How do herbs help

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.

This is not necessarily true. Herbal medicines do not have to go through the testing that drugs do. Some herbs, such as comfrey and ephedra, can cause serious harm. Some herbs can interact with prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

If you are thinking about using an herbal medicine, first get information on it from reliable sources. Make sure to tell your health care provider about any herbal medicines you are taking. The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. 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. Integrative Medicine. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; chap National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health website. Using dietary supplements wisely.

Updated January Accessed October 29, Information for consumers on using dietary supplements. Updated August 16, October 29, Updated by: Linda J. Editorial team. A guide to herbal remedies. Herbals are not regulated or tested like medicines. Herbals are not Medicines.

Here are some things you should know about herbals: Herbals are not regulated like medicines. Herbals do not need to be rigidly tested before they are sold.

Herbals may not work as claimed. Labels do not need to be approved. It may not list the correct amount of an ingredient. Some herbal remedies may contain ingredients or contaminants not listed on the label. Natural Does not Mean Safe. Here are some examples: Kava is an herb used for anxiety, insomnia, symptoms of menopause, and other ailments.