With this continued trend, products from plants and natural sources such as fungi and marine microorganisms or analogs inspired by them have contributed greatly to the commercial drug preparations today.

Examples include antibiotics e. Between and , 13 drugs derived from natural products were approved in the United States. Average life expectancy at birth has increased from around 41 years in the early s to approaching 80 years in many developed countries.

Consequently, the percentage of elderly people 65 years and above in our populations is increasing. The graying of our populations brings an increasing burden of chronic age-related disease and dependency.

Aging is associated with a progressive decline in physiological function and an increased risk of pathological changes leading to cancer, cardiovascular disease, dementia, diabetes, osteoporosis, and so on.

Lifestyle factors such as nutrition or exercise play an important role in determining the quality and duration of healthy life and in the treatment of chronic diseases Bozzetti ; Benzie and Wachtel-Galor , It is most likely that there is no one cause of aging, and different theories of aging have been suggested over the years.

Genetic factors are undoubtedly important, but among all the metabolic theories of aging, the oxidative stress theory is the most generally supported theory Harman ; Beckman and Ames This theory postulates that aging is caused by accumulation of irreversible, oxidation-induced damage oxidative stress resulting from the interaction of reactive oxygen species with the DNA, lipid, and protein components of cells.

However, even if the aging process itself is found to be unrelated to oxidative stress, highly prevalent chronic age-related diseases all have increased oxidative stress Holmes, Bernstein, and Bernstein ; Beckman and Ames ; Finkel and Holbrook ; Rajah et al.

Antioxidants in herbs may contribute at least part of their reputed therapeutic effects Balsano and Alisi ; Tang and Halliwell Given the market value, potential toxicity and increasing consumer demand, particularly in the sick and elderly members of our populations, regulation of production and marketing of herbal supplements and medicines require attention.

In , the U. gov , last access: November 5, , and the European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy ESCOP was founded in with the aim of advancing the scientific status and harmonization of phytomedicines at the European level www.

com , last access: November 5, This led to an increase in investment in the evaluation of herbal medicines. While this scale of investment is low compared to the total research and development expenses of the pharmaceutical industry, it nevertheless reflects genuine public, industry, and governmental interest in this area Li and Vederas With tremendous expansion in the interest in and use of traditional medicines worldwide, two main areas of concern arise that bring major challenges.

These are international diversity and national policies regarding the regulation of the production and use of herbs and other complementary medicines and their quality, safety, and scientific evidence in relation to health claims WHO ; Sahoo et al.

The diversity among countries with the long history and holistic approach of herbal medicines makes evaluating and regulating them very challenging.

In addition, there are a great number of different herbs used. Legislative criteria to establish traditionally used herbal medicines as part of approved health care therapies faces several difficulties.

In a survey conducted across countries, WHO reported the following issues regarding herbal medicines: lack of research data, appropriate mechanisms for control of herbal medicines, education and training, expertise within the national health authorities and control agency, information sharing, safety monitoring, and methods to evaluate their safety and efficacy.

The support needed from different countries includes information sharing on regulatory issues, workshops on herbal medicines safety monitoring, general guidelines on research and evaluation of herbal medicines, provision of databases, herbal medicine regulation workshops, and international meetings.

National policies are the basis for defining the role of traditional medicines in national health care programs, ensuring that the necessary regulatory and legal mechanisms are established for promoting and maintaining good practice, assuring the authenticity, safety, and efficacy of traditional medicines and therapies, and providing equitable access to health care resources and their resource information WHO Another fundamental requirement is harmonization of the market for herbal medicines for industry, health professionals, and consumers Mahady Herbal medicines are generally sold as food supplements, but a common regulatory framework does not exist in different countries.

As a result, information on clinical indications for their use, efficacy, and safety are influenced by the traditional experience available in each place. A brief outline of the legislation in United States, Canada, and Europe is given in this section, and could be used to guide the legal aspects of the herbal medicine industry in other countries.

In the United States, under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act DSHEA of , any herb, botanical and natural concentrate, metabolite and constituent of extract, is classified as a dietary supplement. Dietary supplements do not need approval from the Food and Drug Administration FDA before they are marketed FDA Under DSHEA, herbal medicines, which are classified as dietary supplements, are presumed safe, and the FDA does not have the authority to require them to be approved for safety and efficacy before they enter the market, which is the case for drugs.

This means that the manufacturer of the herbal medicine is responsible for determining that the dietary supplements manufactured or distributed are indeed safe and that any representations or claims made about them are sustained by adequate evidence to show that they are not false or misleading.

Regarding contamination, the FDA has not issued any regulations addressing safe or unsafe levels of contaminants in dietary supplements but has set certain advisory levels in other foods FDA ; Gao A product being sold as an herbal supplement dietary supplement in the United States cannot suggest on its label or in any of its packaging that it can diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure a specific disease or condition without specific approval from the FDA.

A claim also cannot suggest an effect on an abnormal condition associated with a natural state or process, such as aging FDA ; Gao In Canada, herbal remedies must comply with the Natural Health Products Regulations Health Canada According to these regulations, all natural products require a product license before they can be sold in Canada.

In order to be granted a license, detailed information on the medicinal ingredients, source, potency, nonmedicinal ingredients, and recommended use needs to be furnished. Once a product has been granted a license, it will bear the license number and follow standard labeling requirements to ensure that consumers can make informed choices.

A site license is also needed for those who manufacture, pack, label, and import herbal medicines. In addition, GMPs must be employed to ensure product safety and quality.

This requires that appropriate standards and practices regarding the manufacture, storage, handling, and distribution of natural health products be met.

The GMPs are designed to be outcome based, ensuring safe and high-quality products, while giving the flexibility to implement quality control systems appropriate to the product line and business.

Product license holders are required to monitor all adverse reactions associated with their product and report serious adverse reactions to the Canadian Department of Health. The directive establishes that herbal medicines released on the market need authorization by the national regulatory authorities of each European country and that these products must have a recognized level of safety and efficacy Calapai The registration of herbal medicinal products needs sufficient evidence for the medicinal use of the product throughout a period of at least 30 years in the European Union EU , at least 15 years within the EU, and 15 years elsewhere for products from outside the EU.

With regard to the manufacturing of these products and their quality, products must fulfill the same requirements as applications for a marketing authorization.

Information is based on the availability of modern science—based public monographs in the European Pharmacopeia and their equivalents developed by the pharmaceutical industry.

The standards put forward allow not only to define the quality of products but also to eliminate harmful compounds, adulteration, and contamination.

Within the EU, a number of committees were set up to attempt and standardize the information and guidelines related to herbal medicines.

A variety of materials has been produced, such as monographs on herbs and preparations, guidelines on good agricultural and collection practice for starting materials of herbal origin, and guidelines on the standardization of applications and setting up pragmatic approaches for identification and quantitative determination of herbal preparations and their complex compositions Routledge ; Vlietinck, Pieters, and Apers Herbal medicine has been commonly used over the years for treatment and prevention of diseases and health promotion as well as for enhancement of the span and quality of life.

However, there is a lack of a systematic approach to assess their safety and effectiveness. The holistic approach to health care makes herbal medicine very attractive to many people, but it also makes scientific evaluation very challenging because so many factors must be taken into account.

Herbal medicines are in widespread use and although many believe herbal medicines are safe, they are often used in combination and are drawn from plant sources with their own variability in species, growing conditions, and biologically active constituents. Herbal extracts may be contaminated, adulterated, and may contain toxic compounds.

The quality control of herbal medicines has a direct impact on their safety and efficacy Ernst, Schmidt, and Wider ; Ribnicky et al. But, there is little data on the composition and quality of most herbal medicines not only due to lack of adequate policies or government requirements but also due to a lack of adequate or accepted research methodology for evaluating traditional medicines WHO ; Kantor In addition, there is very little research on whole herbal mixtures because the drug approval process does not accommodate undifferentiated mixtures of natural chemicals.

To isolate each active ingredient from each herb would be immensely time-consuming at a high cost, making it not cost-effective for manufacturers Richter Another problem is that despite the popularity of botanical dietary and herbal supplements, some herbal products on the market are likely to be of low quality and suspect efficacy, even if the herb has been shown to have an effect in controlled studies using high-quality product.

There is a belief that herbs, as natural products, are inherently safe without side effects and that efficacy can be obtained over a wide range of doses.

A major hypothetical advantage of botanicals over conventional single-component drugs is the presence of multiple active compounds that together can provide a potentiating effect that may not be achievable by any single compound. This advantage presents a unique challenge for the separation and identification of active constituents.

Compounds that are identified by activity-guided fractionation must be tested in appropriate animal models to confirm in vivo activity. Ideally, the composition of the total botanical extract must be standardized and free of any potential hazards, and plants should be grown specifically for the production of botanical extracts under controlled conditions and originate from a characterized and uniform genetic source with a taxonomic record of the genus, species, and cultivar or other additional identifiers.

Records should be maintained for the source of the seed, locations and conditions of cultivation, and exposure to possible chemical treatments such as pesticides. Because the environment can significantly affect phytochemical profiles and the efficacy of the botanical end product, botanical extracts can vary from year to year and may be significantly affected by temperature, drought, or flood as well as by geographic location.

Therefore, biochemical profiling must be used to ensure that a consistent material is used to produce a botanical. The concentration step can also be challenging, and the process to concentrate active compounds to a sufficient level can negatively affect their solubility and bioavailability.

Therefore, improving efficacy by increasing concentration can be counterproductive, and the use of solubilizers and bioenhancers needs to be considered just as for drugs Ribnicky et al. However, there are major challenges to achieving this. Although in theory botanicals should be well characterized and herbal supplements should be produced to the same quality standards as drugs, the situation in practice is very different from that of a pure drug.

Herbs contain multiple compounds, many of which may not be identified and often there is no identifier component, and chemical fingerprinting is in its early stages and is lacking for virtually all herbs see Chapter This makes standardization of botanicals difficult, although some can be produced to contain a standardized amount of a key component or class of components, such as ginsenosides for ginseng products or anthocyanins for bilberry products see Chapter 4 on bilberry and Chapter 8 on ginseng in this volume.

However, even when such key compounds have been identified and a standard content is agreed or suggested, there is no guarantee that individual commercial products will contain this. Another interesting point to consider is that herbal materials for commercial products are collected from wild plant populations and cultivated medicinal plants.

The expanding herbal product market could drive overharvesting of plants and threaten biodiversity. Poorly managed collection and cultivation practices could lead to the extinction of endangered plant species and the destruction of natural resources. It has been suggested that 15, of 50,—70, medicinal plant species are threatened with extinction Brower The efforts of the Botanic Gardens Conservation International are central to the preservation of both plant populations and knowledge on how to prepare and use herbs for medicinal purposes Brower ; Li and Vederas Research needs in the field of herbal medicines are huge, but are balanced by the potential health benefits and the enormous size of the market.

Research into the quality, safety, molecular effects, and clinical efficacy of the numerous herbs in common usage is needed. Newly emerging scientific techniques and approaches, many of which are mentioned in this book, provide the required testing platform for this.

Genomic testing and chemical fingerprinting techniques using hyphenated testing platforms are now available for definitive authentication and quality control of herbal products. They should be regulated to be used to safeguard consumers, but questions of efficacy will remain unless and until adequate amounts of scientific evidence accumulate from experimental and controlled human trials Giordano, Engebretson, and Garcia ; Evans ; Tilburt and Kaptchuk Evidence for the potential protective effects of selected herbs is generally based on experiments demonstrating a biological activity in a relevant in vitro bioassay or experiments using animal models.

In some cases, this is supported by both epidemiological studies and a limited number of intervention experiments in humans WHO In general, international research on traditional herbal medicines should be subject to the same ethical requirements as all research related to human subjects, with the information shared between different countries.

This should include collaborative partnership, social value, scientific validity, fair subject selection, favorable risk-benefit ratio, independent review, informed consent, and respect for the subjects Giordano, Engebretson, and Garcia ; Tilburt and Kaptchuk However, the logistics, time, and cost of performing large, controlled human studies on the clinical effectiveness of an herb are prohibitive, especially if the focus is on health promotion.

Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop new biomarkers that more clearly relate to health and disease outcomes. Predictor biomarkers and subtle but detectable signs of early cellular change that are mapped to the onset of specific diseases are needed.

Research is needed also to meet the challenges of identifying the active compounds in the plants, and there should be research-based evidence on whether whole herbs or extracted compounds are better.

The issue of herb—herb and herb—drug interactions is also an important one that requires increased awareness and study, as polypharmacy and polyherbacy are common Canter and Ernst ; Qato et al.

The use of new technologies, such as nanotechnology and novel emulsification methods, in the formulation of herbal products, will likely affect bioavailability and the efficacy of herbal components, and this also needs study.

Smart screening methods and metabolic engineering offer exciting technologies for new natural product drug discovery. Advances in rapid genetic sequencing, coupled with manipulation of biosynthetic pathways, may provide a vast resource for the future discovery of pharmaceutical agents Li and Vederas This can lead to reinvestigation of some agents that failed earlier trials and can be restudied and redesigned using new technologies to determine whether they can be modified for better efficacy and fewer side effects.

For example, maytansine isolated in the early s from the Ethiopian plant Maytenus serrata , looked promising in preclinical testing but was dropped in the early s from further study when it did not translate into efficacy in clinical trials; later, scientists isolated related compounds, ansamitocins, from a microbial source.

A derivative of maytansine, DM1, has been conjugated with a monoclonal antibody and is now in trials for prostate cancer Brower Plants, herbs, and ethnobotanicals have been used since the early days of humankind and are still used throughout the world for health promotion and treatment of disease.

Still, herbs, rather than drugs, are often used in health care. For some, herbal medicine is their preferred method of treatment. For others, herbs are used as adjunct therapy to conventional pharmaceuticals.

However, in many developing societies, traditional medicine of which herbal medicine is a core part is the only system of health care available or affordable. Regardless of the reason, those using herbal medicines should be assured that the products they are buying are safe and contain what they are supposed to, whether this is a particular herb or a particular amount of a specific herbal component.

Consumers should also be given science-based information on dosage, contraindications, and efficacy.

To achieve this, global harmonization of legislation is needed to guide the responsible production and marketing of herbal medicines.

If sufficient scientific evidence of benefit is available for an herb, then such legislation should allow for this to be used appropriately to promote the use of that herb so that these benefits can be realized for the promotion of public health and the treatment of disease.

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Show details Benzie IFF, Wachtel-Galor S, editors. Search term. Chapter 1 Herbal Medicine An Introduction to Its History, Usage, Regulation, Current Trends, and Research Needs.

I nternational D iversity and N ational P olicies The diversity among countries with the long history and holistic approach of herbal medicines makes evaluating and regulating them very challenging.

Q uality , S afety , and S cientific E vidence Herbal medicine has been commonly used over the years for treatment and prevention of diseases and health promotion as well as for enhancement of the span and quality of life.

RESEARCH NEEDS Research needs in the field of herbal medicines are huge, but are balanced by the potential health benefits and the enormous size of the market. 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.

Complementary medicines explained External Link , , NPS MedicineWise. An overview of the regulation of complementary medicines in Australia External Link , , Therapeutic Goods Administration, Department of Health, Australian Government.

Advice for health professionals regarding unregulated complementary medicines CAMS , Department of Health, Victorian Government. Of course, some herbals have been tested and work well for their intended purpose.

Many are also quite safe, but the word "natural" will not tell you which ones are safe and which ones are not safe. Some herbals can make you feel better and help keep you healthy. But you need to be a smart consumer.

Use these tips when choosing herbal remedies. Aronson JK. Herbal medicines. In: Aronson JK, ed. Meyler's Side Effects of Drugs.

Waltham, MA: Elsevier B. Gardiner P, Filippelli AC, Low Dog T. Prescribing botanicals. In: Rakel D, ed. Integrative Medicine. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; chap National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health website. Using dietary supplements wisely. Updated January Accessed November 24, Information for consumers on using dietary supplements.

Updated October 21, Updated by: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.

Editorial team. A guide to herbal remedies. Herbal remedies 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 by any authority. It may not list the correct amount of an ingredient.

A Guide to Common Medicinal Herbs · Chamomile · Echinacea · Feverfew · Garlic · Ginger · Ginkgo · Ginseng · Goldenseal There are many herbal products and supplements that promise to treat a range of symptoms. However, talk to your family doctor before you begin Looking for natural remedies for pain, inflammation, or health concerns Examples of healing plants for which there is some evidence

Natural health remedies samples - Herbal remedies are plants used like a medicine. People use herbal remedies Here are some examples: Kava is an herb used for anxiety, insomnia A Guide to Common Medicinal Herbs · Chamomile · Echinacea · Feverfew · Garlic · Ginger · Ginkgo · Ginseng · Goldenseal There are many herbal products and supplements that promise to treat a range of symptoms. However, talk to your family doctor before you begin Looking for natural remedies for pain, inflammation, or health concerns Examples of healing plants for which there is some evidence

Used correctly, herbs can help treat a variety of conditions, and in some cases, may have fewer side effects than some conventional medications. Never assume that because herbs are "natural," they are safe. Some herbs may be inappropriate for people with certain medical conditions.

Because they are unregulated, herbal products are often mislabeled and may contain additives and contaminants that are not listed on the label.

Some herbs may cause allergic reactions or interact with conventional drugs, and some are toxic if used improperly or at high doses. Taking herbs on your own increases your risk, so it is important to consult with your doctor or pharmacist before taking herbal medicines.

Some examples of adverse reactions from certain popular herbs are described below. Some herbal supplements, especially those imported from Asian countries, may contain high levels of heavy metals, including lead, mercury, and cadmium. It is important to purchase herbal supplements from reputable manufacturers to ensure quality.

Many herbs can interact with prescription medications and cause unwanted or dangerous reactions. Be sure to consult your doctor before trying any herbal products. Nearly one-third of Americans use herbs. The herbs available in most stores come in several different forms: teas, syrups, oils, liquid extracts, tinctures, and dry extracts pills or capsules.

You can make teas from dried herbs left to soak for a few minutes in hot water, or by boiling herbs in water and then straining the liquid. Syrups, made from concentrated extracts and added to sweet-tasting preparations, are often used for sore throats and coughs.

Oils are extracted from plants and often used as rubs for massage, either by themselves or as part of an ointment or cream. Tinctures and liquid extracts are made of active herbal ingredients dissolved in a liquid usually water, alcohol, or glycerol.

Tinctures are typically a or concentration, meaning that one part of the herb is prepared with 5 to 10 parts by weight of the liquid. Liquid extracts are more concentrated than tinctures and are typically a concentration. A dry extract form is the most concentrated form of an herbal product typically to and is sold as a tablet, capsule, or lozenge.

No organization or agency regulates the manufacture or certifies the labeling of herbal preparations. This means you cannot be sure that the amount of the herb contained in the bottle, or even from dose to dose, is the same as what is stated on the label.

Some herbal preparations are standardized, meaning that the preparation is guaranteed to contain a specific amount of the active ingredients of the herb. However, it is still important to ask companies making standardized herbal products about their product's guarantee.

It is important to talk to your doctor or an expert in herbal medicine about the recommended doses of any herbal products. Herbalists, chiropractors, naturopathic physicians, pharmacists, medical doctors, and practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine all may use herbs to treat illness.

Naturopathic physicians believe that the body is continually striving for balance and that natural therapies can support this process. They are trained in 4-year, postgraduate institutions that combine courses in conventional medical science such as pathology, microbiology, pharmacology, and surgery with clinical training in herbal medicine, homeopathy, nutrition, and lifestyle counseling.

For additional information, or to locate an experienced herbalist in your area, contact the American Herbalists Guild AHG site at www. To located a licensed naturopath in your area, call the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians AANP at www.

In some countries in Europe, unlike the U. The German Commission E, an expert medical panel, actively researches their safety and effectiveness. While still not widely accepted, herbal medicine is being taught more in medical schools and pharmacy schools. More health care providers are learning about the positive and potentially negative effects of using herbal medicines to help treat health conditions.

Some health care providers, including doctors and pharmacists, are trained in herbal medicine. They can help people create treatment plans that use herbs, conventional medications, and lifestyle changes to promote health.

Abeloff: Abeloff's Clinical Oncology. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; Altschuler JA, Casella SJ, MacKenzie TA, Curtis KM.

The effect of cinnamon on A1C among adolescents with type 1 diabetes. Diabetes Care. Birks J, Grimley Evans J. Ginkgo biloba for cognitive impairment and dementia.

Cochrane Database Syst Rev. Chen Y, Zhu J, Zhang W. Antitumor effect of traditional Chinese herbal medicines against lung cancer.

Anticancer Drugs. Damery S, Gratus C, Grieve R, et al. The use of herbal medicines by people with cancer: a cross-sectional survey. Br J Cancer. Dans AM, Villarruz MV, Jimeno CA, et al. The effect of Momordica charantia capsule preparation on glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus needs further studies.

J Clin Epidemiol. Dos Santos-Neto LL, de Vilhena Toledo MA, Medeiros-Souza P, de Souza GA. The use of herbal medicine in Alzheimer's disease-a systematic review. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. Ernst E. Herbal Medicine in the Treatment of Rheumatic Diseases.

Rheumatic Diseases Clinics of North America. Fang L, Wang Z, Kong W, Feng JG, Ma SL, Lin NM. Anti-tumor and apoptotic effects in vitro and in vivo of a traditional Chinese medicine prescription. Chin Med J Engl.

Gratus C, Wilson S, Greenfield SM, Damery SL, Warmington SA, Grieve R, Steven NM, Routledge P. The use of herbal medicines by people with cancer: a qualitative study. Complement Altern Med.

Hasan SS, Ahmed SI, Bukhari NI, Loon WC. Use of complementary and alternative medicine among patients with chronic diseases at outpatient clinics. Complement Ther Clin Pract. Izzo AA, Ernst E. Interactions between herbal medicines and prescribed drugs: an updated systematic review. Jang SH, Kim DI, Choi MS.

BMC Complement Altern Med. Ke F, Yadav PK, Ju LZ. Herbal medicine in the treatment of ulcerative colitis. Saudi J Gastroenterol. Kennedy DO, Haskell CF, Mauri PL, Scholey AB. Acute cognitive effects of standardised Ginkgo biloba extract complexed with phosphatidylserine.

Hum Psychopharmacol. Knox J, Gaster B. Dietary supplements for the prevention and treatment of coronary artery disease. J Altern Complement Med. Kraft K. Prev Med. Lovera J, Bagert B, Smoot K, et al. Ginkgo biloba for the improvement of cognitive performance in multiple sclerosis: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

Mult Scler. Luo H, Lu M, Pei X, Xia Z. Chinese herbal medicine for subacute thyroiditis: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. J Tradit Chin Med. Manheimer E, Wieland S, Kimbrough E, Cheng K, Berman BM. Evidence from the Cochrane Collaboration for traditional Chinese medicine therapies.

Marcus DM. Therapy: Herbals and supplements for rheumatic diseases. Nat Rev Rheumatol. Mendes E, Herdeiro MT, Pimentel F. The use of herbal medicine therapies by cancer patients.

Act Med Port. Modi AA, Wright EC, Seeff LB. In general, herbs are less potent than drugs. Herbs have few side effects but this does not mean you can take them freely and without care.

Many people mistakenly assume that because they are natural they are harmless. High doses taken for a long time can cause problems, and some cause allergic reactions or other symptoms. Herbs have the potential to be very effective, but they need to be used responsibly.

The quality of herbal remedies varies, depending on a number of factors. Their growing season, the climate, soil conditions, whether they are organic or farmed, when they are harvested, storage conditions, length of storage and so on, all make a difference to their quality.

This means that the potency of the product will not be as precise as a man-made drug. Some herbs interact with drugs, other herbs and foods; for example, garlic and ginkgo may increase the side effects of blood-thinning drugs; Echinacea may counteract immunosuppressive drugs; Siberian ginseng may increase the effects of antibiotics and valerian may increase the effects of other sedatives.

Herbs may be called "specifics" or "tonics". A specific targets a particular symptom, such as valerian taken for insomnia. They are usually taken only for short times or when the symptoms occur.

A tonic works on the whole body or organ: ginseng slowly strengthens the immune system. Tonics are taken long-term, sometimes with breaks. Some herbs have both specific and tonic properties.

Most herbal remedies are sold as capsules or tablets containing dried herbs or standardised extracts. Dried plants can lose potency more quickly and you might have to take several capsules to make one effective dose.

Extracts are made by soaking the herb in alcohol to extract the chemical components from the plant. As well as the range of single herbs, there are many combination products available. Single herbs have the advantage that you can choose the ones that may be right for your symptoms and identify any that cause side effects or allergic reactions.

Combination products can be convenient and may be cheaper, but you may not have all the information you need about them to make an informed choice.

For instance, is there enough of each herb to have the desired effect? Or does it contain a herb you don't really need?

Some products combine the significant actions of each herb at a lower dose. Unlimited access to a qualified GP with Saga Health Insurance - you'll have access 24 hours a day, days a year to a GP consultation service. Evening primrose. Gingko biloba. Want to talk to a GP today?

With Saga Health Insurance, you have unlimited access to a qualified GP 24 hours a day, days a year. Saga Magazine is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site or newsletter, we may earn affiliate commission.

Everything we recommend is independently chosen irrespective of affiliate agreements. The opinions expressed are those of the author and are not held by Saga unless specifically stated. The material is for general information only and does not constitute investment, tax, legal, medical or other form of advice.

You should not rely on this information to make or refrain from making any decisions. Always obtain independent, professional advice for your own particular situation.

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Natural health remedies samples - Herbal remedies are plants used like a medicine. People use herbal remedies Here are some examples: Kava is an herb used for anxiety, insomnia A Guide to Common Medicinal Herbs · Chamomile · Echinacea · Feverfew · Garlic · Ginger · Ginkgo · Ginseng · Goldenseal There are many herbal products and supplements that promise to treat a range of symptoms. However, talk to your family doctor before you begin Looking for natural remedies for pain, inflammation, or health concerns Examples of healing plants for which there is some evidence

Do not use it with NSAID medicines or other medicines that thin the blood. Do not use it with anticonvulsant medicines, or tricyclic antidepressants. Ginseng is thought to boost energy, sex drive, and balance the body. Research is still unsure about its benefits.

Side effects can include high blood pressure and fast heart rate. It's safe according to the FDA, but avoid it with certain medicines. People with diabetes should not use ginseng. Goldenseal can help with diarrhea.

It can help with eye and skin irritation. It can act as an antiseptic. Use it carefully. Too much can cause irritation of the skin, mouth, and stomach. Always follow a healthcare provider's instructions. Goldenseal can be poisonous in high doses.

Milk thistle is used for liver problems and high cholesterol. It is also used to reduce the growth of cancer cells. Study results are not clear about its real benefits for liver disease.

Saint John's wort can help with mild to moderate depression. Results for severe depression are not clear. It can make your skin sensitive to light in high doses. It can interact with other medicines in dangerous ways. Make sure to talk to your healthcare provider before using this herb.

Saw palmetto is used to treat urine problems from an enlarged prostate. But recent studies have found it not to work for this. It can cause mild upset stomach or headaches. Valerian is used to treat sleep problems and to reduce anxiety.

Research shows it may work as a sleep aid, but the results are mixed. Talk with your healthcare provider before taking it. Before you use any herb as medicine, talk with your healthcare provider.

Tell them all medicines and vitamins you take. They will need to make sure the herbal medicine is safe. Some herbs are unsafe to take with other medicines. Ask them how much is safe for you to take. Follow their instructions.

Tell them if you have any side effects. Search Encyclopedia. A Guide to Common Medicinal Herbs For thousands of years, people have used herbs as medicine all over the world.

Chamomile Flower Chamomile is often used in the U. 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. 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. As well as the range of single herbs, there are many combination products available. Single herbs have the advantage that you can choose the ones that may be right for your symptoms and identify any that cause side effects or allergic reactions.

Combination products can be convenient and may be cheaper, but you may not have all the information you need about them to make an informed choice. For instance, is there enough of each herb to have the desired effect?

Or does it contain a herb you don't really need? Some products combine the significant actions of each herb at a lower dose.

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Search Magazine. The A-Z of herbal remedies. Herbal remedies have few side effects but this does not mean you can take them freely and without care.

Herbal supplements Herbs are the basis of some modern drugs: for example, quinine came from cinchona bark, digitalis from the foxglove, and aspirin from willow bark. Side effects In general, herbs are less potent than drugs.