Common Herbal Medicines
At-Home Use With
Types Of Alternative Medicine

Although there is close to 2000 common herbal medicines used in many of the types of alternative medicine, try selecting a few all-purpose herbs that many choose to use as an at-home care program.

Most of them can be found at all health food or natural food stores. Many can be grown in your own garden or even on a windowsill.

All can be purchased on-line.

Remember though, when using herbal therapy,you must use common sense.

If you are trying to get over the symptoms of a cold or the flu, go ahead and try some of the common herbal medicines. Never attempt to diagnose and self-medicate in any kind of serious condition though. Even though many of these herbs do say they are effective when used with asthma, heart conditions, food allergies, etc., because of the seriousness of the condition, a trained licensed practitioner's help is imperative. Do not try experimentation first with common herbal medicines on your own with any serious condition.

A Beginning Common Herbal Medicines Care Kit

• Aloe Vera- this is a common herb so ingrained in our culture that many people do not even realize they are using herbal therapy. It is commonly used in cosmetics, shampoo, hand lotions and shaving cream.

• Cayenne- is also very common in the western world diet being used in many recipes. Cayenne tends to stimulate blood flow, which results in a stronger heartbeat, circulatory or digestive symptoms and rheumatic pain relief.

• Chamomile- is a common digestive aid which is drank as a pleasant-tasting tea

• Chasteberry- is used predominantly to restore the correct balance of estrogen and progesterone in women. This facilitates help in alleviating many problems with menstruation.

• Echinacea- is one of the most common herbal medicines in use today. Otherwise known as purple coneflower, it is commonly used to help relieve the symptoms of the common cold, flu or any virus. It is also commonly known as an immune sytem booster.

• Ephedra- (Ma-Huang) is generally used to control the symptoms of asthma or hay fever. Its use is approved for over the counter drugs in decongestant and bronchial drugs. This herb should only be used under a practitioner's care.

• Feverfew- has a long-standing reputation for being a remedy for women's menstrual difficulties. Recent research though has determined that feverfew has the capability of bringing relief from migraine attacks also or in some cases actually preventing a new occurrence.

• Garlic-most people believe garlic is a food product for use in the kitchen but it is actually a very powerful medicinal herb. It has superb capabilities as a antibiotic, anti-fungal and anti-viral compound. Its uses in medicine seems to never end. It is often used as an aid in the following conditions:
  • Respiratory conditions: garlic will help heal the common cold, flu, bronchitis and coughing spells

  • Intestinal worms or dysentery

  • Sinus congestion

  • Gout

  • Rheumatism

  • Prevention of certain types of cancer

  • Cardio-vascular benefits, blood thinner and lowers blood pressure

• Ginger- this has always been well known for its use as a common food additive which helps with digestion. Within the last decade studies have shown it also has the ability to relieve motion sickness by preventing the nausea and vomiting

• Gingko (Biloba)- was once very close to extinction but by careful monitoring and cultivation it has now re-surfaced as an excellent source for eye and heart diseases, brain or cerebral trauma and hearing loss.

• Ginseng- has been called the cure-all because of its unique ability to help aid in stress reduction or as a stimulant for the immune system for the elderly, weak and debilitated.

• Goldenseal- is one of the most widely used American herbs for aid in digestive conditions. It can also be used topically for relief from eczema, ringworm and earaches.

• Hawthorn- is recommended for relief in many heart conditions. It can increase the blood pressure, show heart muscle function improvements, regulate heart contractions plus many more. This herb should only be used under a practitioner's supervision.

• Hops- always brings to mind the ingredient in many beer and ale drinks. But it also has the distinction of being licensed for use in sleep disorders, excitability and restlessness.

• Lavender is a popular choice for help in aiding the pains from headaches, insomnia or relieving stress

• Licorice- pure licorice root is commonly used to aid conditions from liver injury, gastritis, bronchitis, and coughing. Licorice can raise your blood pressure though if ingested too frequently because of its ability to retain sodium in your system.

• Marshmallow Root is often the first choice by singers to treat sore throats before and during a performance. It helps to aid the treatment of any kind of sore throat or many digestive disturbances.

• Milk Thistle- is used to consistently provide relief in many liver conditions

• Nettle-has been shown to provide effective relief in cases of rheumatism, arthritis, hayfever and childhood eczema.

• Passion Flower- is commonly used singly or in combination with other herbs for its mild sedative effect. Digestive spasms from the stomach or colon can be quieted to provide time for relief and healing.

• Peppermint- is often used all over the confectionery industry for its pleasant taste and aroma. It is also another one of the common herbal medicines which is widely known for its ability to relieve digestive upsets, nausea and vomiting.

• Senna Leaf can be found in many over the counter laxatives. It is good for the use for treating constipation.

• St. John's Wort- again is an across the board medicinal herb often used anytime an anti-inflammatory wound-healing remedy is needed. Anxiety, tension, rheumatic pains, sunburn, bruises and infections are often treated with this herb.

• Saw Palmetto- is gaining more and more popularity in the medical community for its capabilities to strengthen the male reproductive system. Much time and research has been spent testing its effectiveness in the treatment of the prostate gland.

• Senna- is often found in almost every laxative preparation

• Siberian Ginseng- has long documented studies showing its effectiveness in reducing environmental stress. Many illnesses can benefit from its use. Post operative surgery stress relief, cancer patient treatments, diabetes and hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis). Again this herb must be used under a practitioner's care only.

• Valerian- is known as the sleep-producing herb. It is commonly used as a safe, non-habit forming nighttime sleep aid.Do not use this if you have high blood pressure without first checking with your doctor.

• Witch Hazel- is another one of the common herbal medicines used in most households in liquid form for bleeding, swelling and bruising. It also can be taken internally for the treatment of diarrhea and dysentery. Often, many people use it as a topical tonic for relief from hemorhoids.

• Yarrow is a common treatment for decreasing the fever of the common cold

  During your course of treatment with any common herbal medicines, ideally keep a daily log of all your dosages, time of day taken, symptoms observed (both good and bad) and any medications used etc..

  This log can be an invaluable tool for your doctor or yourself for future reference in adjusting a suitable treatment program.

  
  
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