The Scientific Evidence on Herbs
A scientific evidence regarding the ‘effectiveness of herbs on several diseases’ has been procured by several clinical and laboratory studies that have been carried out. The following nine herbs known to have been subject to maximum scrutiny stand up to the highest clinical standards.
Chamomile: Generally used as a tea in the United States, chamomile extracts, ointments and tinctures are used by most Europeans to treat a range of health problems, from indigestion to skin rashes. Famously known for its being relaxing, chamomile tea is taken as a bedtime drink. Its antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and anti-infective qualities have been supported by scientific studies too.
Echinacea: This plant was used by the Native American healers as a remedy for snakebites and skin wounds. Research shows that echinacea aids in the stimulation of the immune system thereby helping it to defend against bacterial and viral infections.
Feverfew: Several British studies proclaimed in the 1980s, the ability of feverfew to reduce the severity and frequency of migraine headaches. They believed that feverfew contains parthoenolide, an active ingredient present in feverfew that inhibits the secretion of serotonin and prostaglandin, the hormones that are known to trigger migraine.
Ginkgo: Research has proved the use of this herb for treating the enhancement of blood flow to the brain. Consumption of ginkgo has known to have aided elderly people, who have suffered from memory loss, as a result of disorder in circulatory problems. It has known to have increased their mental clarity also. By improving the blood circulation, throughout the body, ginkgo helps prevent blood clots and mood swings accompanied by anxiety, thereby relieving the symptoms of tinnitus (ringing in the ears), asthma, phlebitis (inflammation of a vein ) and vertigo.
Lemon balm: Studies have proved the soothing powers of this herb that calms nerves, protecting the body from bacterial infection. Europeans have taken its advantage to cure cold sores that are caused by the herpes simplex virus. Preliminary tests suggest that a cream that contained lemon balm extract helps herpes lesions heal faster and also helps to end the period between outbreaks of herpes.
Milk thistle: Both animals and human trials have proved its promising supplemental treatment for liver conditions, including hepatitis and cirrhosis. Milk thistle contains a mixture of flavonoid derivatives called silymarin that works directly on the liver cells.
Saint-John’s-wort: This herb was traditionally used as a relaxant for muscles in order to reduce menstrual pains, as a tranquilizer as well as a treatment for depression, nervousness, anxiety and insomnia. The active components this herb consists of, appear to function as MAO(monoamine oxidase) inhibitors. Depression may be the possible cause of an excess of depression.
Valerian: This herb has proved to be a safe and an effective alternative to sleeping pills and tranquilizers. Not very certain of its working, scientists believe that Valerian depresses the central nervous system activity.
We fully trust that Health is man’s wealth, what better garden herbs cure could be there than healing it naturally using herbal treatment?
