Herbal Remedies and Supplements, Part Five

As with all medications, notify your physician if you are taking any herbals for medication or as a supplement. Folklore is often based on the tried and true method, and many of the uses listed below are from folklore (or old wive's tales) however, as with all medications there can be a different result for different chemical makeups as well as possible side affects when used with other medications.

Cinnamon, used for sweets, rolls, and putting in apple cider, has a very strong medicinal value as well. Cinnamon comes dried in the spice section or in capsule form from your local pharmacy or grocery store. Cinnamon sticks (rolled bark) can also be used in teas and soups for flavor and benefit. Cinnamon is antibacterial, fungi static (kills fungi or fungi spores) and promotes motility (ability to move and remain active). It has been used for infantile diarrhea, chills, flu, worm infestation, and wound cleaning in the past (although there are no clinical studies to support these uses). Cinnamon can also be used to promote sugar metabolism. This means that cinnamon helps your body's cells more easily and quickly break down sugars that you ingest and turn them into energy rather than storing the sugars as fatty cells. This can be good for many people who are watching their weight or wish for more energy. Taking cinnamon with chromium increases your metabolism even more since chromium works to metabolize sugars faster.

WARNING: Diabetics (Type I or II) should consult their physician before taking cinnamon since it may cause low blood sugar levels.

Enchinacea is often combined with Goldenseal (described in a different section of this hub). There are three types of Echinacea--echinacea purpurea, echinacea angustifolia, and echinacea pallida. Be certain which one you are taking.

Echinacea purpurea is the most common type available and is generally used to build the immune system. Be careful to take only 6 weeks on and 6 weeks off to avoid excess buildup in your system. Echinacea can also act as an anti-inflammatory bactericide and wound healing. Echinacea can be grown in mild climates in the USA but is available in tablet and capsule form from most pharmacies or grocery stores.

Echinacea angustifolia--Folklore suggests that this form may be used externally for burns and swollen lymph glands and internally for headaches, stomach aches, and gonorrhea although there is no clinical support of this usage. Modern uses suggest treatment of flu infections, sepsis and cold infections as well as externally for poorly healing wounds, abscesses and leg ulcers. WARNING: this herb may activate aggressive autoimmune responses and should not be taken with multiple sclerosis, leukosis, collagen disease, AIDS, or tuberculosis. Be sure to notify your physician if you are taking this type of Echinacea.

Echinacea pallida--this herb is generally used as a therapy for flu and similar infections and is often used for treatment after chemotherapy to increase the bodies resistance levels.

Garlic is available in the bulb in most produce sections of a grocery store. It is also available in dried or minced form either in the produce section or the spice section. Minced garlic is often available in a jar or can. Garlic is also available in tablets, capsules and juice that you can take as a supplement. Garlic can be easily grown in most climates.

For medicinal purposes garlic has been found to enhance the abilities of natural killer cells in the body, strengthen the immune system, help fight some cancers, viruses and certain bacteria. Garlic can help slow down the effects of aging or help prevent damage caused by premature aging. Garlic can help with arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), hypertension (high blood pressure), or high cholesterol. Folklore suggests that Garlic, ingested, will help with weight reduction, inflammatory breathing conditions (such as bronchitis), gastrointestinal conditions (such as flatulence),as well as menstrual pains and diabetes, although there have been no clinical tests to prove that it works for these things. Externally, garlic has been used for corns, warts, calluses, otitis (inflammation of the ear), muscle pain, arthritis and sciatica, again with no clinical proof that it works.

Garlic may contribute to headache, myalgia (muscle pain), fatigue and vertigo when used in high doses and can cause allergic reactions when used for too long a period of time or when placed directly on the skin for long periods of time. Garlic has been known to cause bad breath and strong body odor.

Ginger can be found in the spice aisle of your grocery store or in the produce section of your grocery store. Ginger can also be grown locally in the USA, use the root for medicinal purposes. Ginger can be used for spicing up a dish, adding warmth to stews and casseroles and is often used for spicing up apple cider. Ginger tea is an excellent remedy for upset stomach, air sickness, and car sickness (thus the reason Ginger Ale is often recommended by physicians when you are sick). Ginger can be used for morning sickness during pregnancy, but be careful not to overuse it as it may cause hemorrhaging. Ginger should not be used if a patient has existing gallstones without first consulting a physician.

Goldenseal is often combined with Echinacea to help build the immune system during cold and flu season. Goldenseal is available over-the-counter at most pharmacies and grocery stores. Goldenseal can be grown in the USA and other countries. Use the roots for medicinal purposes. Although there is no clinical proof, goldenseal has been used for gastrointestinal ailments including diarrhea and has often been used externally as an astrigent. Homeopathic uses suggest treatments for irregular menstruation, digestive problems and bronchitis. Like Echinacea, this drug should not be taken for too long a period of time because it could cause severe gastrointestinal disorders, membrane irritation and, in rare cases, hallucinations.

Peppermint may be grown locally, use the essential oil for medicinal purposes. Peppermint is not only good in candy and candy canes, it is a great additive for cakes, cookies, cocoa, and, well, so many different things. For medicinal uses-use peppermint for nausea, vomiting, morning sickness, and colds, though these uses have not been clinically proven, I have used peppermint for these things and they have worked. Peppermint is also good for congestion if inhaled (pour boiling water over several pieces of peppermint and inhale the fumes). Sucking on a peppermint candy can often eliminate stomach upset even in small children and infants. Putting peppermint into a hot bath and soaking can eliminate congestion, ease stuffiness and calm the nerves.

St. John's Wort is available from most stores in capsule form. It grows locally in all of Europe, western Asia and Africa, so isn't usually one you can grow yourself. However, if you like a challenge, go for it. St. John's Wort acts as an antidepressant and sedative. It helps with mood swings (during PMS and Menopause it is most helpful) and can help to regulate depression. However, St. John's Wort has been found to react dangerously to some anesthesias, so be very careful with this herb. Notify your physician and anesthesiologist that you are taking this herb before any surgery even if it is minor including dental surgery.

These are some of the more common herbal supplements and remedies, all of which are available over-the-counter in some form. There are many more (such as aloe and thyme), but I didn't want to overwhelm everyone. I'll cover more in my next set. I hope you can use these helpful hints, but I would also suggest that you do your own research on any herb that you plan to take before you take it to discover any possible side effects or dangers, since I have only covered the bare minimum here.