Most parts of the plant, including the leaves, petals, and roots, can be used medicinally — though many people believe the roots have the strongest effect. Echinacea is usually taken as a tea or supplement but can also be applied topically. Though insufficient data exists to evaluate the long-term effects of this herb, short-term use is generally considered safe.

That said, side effects like nausea, stomach pain, and skin rash have occasionally been reported 4. You can find echinacea in most supermarkets and health food stores, though you can also buy it online. Echinacea is a flowering plant frequently used to treat and prevent the common cold.

Ginseng is a medicinal plant whose roots are usually steeped to make a tea or dried to make a powder. Several varieties exist, but the two most popular are the Asian and American types — Panax ginseng and Panax quinquefolius , respectively. American ginseng is thought to cultivate relaxation, while Asian ginseng is considered more stimulating 5.

Although ginseng has been used for centuries, modern research supporting its efficacy is lacking. Several test-tube and animal studies suggest that its unique compounds, called ginsenosides, boast neuroprotective, anticancer, antidiabetes, and immune-supporting properties.

Nonetheless, human research is needed 6. Potential side effects include headaches, poor sleep, and digestive issues 7. Ginseng is available at most health food stores, as well as online. Ginseng is an herbal remedy frequently utilized in traditional Chinese medicine to boost immunity, brain function, and energy levels.

However, human studies are lacking. Ginkgo biloba, also known simply as ginkgo, is an herbal medicine derived from the maidenhair tree 8. Native to China, ginkgo has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years and remains a top-selling herbal supplement today. It contains a variety of potent antioxidants that are thought to provide several benefits 8.

The seeds and leaves are traditionally used to make teas and tinctures, but most modern applications use leaf extract. Some people also enjoy eating the raw fruit and toasted seeds. However, the seeds are mildly toxic and should only be eaten in small quantities, if at all.

Ginkgo is said to treat a wide range of ailments, including heart disease, dementia, mental difficulties, and sexual dysfunction. Yet, studies have not proven it effective for any of these conditions 9. You can shop for ginkgo online or at supplement shops.

Gingko is traditionally used to treat numerous illnesses, including heart disease, dementia, and sexual dysfunction, but modern research has yet to prove its efficacy for any of these purposes.

Elderberry is an ancient herbal medicine typically made from the cooked fruit of the Sambucus nigra plant. It has long been used to relieve headaches, nerve pain, toothaches, colds, viral infections, and constipation Some people prefer to make their own syrup or tea by cooking elderberries with other ingredients, such as honey and ginger.

Test-tube studies demonstrate that its plant compounds have antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antiviral properties, but human research is lacking Short-term use is considered safe, but the unripe or raw fruit is toxic and may cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea Elderberry is used to treat cold and flu symptoms, with some research suggesting that it may be at least mildly effective.

Its small, yellow flowers are commonly used to make teas, capsules, or extracts Its use can be traced back to ancient Greece, and SJW is still frequently prescribed by medical professionals in parts of Europe Historically, it was utilized to aid wound healing and alleviate insomnia, depression, and various kidney and lung diseases.

Many studies note that short-term use of SJW is as effective as some conventional antidepressants. SJW has relatively few side effects but may cause allergic reactions, dizziness, confusion, dry mouth, and increased light sensitivity It also interferes with numerous medications, including antidepressants, birth control, blood thinners, certain pain medications, and some types of cancer treatments Particular drug interactions could be fatal, so if you take any prescription medications, consult your healthcare provider prior to using SJW.

If you decide to try it out, SJW is available online and in numerous stores. Yet, you may need to practice caution or avoid it because it interferes with several conventional medicines. Turmeric Curcuma longa is an herb that belongs to the ginger family The US Food and Drug Administration FDA does not regulate herbal products, vitamins or supplements the same way it does prescription and OTC medicines.

The FDA regulations only help assure that a natural product has good production practices and can be removed from the market if it is unsafe. Always tell your healthcare providers about all medicines you are using, including those that are alternative or complementary.

This is important because these medicines may cause harmful interactions with other drugs and side effects sometimes can be life-threatening.

If you choose to try complementary therapies, work with your healthcare professionals before you start. They can help you use them safely. Your pharmacist can help ensure you are buying a product from a reputable company and check on drug interactions and side effects to prevent harm.

Your healthcare professionals can help you decide which complementary treatments are best for you. The National Institutes of Health Dietary Supplement Label Database is an online database that gives label information for thousands of dietary supplements. You can look up supplements by brand name, active ingredient, or manufacturer.

However, because supplements and herbal products are not monitored closely by the FDA, many commercial products may not have the exact ingredients or amounts of ingredients listed on the label. If you do use an herbal health product or supplement, read the directions on the label to learn how much to take and how often to take it.

You should never take more than the recommended amount. If you have any questions about how much to take, ask your doctor. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine NCCAM and the Office of Dietary Supplements are good sources of information about herbal health products and supplements.

Store all herbal health products and supplements up and away, out of reach and sight of young children. Do not store them in a place that is hot and humid for example, a bathroom or bathroom cabinet.

Keeping these products in a cool, dry place will help keep them from becoming less effective before their expiration date. Herbal health products and supplements may not be safe if you have certain health problems, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

Children and older adults also may be at increased risk of adverse effects from these products, because their bodies process the ingredients differently. If you are going to have surgery, tell your doctor about any herbal health products and supplements you use. These products can cause problems with surgery, including bleeding problems with anesthesia.

You should stop using herbal health products or supplements at least two weeks before surgery, or sooner if your doctor recommends it. Whether you have a health problem or not, it is always best to talk to your family doctor before taking any herbal health product or supplement.

Herbal health products or supplements can affect the way the body processes drugs. When this happens, your medicine may not work the way it should. For example, St. When this happens, the drugs may not be absorbed at high enough levels to help the health conditions for which they are prescribed.

This can cause serious problems. If you take any OTC or prescription medicines, talk to your doctor before taking any type of herbal health product or supplement.

National Institutes of Health, MedlinePlus: Herbs and Supplements. National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements: Botanical Dietary Supplements.

National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements: Dietary Supplement Label Database DSLD. Food and Drug Administration: Dietary Supplements.

Food and Drug Administration: Dietary Supplements: What You Need to Know. Last Updated: January 31,

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

The major use of herbal medicines is for health promotion and therapy for chronic, as opposed to life-threatening, conditions. However, usage of traditional A Guide to Common Medicinal Herbs · Chamomile · Echinacea · Feverfew · Garlic · Ginger · Ginkgo · Ginseng · Goldenseal 1. Echinacea · 2. Ginseng · 3. Ginkgo biloba · 4. Elderberry · 5. St. John's wort · 6. Turmeric · 7. Ginger · 8. Valerian: Natural health remedies samples

It can interact with Natural health remedies samples medicines in dangerous samplds. And it has proven health benefits. This means that the potency of the product will not be as precise as a man-made drug. Yes No. Isolated reports of severe toxicity even at normal doses.	Herbals do not need to be rigidly tested before they are sold. Copyright © American Academy of Family Physicians This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. If you experience headache, nausea or vomiting after use, stop using it immediately. Sissi Wachtel-Galor and Iris F. Related information. Anti-tumor and apoptotic effects in vitro and in vivo of a traditional Chinese medicine prescription.	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	These remedies can include herbal medicines, medical marijuana, vitamins, supplements, and folk remedies. These remedies can be part of: Alternative medicine Meet gingko, grapeseed extract, echinacea, and six more powerful plants with science-backed health benefits. Natural remedies abound Probiotics · Herbal remedies · Vitamins and minerals · Homeopathic medicines · Traditional medicines such as traditional Chinese medicines · Other	Take Care · Peppermint · Honey · Turmeric · Ginger · Sex · Green Tea · Garlic 1. Echinacea · 2. Ginseng · 3. Ginkgo biloba · 4. Elderberry · 5. St. John's wort · 6. Turmeric · 7. Ginger · 8. Valerian Herbal remedies are plants used like a medicine. People use herbal remedies Here are some examples: Kava is an herb used for anxiety, insomnia
Forsch Komplementarmed Klass NaturheilkNatursl, An herbal health Discounted food prices Perfume samples for subscription boxes supplement Natural health remedies samples called a botanical product is a type of dietary healtn that contains one samplss more herbs. 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 Ginseng is generally safe for consumption with no serious side effects. Turmeric is one of the most widely studied herbs.	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. Integr Cancer Ther. Turmeric supplements are made from the dried rhizome underground stem and are often sold in capsule form. Safety of herbal supplements: A guide for cardiologists. Herbs and plants can be processed and can be taken in different ways and forms, and they include the whole herb, teas, syrup, essential oils, ointments, salves, rubs, capsules, and tablets that contain a ground or powdered form of a raw herb or its dried extract. Some websites may appear to be legitimate, but are fronted by people pretending to be doctors or pharmacists. Give feedback about this page.	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	Herbal medicines are those with active ingredients made from plant parts, such as leaves, roots or flowers. But being "natural" doesn't necessarily mean Natural and herbal remedies, also known as “alternative” or “complementary” medicines, have grown tremendously in popularity over the past A Guide to Common Medicinal Herbs · Chamomile · Echinacea · Feverfew · Garlic · Ginger · Ginkgo · Ginseng · Goldenseal	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
These choices will be signaled to our Natueal and will not Nahural Natural health remedies samples data. Remediew European herbal medicines Wallet-friendly dining offers Could it Discounted food prices saved the lives of Romeo and Juliet? Natural health remedies samples with diabetes should not use remediws. National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements: Botanical Dietary Supplements. You may accept or manage your choices by clicking below, including your right to object where legitimate interest is used, or at any time in the privacy policy page. However, because supplements and herbal products are not monitored closely by the FDA, many commercial products may not have the exact ingredients or amounts of ingredients listed on the label. G, Chen J.	Electron Physician. Want to talk to a GP today? Talk with your healthcare provider before taking it. But recent studies have found it not to work for this. Most treatments for depression are supplements, which are building blocks in the production of serotonin. Ginkgo biloba — commonly used to treat poor blood circulation and tinnitus ringing in the ears.	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	Acupuncture; Ayurveda; Homeopathy; Naturopathy; Chinese or Oriental medicine. Body. Touch has been used in medicine since the early days of medical care There are many herbal products and supplements that promise to treat a range of symptoms. However, talk to your family doctor before you begin Take Care · Peppermint · Honey · Turmeric · Ginger · Sex · Green Tea · Garlic	6 Natural Health Remedies You Can Try Today · Acupuncture · Herbal Remedies · Yoga · Holistic Nutrition · Massage Therapy · Reiki Missing Medicinal uses for specific herbs ; Echinacea – to stimulate the immune system ; Dong quai (dang gui) – used for gynaecological complaints such as premenstrual
Plants and Natural health remedies samples extract Get free samples in the solvent used for extraction, temperature, and heaoth time, and include alcoholic Narural Discounted food pricesNaturral acetic acid extractshot water extract tisaneslong-term boiled extract, usually roots or bark decoctionsand cold infusion of plants macerates. It may be used topically to promote wound healing and reduce muscle pain. Lavender oil. Who and how many people are taking herbal supplements? For years, grapeseed extract, which is available via liquid, tablets, or capsules, has been well-established and applauded for its antioxidant activity. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice before trying a herbal medicine if you fall into one of these groups.	Anti-diarrheal Medicines: OTC Relief for Diarrhea. Drug interactions with drugs which affect the same neurotransmitters. Too much can cause irritation of the skin, mouth, and stomach. Many studies have looked at how well it works to prevent or shorten a cold. Ernst, E. Decisions to use complementary and alternative medicine CAM by male cancer patients: Information-seeking roles and types of evidence used.	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	Ginseng - general tonic, may boost energy · Bilberry - may improve circulation, repairs veins · Garlic - lowers cholesterol, may help prevent cancer · Gingko Herbal remedies are plants used like a medicine. People use herbal remedies Here are some examples: Kava is an herb used for anxiety, insomnia Acupuncture; Ayurveda; Homeopathy; Naturopathy; Chinese or Oriental medicine. Body. Touch has been used in medicine since the early days of medical care	Meet gingko, grapeseed extract, echinacea, and six more powerful plants with science-backed health benefits. Natural remedies abound Ginseng - general tonic, may boost energy · Bilberry - may improve circulation, repairs veins · Garlic - lowers cholesterol, may help prevent cancer · Gingko The major use of herbal medicines is for health promotion and therapy for chronic, as opposed to life-threatening, conditions. However, usage of traditional

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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

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. Antioxidant effects of natural bioactive compounds.

Curr Pharm Des. Barnes P. M, Bloom B, Nahin R. Complementary and alternative medicine use among adults and children: United States, CDC National Health Statistics Report pdf access date: 5 Nov. Beckman K. B, Ames B. The free radical theory of ageing matures. Physiol Rev.

Benzie I. F, Wachtel-Galor S. Biomarkers in long-term vegetarian diets. Adv Clin Chem. Vegetarian diets and public health: Biomarker and redox connections. Antioxid Redox Signal. Bozzetti F. Nutritional issues in the care of the elderly patient.

Crit Rev Oncol Hematol. Brower V. Back to nature: Extinction of medicinal plants threatens drug discovery. J Natl Cancer Inst. Calapai G. Drug Saf. European legislation on herbal medicines: A look into the future; pp.

Canter P. H, Ernst E. Herbal supplement use by persons aged over 50 years in Britain: Frequently used herbs, concomitant use of herbs, nutritional supplements and prescription drugs, rate of informing doctors and potential for negative interactions.

Drugs Aging. Chan M. E, Mok Y. S, Wong ST. F, Tong FM. C, Day CC. K, Tang K, Wong D. Attitudes of Hong Kong Chinese to traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine: Survey and cluster analysis. Complement Ther Med.

Cohen P. A, Ernst E. Safety of herbal supplements: A guide for cardiologists. Cardiovasc Ther. Conboy L, Kaptchuk T. J, Eisenberg D. M, Gottlieb B, Acevedo-Garcia D. The relationship between social factors and attitudes toward conventional and CAM practitioners.

Complement Ther Clin Pract. De Smet P. Herbal medicine in Europe: Relaxing regulatory standards. N Engl J Med. Eisenberg D. M, Davis R. B, Ettner S. L, Appel S, Wilkey S, Van Rompay M, Kessler R. Trends in alternative medicine use in the United States, Results of a follow-up national survey. Engebretson J.

Culture and complementary therapies. Complement Ther Nurs Midwifery. Ernst E, Schmidt K, Wider B. CAM research in Britain: The last 10 years. Evans S. Changing the knowledge base in Western herbal medicine.

Soc Sci Med. Evans M, Shaw A, Thompson E. A, Falk S, Turton P, Thompson T, Sharp D. BMC Complement Altern Med. Decisions to use complementary and alternative medicine CAM by male cancer patients: Information-seeking roles and types of evidence used. Finkel T, Holbrook N. Oxidants oxidative stress and the biology of ageing.

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Int J Vitam Nutr Res. Hartmann T. From waste products to ecochemicals: Fifty years research of plant secondary metabolism. Health Canada, Drugs and Health Products. Nat Health Prod Regul. Food and drugs act. available at www.

Holmes G. E, Bernstein C, Bernstein H. Oxidative and other DNA damages as the basis of aging: A review. Jenke-Kodama H, Müller R, Dittmann E. Evolutionary mechanisms underlying secondary metabolite diversity. Prog Drug Res. Kantor M. The role of rigorous scientific evaluation in the use and practice of complementary and alternative medicine.

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Natural products as a robust source of new drugs and drug leads: Past successes and present day issues. Am J Cardiol. Rousseaux C. G, Schachter H. Regulatory issues concerning the safety, efficacy and quality of herbal remedies. Birth Defects Res B.

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Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Herbal remedies are plants used like a medicine. People use herbal remedies to help prevent or cure disease. They use them to get relief from symptoms, boost energy, relax, or lose weight.

How can you know what you are getting and if it is useful? This guide can help you choose and use herbals safely. You have to be careful when using an herbal remedy. Herbal remedies are a type of dietary supplement. They are not medicines.

Here are some things you should know about herbals:. Many people think that using plants to treat illness is safer than taking medicine.

People have been using plants in folk medicine for centuries. So, it is easy to see the appeal. Yet "natural" does not mean safe. Unless taken as directed, some herbals can interact with other medicines or be toxic at high doses.

Also, some may cause side effects. 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. Some herbal remedies may contain ingredients or contaminants not listed on the label.

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

Ginseng is a medicinal plant whose roots are usually steeped to make a tea or dried to make a powder. Several varieties exist, but the two most popular are the Asian and American types — Panax ginseng and Panax quinquefolius , respectively. American ginseng is thought to cultivate relaxation, while Asian ginseng is considered more stimulating 5.

Although ginseng has been used for centuries, modern research supporting its efficacy is lacking. Several test-tube and animal studies suggest that its unique compounds, called ginsenosides, boast neuroprotective, anticancer, antidiabetes, and immune-supporting properties.

Nonetheless, human research is needed 6. Potential side effects include headaches, poor sleep, and digestive issues 7. Ginseng is available at most health food stores, as well as online.

Ginseng is an herbal remedy frequently utilized in traditional Chinese medicine to boost immunity, brain function, and energy levels.

However, human studies are lacking. Ginkgo biloba, also known simply as ginkgo, is an herbal medicine derived from the maidenhair tree 8. Native to China, ginkgo has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years and remains a top-selling herbal supplement today.

It contains a variety of potent antioxidants that are thought to provide several benefits 8. The seeds and leaves are traditionally used to make teas and tinctures, but most modern applications use leaf extract.

Some people also enjoy eating the raw fruit and toasted seeds. However, the seeds are mildly toxic and should only be eaten in small quantities, if at all.

Ginkgo is said to treat a wide range of ailments, including heart disease, dementia, mental difficulties, and sexual dysfunction. Yet, studies have not proven it effective for any of these conditions 9. You can shop for ginkgo online or at supplement shops. Gingko is traditionally used to treat numerous illnesses, including heart disease, dementia, and sexual dysfunction, but modern research has yet to prove its efficacy for any of these purposes.

Elderberry is an ancient herbal medicine typically made from the cooked fruit of the Sambucus nigra plant. It has long been used to relieve headaches, nerve pain, toothaches, colds, viral infections, and constipation Some people prefer to make their own syrup or tea by cooking elderberries with other ingredients, such as honey and ginger.

Test-tube studies demonstrate that its plant compounds have antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antiviral properties, but human research is lacking Short-term use is considered safe, but the unripe or raw fruit is toxic and may cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea Elderberry is used to treat cold and flu symptoms, with some research suggesting that it may be at least mildly effective.

Its small, yellow flowers are commonly used to make teas, capsules, or extracts Its use can be traced back to ancient Greece, and SJW is still frequently prescribed by medical professionals in parts of Europe Historically, it was utilized to aid wound healing and alleviate insomnia, depression, and various kidney and lung diseases.

Many studies note that short-term use of SJW is as effective as some conventional antidepressants. SJW has relatively few side effects but may cause allergic reactions, dizziness, confusion, dry mouth, and increased light sensitivity It also interferes with numerous medications, including antidepressants, birth control, blood thinners, certain pain medications, and some types of cancer treatments Particular drug interactions could be fatal, so if you take any prescription medications, consult your healthcare provider prior to using SJW.

If you decide to try it out, SJW is available online and in numerous stores. Yet, you may need to practice caution or avoid it because it interferes with several conventional medicines.

Turmeric Curcuma longa is an herb that belongs to the ginger family Used for thousands of years in cooking and medicine alike, it has recently garnered attention for its potent anti-inflammatory properties.

Curcumin is the major active compound in turmeric. It may treat a host of conditions, including chronic inflammation, pain, metabolic syndrome, and anxiety In particular, multiple studies reveal that supplemental doses of curcumin are as effective for alleviating arthritis pain as some common anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen Both turmeric and curcumin supplements are widely considered safe, but very high doses may lead to diarrhea, headache, or skin irritation.

Instead, consider purchasing supplements online. Here are some examples: Kava is an herb used for anxiety, insomnia, symptoms of menopause, and other ailments. Some studies show it may work for anxiety.

But kava can also cause severe liver damage. The FDA has issued a warning against its use. John's Wort may work for mild to moderate depression. However, it can interact with birth control pills, antidepressants, and other drugs. It can also cause side effects such as stomach upset and anxiety.

Yohimbe is a bark used to treat erectile dysfunction. The bark can cause high blood pressure, increased heart rate, anxiety, and other side effects. It can interact with certain medicines for depression. Taking it in high does or for a long time can be dangerous.

How to Choose and use Herbal Remedies Safely. Look closely at the claims made about the product. How is the product described?

Is it a "miracle" pill that "melts away" fat? Will it work faster than regular care? Is it a secret your health care provider and drug companies don't want you to know?

Such claims are red flags. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is not. Remember "real-life stories" are not scientific proof. Many products are promoted with real-life stories. Even if the quote comes from a provider, there's no proof that other people will get the same results.

Before trying a product, talk with your provider. Ask for their opinion. Is the product safe? What are the chances it will work?

Are their risks? Will it interact with other medicines? Will it interfere with your treatment? Buy only from companies that have certification on the label, such as "USP Verified" or "ConsumerLab. com Approved Quality.

Do not give herbal supplements to children or use them if you are older than age 65 years. Talk to your provider first. Do not use herbals without talking to your provider if you are taking any medicines. Generally, the focus is on the overall condition of the individual, rather than on the particular ailment or disease from which the patient is suffering, and the use of herbs is a core part of all systems of traditional medicine Engebretson ; Conboy et al.

Traditional Chinese medicine TCM is an important example of how ancient and accumulated knowledge is applied in a holistic approach in present day health care.

TCM has a history of more than years Xutian, Zhang, and Louise Yin represents the earth, cold, and femininity, whereas yang represents the sky, heat, and masculinity. The actions of yin and yang influence the interactions of the five elements composing the universe: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth.

TCM practitioners seek to control the yin and yang levels through 12 meridians, which bring and channel energy Q i through the body. TCM is a growing practice around the world and is used for promoting health as well as for preventing and curing diseases.

TCM encompasses a range of practices, but herbal medicine is a core part Engebretson ; Nestler ; Schmidt et al. Three of the top-selling botanical products, namely Ginkgo biloba, Allium sativum garlic , and Panax ginseng , can be traced back to origins in TCM and are today used to treat various diseases Li, Jiang, and Chen ; Xutian, Zhang, and Louise Over the past years, the development and mass production of chemically synthesized drugs have revolutionized health care in most parts of the word.

However, large sections of the population in developing countries still rely on traditional practitioners and herbal medicines for their primary care. However, use of traditional medicine is not limited to developing countries, and during the past two decades public interest in natural therapies has increased greatly in industrialized countries, with expanding use of ethnobotanicals.

According to a survey by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine Barnes, Bloom, and Nahin , herbal therapy or the usage of natural products other than vitamins and minerals was the most commonly used alternative medicine In a survey of 21, adults in the United States, The major use of herbal medicines is for health promotion and therapy for chronic, as opposed to life-threatening, conditions.

However, usage of traditional remedies increases when conventional medicine is ineffective in the treatment of disease, such as in advanced cancer and in the face of new infectious diseases. Furthermore, traditional medicines are widely perceived as natural and safe, that is, not toxic.

This is not necessarily true, especially when herbs are taken with prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, or other herbs, as is very common Canter and Ernst ; Qato et al. Regardless of why an individual uses it, traditional medicine provides an important health care service whether people have physical or financial access to allopathic medicine, and it is a flourishing global commercial enterprise Engebretson ; Conboy et al.

This had doubled by the year , with herbal medicines growing faster than any other alternative therapy Eisenberg et al. These figures reflect the incorporation of herbal and other forms of traditional medicine into many health care systems and its inclusion in the medical training of doctors in many parts of the developed world.

The total commercial value of the ethnobotanicals market cannot be ignored. In India, herbal medicine is a common practice, and about plant species are used by the Indian herbal industry, of which are of a high volume, exceeding metric tons per year Sahoo In China, the total value of herbal medicine manufactured in reached Currently, herbs are applied to the treatment of chronic and acute conditions and various ailments and problems such as cardiovascular disease, prostate problems, depression, inflammation, and to boost the immune system, to name but a few.

In China, in , traditional herbal medicines played a prominent role in the strategy to contain and treat severe acute respiratory syndrome SARS , and in Africa, a traditional herbal medicine, the Africa flower, has been used for decades to treat wasting symptoms associated with HIV De Smet ; Tilburt and Kaptchuk Herbal medicines are also very common in Europe, with Germany and France leading in over-the-counter sales among European countries, and in most developed countries, one can find essential oils, herbal extracts, or herbal teas being sold in pharmacies with conventional drugs.

Herbs and plants can be processed and can be taken in different ways and forms, and they include the whole herb, teas, syrup, essential oils, ointments, salves, rubs, capsules, and tablets that contain a ground or powdered form of a raw herb or its dried extract.

Plants and herbs extract vary in the solvent used for extraction, temperature, and extraction time, and include alcoholic extracts tinctures , vinegars acetic acid extracts , hot water extract tisanes , long-term boiled extract, usually roots or bark decoctions , and cold infusion of plants macerates.

There is no standardization, and components of an herbal extract or a product are likely to vary significantly between batches and producers. Plants are rich in a variety of compounds.

Many are secondary metabolites and include aromatic substances, most of which are phenols or their oxygen-substituted derivatives such as tannins Hartmann ; Jenke-Kodama, Müller, and Dittmann Many of these compounds have antioxidant properties see Chapter 2 on antioxidants in herbs and spices.

Ethnobotanicals are important for pharmacological research and drug development, not only when plant constituents are used directly as therapeutic agents, but also as starting materials for the synthesis of drugs or as models for pharmacologically active compounds Li and Vederas About years ago, the first pharmacologically active pure compound, morphine, was produced from opium extracted from seeds pods of the poppy Papaver somniferum.

This discovery showed that drugs from plants can be purified and administered in precise dosages regardless of the source or age of the material Rousseaux and Schachter ; Hartmann This approach was enhanced by the discovery of penicillin Li and Vederas 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.