Popular Herbs Used for Medical Conditions in America

Many people all over the world use herbs to treat many different medical conditions.

The most popular herbs used in America consist of:

Chamomile

Chamomile is best known for its relief of digestive disorders. However anyone who is allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums or any other members of the daisy family should take precautions when using chamomile.

Echinacea

Echinacea is best known for speeding up the body's natural healing process and boosting the body's immune system. Precautions however should be used if you are allergic to any plants in the daisy family.

Ephedra

Ephedra stimulates the nervous system, increases energy and can be used to promote weight loss. Ephedra has also been known to relieve the symptoms of asthma. The side effects of using ephedra typically range from increased heart rate, headaches, high blood pressure, difficulty with sleeping, chest discomfort, possible constipation or intestinal problems and in some instances the use of ephedra can cause seizures, heart attack or stroke.

Garlic

Garlic is best known for lowering blood pressure, blood thinning properties and some believe it helps with reducing atherosclerosis. Side effects of using garlic include intestinal gas, adverse reactions with other blood thinning medications along with possible reactions with some heart medications.

Gingko Biloba

Gingko is known for stimulating brain memory function. Side effects include intestinal problems, headaches, possible allergic reactions and caution should always be used whenever taking gingko with any type of blood thinning medications

Ginseng

Ginseng has been known to stimulate a person's energy and has been known to have stress reduction properties. Ginseng however can increase a person's blood pressure and serum blood glucose levels. Ginseng also has been known to increase the growth of estrogen dependent cancers.

Kava

Kava is known to have stress and anxiety reducing properties. Caution however should be used when taking kava due to an increase risk of skin problems such as dermatitis. In some instances kava has also been known to produce an intoxicating effect if taken in large doses. Kava has also been known to cause severe life threatening reactions with some medications such as Xanax.

St. John's Wart

St John's Wart has been known to be effective in treating mild depression. Side effects include hypersensitivity to light and in some cases "St. John's Wart" can have dangerous adverse reactions when taken with other drugs.

Saw Palmetto

Saw Palmetto has been known in some instances to reduce prostate enlargement. Side effects with saw palmetto include nausea and intestinal problems.

Valerian

Valerian relieves insomnia and has in some instances been known to reduce anxiety. Side effects include vision problems such as blurry vision, excitability and heart rate problems.

References for article include:
www.garlic-central.com/garlic-health.html
www.liveandfeel.com/
www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/herbalmedicine.html