What is herbal medicine?
Herbal medicine has its origins in ancient cultures. It involves the medicinal use of plants to treat disease and enhance general health and wellbeing. Some herbs have potent ingredients and should be taken with the same level of caution as pharmaceutical medications.
Herbal medicine ingredients
Herbal medicines contain active ingredients. The active ingredients of many herbal preparations are as yet unknown. Some pharmaceutical medications are based on a single active ingredient derived from a plant source.
Specific herbs uses
Herbal medicine aims to return the body to a state of natural balance so that it can heal itself. Different herbs act on different systems of the body.
Echinacea – to stimulate the immune system and aid the body in fighting infection. Used to treat ailments such as boils, fever and herpes.
Dong quai – used for gynaecological complaints such as premenstrual tension, menopause symptoms and period pain. Some studies indicate that dong quai can lower blood pressure.
Garlic – used to reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering levels of blood fats and cholesterol. The antibiotic and antiviral properties of garlic mean that it is also used to fight colds, sinusitis and other respiratory infections.
Ginger – many studies have shown ginger to be useful in treating nausea, including motion sickness and morning sickness.
Ginseng – generally used to treat fatigue, for example during recovery from illness. It is also used to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels, however overuse of ginseng has been associated with raised blood pressure.
Special considerations for herb uses
Herbal medicines may produce negative effects that can range from mild to severe, including:
allergic reactions and rashes
asthma
headaches
nausea
vomiting
diarrhoea.
Like other prescription medications, herbal medicine should always be prescribed by a qualified and registered practitioner.
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