Herb & Supplement
Throughout recorded history and even before herbs and supplements have been used to help cure colds and fevers, treat illness, aid in fertility and restore health and youth. Some of the historical uses of herbs and supplements have been proven with modern research to be highly effective, while others have been less effective and more steeped in myth than actual fact.
There have been many herbs that have been used for medicinal purposes in various countries around the world. These various herbs may also have crossed over into traditional cooking spices and herbs as well. Some of the most common medicinal herbs also used for cooking include:
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Cayenne
- Peppermint
- Cranberry
In addition there are many specialized herbs that are used for medicinal purposes in teas, extractions and capsule form. These herbs and supplements may be:
- Chamomile
- Green tea
- Echinacea
- Goldenseal
- Rose hips
- Evening Primrose Oil
- St. John's Wort
Besides natural herbs there are also dietary supplements that are used for a variety of purposes from weight loss through to boosting immunity and increasing healing and digestion. This group of natural supplements maybe various combinations of:
- Bee pollen
- Amino acids
- Antioxidants
- Melatonin
- Essential fatty acids
More recent advances in herbs and supplements include alternative treatments for menopause, weight loss, fitness supplements, supplements for depression, acne, increasing energy and attention and heart health. These natural options for treatment often have fewer, less severe side effects than many prescriptions medications, but care still needs to be taken when starting any herb or supplement program.
As modern medicine begins to look back at more traditional treatments there have been increasing trends to return to the natural herbs used historically rather than to proceed with expensive and potentially dangerous new compounds and medicines. This trend is expected to continue well into the future as pharmaceutical companies are listening to consumer demands for natural products for all aspects of health care.
With the global economy and opportunities to import and export various herbs it is now possible to get herbs and supplements from around the world. Herbs such as Kava Kava from the Pacific, Dong Quai, Ginkgo Biloba and Ginseng from Asia and Eucalyptus from Australia are now common in most natural food stores and pharmacies around the world. With more information now available on opportunities to research and even purchase herbs and supplements online everyone can have access to these alternative medicinal products.
