Before the rise of modern medicine, people used herbal remedies for centuries. While it seems prescriptions and NSAIDS are more prominent in the U.S. today than herbal medicines, the World Health Organization estimates that more than 80 percent of the world’s population still relies on herbal remedies.
In the U.S., one must be careful when trying an herbal supplement because they are not regulated by the USDA or FDA for safety and effectiveness, which is the opposite of how rigorously prescription drugs are analyzed and tested. Thus, before taking an herbal medication, it’s important to check with your physician to make sure it will not interact with other medications you are taking.
Still, many herbal remedies have been researched and have promising results. Here are some of the most popular herbal medications in the United States:
- Calendula: This flower’s petals are steeped in boiling water and used as a mouthwash or tea. Many claim calendula can reduce inflammation in the throat, mouth and stomach, but it can also be used as a topical cream to treat irritation and rashes.
- Hibiscus: This plant’s dried petals are often used to make a tea. Hibiscus can ease sore throats and many people believe it can lower blood pressure.
- Milk thistle: It is used to protect the liver from damage due to alcohol, medications and environmental toxins, and it may also protect the kidneys in a similar way.
- Echinacea: It’s a plant native to the U.S. and is also known as the purple coneflower. Echinacea is used to strengthen the immune system and protect against the flu and colds. The root is dried and sliced and simmered to make a tea.
- St. John’s Wort: Many studies have shown that this plant works to relieve mild or moderate depression. It is taken as a pill that you can purchase at any pharmacy, but it’s especially important to talk with your doctor as St. John’s Wort is known to interfere with many prescription medications.
- Gingko biloba: This plant is used to treat memory problems that can hamper active senior living, including poor circulation and memory issues. It’s one of the most popular traditional medications, and research has shown that it can improve circulation by dilating blood vessels and making blood platelets less sticky. However, people on blood thinners are cautioned not to take Gingko biloba.
- Evening primrose: The oil from this night-blooming plant can be helpful in reducing arthritis and cardiovascular disease symptoms.
- Garlic: It is a strong antimicrobial that people also use to relieve sinus congestion. It is sometimes used to prevent traveler’s diarrhea. If you can’t stomach eating garlic cloves, you can purchase pills in a pharmacy.
- Cranberry: Cranberry – whether it’s in concentrated pill or juice form – is an established treatment for avoiding bladder infection, and it can also be used to treat chronic prostatitis.
- Elderberry: The flowers have been used for ages to treat colds and fevers, and the fruit has been shown to protect against the flu due to its antiviral capacity.
