Herbal Medicine
108 Articles & Excerpts
Licorice and DGL : Uses and Health Benefits
by MedlinePlus
Licorice is harvested from the root and dried rhizomes of the low-growing shrub Glycyrrhiza glabra. Currently, most licorice is produced in Greece, Turkey, and Asia. Licorice was used in ancient Greece, China, and Egypt, primarily for gastritis and ailmen
Lavender
by MedlinePlus
Lavender is native to the Mediterranean, the Arabian Peninsula, Russia, and Africa. It has been used cosmetically and medicinally throughout history. In modern times, lavender is cultivated around the world and the fragrant oils of its flowers are used
Lactobacillus Acidophilus
by MedlinePlus
Lactobacilli are bacteria that normally live in the human small intestine and vagina. Lactobacillus acidophilus is generally considered to be beneficial because it produces vitamin K, lactase, and anti-microbial substances such as acidolin, acidolphilin
Kava
by MedlinePlus
Kava beverages, made from dried roots of the shrub Piper methysticum , have been used ceremonially and socially in the South Pacific for hundreds of years, and in Europe since the 1700s. Currently, pharmaceutical preparations of the herb are widely used
Iodine : Uses and Health Benefits
by MedlinePlus
Iodine is an element (atomic number 53) which is required by humans for the synthesis of thyroid hormones (triiodothyronine/T3 and thyroxine/T4). Chronic iodine deficiency can lead to numerous health problems in children and adults, including thyroid
Hoxsey Formula
by MedlinePlus
Hoxsey formula is a misleading name, because it is not a single formula, but rather is a therapeutic regimen consisting of an oral tonic, topical (on the skin) preparations, and supportive therapy.
Horsetail
by MedlinePlus
Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) has traditionally been used in Europe as an oral diuretic for the treatment of edema. The German Commission E expert panel has approved horsetail for this indication.
Horse Chestnut : Uses and Health Benefits
by MedlinePlus
Horse chestnut seed extract (HCSE) is widely used in Europe for chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a syndrome that may include leg swelling, varicose veins, leg pain, itching, and skin ulcers.
Hops : Uses and Health Benefits
by MedlinePlus
A hop is a member of the Cannabacea family, traditionally used for relaxation, sedation, and to treat insomnia. A number of methodologically weak human trials have investigated hops in combination withvalerian (Valeriana officinalis) for the treatment
Gymnema
by MedlinePlus
Preliminary human evidence suggests that gymnema may be effective in the management of blood sugar levels in type 1 and type 2 diabetes, as an adjunct to conventional drug therapy, for up to 20 months. Gymnema appears to lower serum glucose
Goldenseal, Berberine
by MedlinePlus
Goldenseal is one of the five top-selling herbal products in the United States. However, there is little scientific evidence about its safety or effectiveness. Goldenseal can be found in dietary supplements, eardrops, feminine cleansing products, cold
Glucosamine : Uses and Health Benefits
by MedlinePlus
Glucosamine is a natural compound that is found in healthy cartilage. Glucosamine sulfate is a normal constituent of glycoaminoglycans in cartilage matrix and synovial fluid. Available evidence from randomized controlled trials supports the use
Ginseng : Uses and Health Benefits
by MedlinePlus
The term ginseng refers to several species of the genus Panax . For more than two thousand years, the roots of this slow-growing plant have been valued in Chinese medicine. The two most commonly used species are Asian ginseng ( Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer)
Ginger : Uses and Health Benefits
by MedlinePlus
The rhizomes (underground stem) and stems of ginger have assumed significant roles in Chinese, Japanese and Indian medicine since the 1500s. The oleoresin of ginger is often contained in digestive, antitussive, antiflatulent, laxative, and antacid
Garlic : Scientific and Traditional Uses
by MedlinePlus
Numerous controlled trials have examined the effects of oral garlic on serum lipids. Most studies have been small, with poorly described design and results, and most have reported non-significant modest benefits.
Flaxseed and Flaxseed Oil : Dosing and Safety
by MedlinePlus
Flaxseed oil should be kept refrigerated in an opaque (non-transparent) bottle, since its chemical parts may break down if exposed to light, oxygen, or heat. Whole flaxseed can be stored for up to one year in a dry location.
Flaxseed and Flaxseed Oil
by MedlinePlus
Flaxseed and its derivative flaxseed oil/linseed oil are rich sources of the essential fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid, which is a biologic precursor to omega-3 fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic acid.
Feverfew
by MedlinePlus
Feverfew is an herb that has been used traditionally as an antipyretic, as its name denotes, although this effect has not been well studied. Feverfew is most commonly used orally for the prevention of migraine headache.
Evening Primrose Oil
by MedlinePlus
Evening primrose oil (EPO) contains an omega-6 essential fatty acid, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which is felt to be the active ingredient. EPO has been studied in a wide variety of disorders, particularly those affected by metabolic products of essential
Eucalyptus Oil
by MedlinePlus
Eucalyptus oil is used commonly as a decongestant and expectorant for upper respiratory tract infections or inflammations, as well as for various musculoskeletal conditions. The oil is found in numerous over-the-counter cough and cold lozenges as well as
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