Herbs as Medicine

Today, many people are seeking alternative and complementary medicines as options for health conditions. We say medicines, but in most cases we are actually talking about plants and herbs, some of which can be found in your own back yard.

For instance, have you ever used an aloe plant for cuts and burns? Have you added spices and herbs to your meals for health benefits? Most of us have at one time or another. Before the use of modern day medicines and over-the-counter drugs, people used herbs and other alternative substances to treat a variety of medical conditions.

Here is a sample of some of the more common herbs, their uses and the validity of the health claims about them.

Alfalfa: Several small studies have hinted that alfalfa supplements help reduce atherosclerosis and lower blood sugar and cholesterol, but there isn't enough evidence to recommend them, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). In addition, alfalfa tablets have been linked with reports of lupus flare-ups or a lupus-like condition.

Aloe: In plant form, aloe is primarily used to treat minor cuts, burns and scrapes. Other claims that have been made but not proven through clinical trials include: treating headaches, diabetes and gastric ulcers, and detoxifying the body. It's not a bad idea to keep an aloe plant in your kitchen window to have readily available for minor burns.

Capsicum: More commonly known as red pepper, it has properties that help relieve pain. If you apply capsicum externally it will redden your skin and cause an anti-pain effect. Capsicum has been used for relief of chronic pain after surgery and for conditions such as shingles, diabetic nerve pain or trigeminal neuralgia (a nerve disorder that causes episodes of intense facial pain).

Taken internally, capsicum has been shown to help various conditions of the gastrointestinal system. There are unproven claims that capsicum can help your blood clot and lower your cholesterol level.

Because of hot pepper's pungency, it is advised that you wash your hands thoroughly after applying it to your skin to remove any residue. Be careful not to get it in your eyes. It will cause excruciating pain. Also be mindful of your children and keep them away from areas of your body where the capsicum has been applied.

Cinnamon: Some research concludes that this popular spice may help lower blood sugar, which could have a minor benefit for the millions of people who have diabetes or prediabetes. The NIH is conducting clinical trials to examine this effect.

Cranberry: Some research has found that regular consumption of cranberry juice or other cranberry products may lower the risk of urinary tract infections. However, people who have an infection should seek medical care and not try to cure it by consuming cranberry products, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) cautions.

Dandelion: There have been multiple claims about this plant. You may have heard it can be used to treat warts, skin conditions, arthritis and malignancies. The truth is there have been no proven results to any of these claims. Dandelion greens are high in vitamin A. There are reports that the roots may help stimulate appetite, aid with digestion and have a mild laxative effect. The leaves may or may not have a diuretic effect.

Echinacea: Native Americans have long claimed echinacea could treat numerous health conditions such as migraines, pain, indigestion, eczema, dizziness, tumors, syphilis, malaria, hemorrhoids and much more. Today, the herb is a popular supplement used in an effort to boost the immune system and prevent or relieve cold symptoms and other symptoms of respiratory infections. However, the research has yielded mixed results. In addition, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has mentioned echinacea as a possible trigger for lupus.

Garlic: This tasty bulb has been used in an effort to help the cardiovascular system, improve digestive conditions, fight infection and reduce the risk of cancer. Some research has suggested that garlic may slow the development of atherosclerosis, but there are mixed findings on whether it can reduce high blood pressure, according to the NCCAM. Garlic's reputation for lowering cholesterol levels suffered when a major study in 2007 found no such effect.

Some experts have noted that garlic has a blood-thinning effect. If you take aspirin, anticoagulants ("blood thinners") or other herbs that also thin your blood, you should avoid large amounts of garlic. Other herbs that are known to have blood thinning properties include ginkgo, green tea, angelica, anise, fenugreek, ginger, ginseng, meadowsweet, motherwort, myrrh and turmeric. Please exercise caution when using any of these herbs.

Ginger: Some people use ginger to reduce nausea. Short-term use might safely treat pregnancy-related nausea, but there's mixed evidence on whether it relieves nausea caused by motion sickness or other conditions, according to the NCCAM.

More research is needed on the risks and benefits of ginger. Some pharmacological studies have indicated there may be a risk of cardiac arrhythmias or central nervous system problems if ginger is consumed in excessive amounts. Some experts note ginger has blood-thinning properties and urge caution when using the herb.

Turmeric: An ingredient in curry powders and mustards, turmeric has long been used in Eastern medicine to ease arthritis pain and aid digestion. Several studies conducted by the U.S. Department of Defense have suggested that people who eat diets rich in turmeric have lower rates of breast, prostate, lung and colon cancer. Other studies have suggested it might help prevent conditions including Alzheimer's disease, osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis. People with gallbladder disease should not take supplements of turmeric because it might worsen the condition, and high doses have caused liver problems in animals, according to the NCCAM.

Although you may think natural is better or safer, this is not always true. Some herbs have poisonous characteristics, some have no therapeutic effects and some are beneficial.

Always use caution when considering adding an herb to your regimen. Do your homework and learn all you can about the herb from reliable sources. Some herbs may have serious side effects when taken with prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications or other supplements. For more information, it is best to consult with your physician and/or registered dietitian (RD) before adding herbal remedies to your daily routine. Never attempt to replace a prescribed medication with an herb without consulting with your physician.

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