much to help your breath, which is why it’s not recommend as a date food. Where it could impart a positive effect is in helping to stave off cardiovascular disease by diminishing levels of blood fats to include cholesterol. Word is that garlic can also combat colds and respiratory infections.
Ginger. Take your pick – ginger is either an herb or a spice, but what we can find agreement on is its knack for reducing or even eliminating nausea, such as that associated with motion sickness or seasickness. It can reportedly help in tamping down high cholesterol levels and enhancing muscle recovery following exercise.
If you haven’t ventured out yet to check out herbal supplements for yourself, do so when you get the chance, and do it with confidence in their health benefits. After all, many have thousands of years of treatment success attached to their names.