Some kind of herbal medicines and utility

Herbal remedies are medicines made up of plants, trees or fungi. However, being "natural" doesn't necessarily mean they're safe for you to take.

Herbal remedies, just like pharmaceutical medicines, will have an effect on the body and can potentially be poisonous.

They should therefore be used with the same care and respect as pharmaceutical medicines.

If you're consulting your doctor or pharmacist about health matters, or are about to undergo surgery, always tell them about any herbal medicines you're taking.

If you're taking or plan to take any herbal medicines, be aware of the following:

• they may cause problems if you are taking other medicines. Mixing could result in reduced or enhanced effects of the medicine(s), including potential side effects
• you may experience a bad reaction or side effects after taking a herbal remedy
• as with all medicines, herbal remedies should be kept out of sight and reach of children

Should I avoid herbal medicines?

The safety of many herbal medicines has not been established in certain key groups, including:

• pregnant women
• breastfeeding mothers
• children
• the elderly

Also, as a rule, anyone with a history of liver or kidney complaints, or any other serious health condition, is advised not to take any herbal medicine without speaking to their doctor first.

Uses for specific herbs

Herbal medicine aims to return the body to a state of natural balance, so that it can start healing itself. Different herbs act on different systems of the body. Some of the herbs that have been scientifically studied, and found to be effective and safe, include:

• Echinacea - boosts the immune system and aids the body in fighting infection. It is used to treat ailments such as boils, fever and herpes. Echinacea is under investigation for its use in treating cancer and AIDS.
• Dong quai (dang gui) - used for gynaecological complaints, such as premenstrual tension, menopause symptoms and period pain. Some studies indicate that dong quai can lower blood pressure.
• Garlic - can be used to reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering blood fats and cholesterol (a type of blood fat) levels. 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.
• Ginkgo biloba - commonly used to treat poor blood circulation and tinnitus (ringing in the ears). Some studies have found ginkgo biloba to be effective in treating neurological disorders, such as memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease.
• Ginseng - generally used for debility and weakness, for example during recovery from illness. It can be used to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels, however overuse of ginseng has been associated with raised blood pressure. Some studies show that ginseng can also boost immunity, improve mental functioning and speed the healing processes of the body.
• Hypericum - commonly known as St John’s Wort. Numerous studies have demonstrated that hypericum is just as effective as some synthetic antidepressants in treating mild to moderate depression. It is also effective for anxiety and insomnia. Research is currently focusing on hypericum’s antiviral properties and its effect on AIDS. Recent information suggests that hypericum can interact with a number of prescription drugs, including the oral contraceptive pill.