...Splitting headache? Down in the dumps? Stuck in hot-flash hell? Why don't you try these herbal remedies.
Most people hate drugs. Some times they've got to have a headache the size of Texas before they'll even take Aspirin. When allergies, PMS (for women) and fatigue had them longing for the couch most of the day, they just bought more coffee and tissues.
These weren't the cure-all they'd hoped for. So, most people usually visiting a traditional Chinese doctor (sinshe) and more surprising, actually following his instructions.
So, why most people, have to trust his earthy-smelling concoctions? For one thing, he quizzed everybody about every aspect of their life and explained his treatment plan in detail. What's more, his mysterious liquids seemed to work. In fact, many people don't tell their doctors that they use herbs. Yet these remedies can be powerful stuff.
"Natural is not the same as safe," advises V. Srini Srinivasan of the United States Pharmacopeia, an agency that develops standards for drugs and supplements. "Generally, you should treat herbs and herbal supplements more like drugs. Be cautious."
People must educate themselves about that works, what doesn't and what's downright dangerous. Here's what the herbal experts say about six key health concerns.
SPLITING HEADACHE
Try feverfew. Prized since the days of the Roman Empire as a healing herb, feverfew is believed to reduce pounding in the head by influencing the way blood vessels contract. Interest was revived more than a decade ago when British studies found it decreased the number and severity of migraines. Research since has been less favourable, but Varro Tyler, coauthor of Tyler's Honest Herbal, insists: "It's highly regarded as a prevention for migraines."
Feverfew shoud not be combined with drugs or supplements that thin the blood, such as aspirin or warfarin (Coumadin), since the herb can slow clotting.
RULES OF THUMB.
- Avoid multiherb pills altogether.
- Stop all suplements two to three weeks before surgery.
- Buy from a reliable source.
- Clue in your doctor and pharmacist about your herbs.
- Children, pregnant women and nursing mothers should not take herbs without a doctor's advice.
FEELING LETHARGIC?
Try some ginseng. Among herbs, ginseng leads as a safe energy promoter. Usually thought of as a male aphrodisiac, it is also used by the Chinese to ease fatigue. Look for the Asian form, Panax ginseng: Scientist theorize that it activates the adrenal gland, which in turn stimulates metabolism and endocrine function. In Swedish and Mexican studies, people who took ginseng for 12 weeks said their quality of life improved more than those who popped a vitamin or placebo. Ginseng also helped the vigour of a group of 36 people with noninsulin-dependent diabetes. But since ginseng reduces glucose levels, it can effect the action of blood-sugar-lowering drugs like insulin and glipizide (Glucotrol).
Some experts advise avoiding ginseng if you have hypertension (it may raise blood pressure) and note that some psychiatrists worry about potential interactions with antidepressants that are monoamineoxidase (MAO) inhibitors, like Parnate and Nardil. Ginseng shouldn't be combined with drugs or supplements that thin the blood.
IN A FUNK?
Try St. John's wort. A 1996 review of 23 studies found that this herb chased away mild to moderate depression as effectively as some prescription drugs. Patients taking Hypericum perforatum also seemed to have fewer side effects than those on the prescribed antidepressants.
Recently, however, researchers have found that the herb's interaction with certain drugs can have serious consequences-so much so that some manufacturers now put warnings on labels. St. John's wort may weaken the effects of some drugs, including theophylline (for asthma), digoxin (for congestive heart failure) and indinavir (for HIV infection). Women on the Pill could have irregular bleeding and risk their contraception failing. And the herb may intensify the power of prescription antidepressants, leading to an increase in side effects such as dizziness.
Though St. John's wort still holds first place on the experts list of alternative mood brighteners, if you're on long-term medication or suffer from a chronic disease, you should consult a physician before using it.
STARTING TO SNIFFLE?
Try echinacea. To stop a cold before it stop you, echinacea is still your best bet. Studies show that this botanical from the purple coneflower can stop sniffles and soothe a sore throat (or at least shorten your agony by a few days).
Swallow echinacea at the first sign of a cold. But since the herb is a member of the same family as ragweed, people who suffer from hayfever may find what it worsens their symptoms. As well, skip it if you have an autoimmune disease, as some experts think it could overstimulate your immune system and work against your medications.
STRESSED-OUT?
Try kava kava. In Polynesia this muscle relaxant and anxiety reducer from the roots of pepper-family plant has a long history as a potion to induce calm. Unlike most tranquillizers, Piper-methysticum extract seems to take the edge off without spacing you out. British scientists recently reviewed seven small but well-designed studies and decided the herb is relatively effective against mild anxiety. It can also help you sleep. But stay away from other herbs that have a depressive or sedative effect, as well as alcohol and prescription antianxiety drugs.
IN HOT-FLASH HELL?
Try black cohosh. Native Americans have long used Cimicifuga racemosa to treat women's gynecological ailments. Science is now catching up. In one study, German researchers found black cohosh just as effective as estrogen in treating the sudden sweats and low spirits associated with menopause. A review of eight studies led University of Bridgeport, Conn., nutrition scientist Shari Lieberman to conclude the extract is both safe and effective.
Before taking any plant-based remedy, consult a doctor or pharmacist who can point you towards reliable brands and help you avoid allergic reactions or dangerous combinations. The amount of active ingredient may vary from brand to brand, so follow the dosage on the label.
Most people hate drugs. Some times they've got to have a headache the size of Texas before they'll even take Aspirin. When allergies, PMS (for women) and fatigue had them longing for the couch most of the day, they just bought more coffee and tissues.
These weren't the cure-all they'd hoped for. So, most people usually visiting a traditional Chinese doctor (sinshe) and more surprising, actually following his instructions.
So, why most people, have to trust his earthy-smelling concoctions? For one thing, he quizzed everybody about every aspect of their life and explained his treatment plan in detail. What's more, his mysterious liquids seemed to work. In fact, many people don't tell their doctors that they use herbs. Yet these remedies can be powerful stuff.
"Natural is not the same as safe," advises V. Srini Srinivasan of the United States Pharmacopeia, an agency that develops standards for drugs and supplements. "Generally, you should treat herbs and herbal supplements more like drugs. Be cautious."
People must educate themselves about that works, what doesn't and what's downright dangerous. Here's what the herbal experts say about six key health concerns.
SPLITING HEADACHE
Try feverfew. Prized since the days of the Roman Empire as a healing herb, feverfew is believed to reduce pounding in the head by influencing the way blood vessels contract. Interest was revived more than a decade ago when British studies found it decreased the number and severity of migraines. Research since has been less favourable, but Varro Tyler, coauthor of Tyler's Honest Herbal, insists: "It's highly regarded as a prevention for migraines."
Feverfew shoud not be combined with drugs or supplements that thin the blood, such as aspirin or warfarin (Coumadin), since the herb can slow clotting.
RULES OF THUMB.
- Avoid multiherb pills altogether.
- Stop all suplements two to three weeks before surgery.
- Buy from a reliable source.
- Clue in your doctor and pharmacist about your herbs.
- Children, pregnant women and nursing mothers should not take herbs without a doctor's advice.
FEELING LETHARGIC?
Try some ginseng. Among herbs, ginseng leads as a safe energy promoter. Usually thought of as a male aphrodisiac, it is also used by the Chinese to ease fatigue. Look for the Asian form, Panax ginseng: Scientist theorize that it activates the adrenal gland, which in turn stimulates metabolism and endocrine function. In Swedish and Mexican studies, people who took ginseng for 12 weeks said their quality of life improved more than those who popped a vitamin or placebo. Ginseng also helped the vigour of a group of 36 people with noninsulin-dependent diabetes. But since ginseng reduces glucose levels, it can effect the action of blood-sugar-lowering drugs like insulin and glipizide (Glucotrol).
Some experts advise avoiding ginseng if you have hypertension (it may raise blood pressure) and note that some psychiatrists worry about potential interactions with antidepressants that are monoamineoxidase (MAO) inhibitors, like Parnate and Nardil. Ginseng shouldn't be combined with drugs or supplements that thin the blood.
IN A FUNK?
Try St. John's wort. A 1996 review of 23 studies found that this herb chased away mild to moderate depression as effectively as some prescription drugs. Patients taking Hypericum perforatum also seemed to have fewer side effects than those on the prescribed antidepressants.
Recently, however, researchers have found that the herb's interaction with certain drugs can have serious consequences-so much so that some manufacturers now put warnings on labels. St. John's wort may weaken the effects of some drugs, including theophylline (for asthma), digoxin (for congestive heart failure) and indinavir (for HIV infection). Women on the Pill could have irregular bleeding and risk their contraception failing. And the herb may intensify the power of prescription antidepressants, leading to an increase in side effects such as dizziness.
Though St. John's wort still holds first place on the experts list of alternative mood brighteners, if you're on long-term medication or suffer from a chronic disease, you should consult a physician before using it.
STARTING TO SNIFFLE?
Try echinacea. To stop a cold before it stop you, echinacea is still your best bet. Studies show that this botanical from the purple coneflower can stop sniffles and soothe a sore throat (or at least shorten your agony by a few days).
Swallow echinacea at the first sign of a cold. But since the herb is a member of the same family as ragweed, people who suffer from hayfever may find what it worsens their symptoms. As well, skip it if you have an autoimmune disease, as some experts think it could overstimulate your immune system and work against your medications.
STRESSED-OUT?
Try kava kava. In Polynesia this muscle relaxant and anxiety reducer from the roots of pepper-family plant has a long history as a potion to induce calm. Unlike most tranquillizers, Piper-methysticum extract seems to take the edge off without spacing you out. British scientists recently reviewed seven small but well-designed studies and decided the herb is relatively effective against mild anxiety. It can also help you sleep. But stay away from other herbs that have a depressive or sedative effect, as well as alcohol and prescription antianxiety drugs.
IN HOT-FLASH HELL?
Try black cohosh. Native Americans have long used Cimicifuga racemosa to treat women's gynecological ailments. Science is now catching up. In one study, German researchers found black cohosh just as effective as estrogen in treating the sudden sweats and low spirits associated with menopause. A review of eight studies led University of Bridgeport, Conn., nutrition scientist Shari Lieberman to conclude the extract is both safe and effective.
Before taking any plant-based remedy, consult a doctor or pharmacist who can point you towards reliable brands and help you avoid allergic reactions or dangerous combinations. The amount of active ingredient may vary from brand to brand, so follow the dosage on the label.
0 comments:
Post a Comment