Herbal Medicine: Top 25 Herbs

ASHWAGANDA

Ashwaganda is an herb from India, and an important remedy in the ancient system of medicine from that country known as Ayurveda. All parts of the plant are used, but it is the roots are most commonly sold today under the ashwaganda. The herb is included under the category of “adaptogens,” herbs that help the body adapt to any kind of stress, and thought to work primarily by balancing the function of the nervous system, hormonal system, and immune system.

Specifically, ashwaganda is often recommended for people who are generally run-down, have lowered energy, especially relating to on-going stress. The herb is thought by herbalists to provide balanced energy, promoting a sense of calm, along with increased energy levels. The root extract can be purchased in capsules, tablets, and in the form of a liquid tincture.

ASTRAGALUS

Called Huang Qi in Chinese medicine, this famous Chinese tonic herb increases the body's resistance against disease by strengthening the body’s immune function. Astragalus is a popular herb found in many ready-made herb formulas, and often blended with other tonics such as ginseng, ligustrum (privet berry), and licorice. The prepared root is famous throughout the world to help the body cope with modern stresses that might contribute to lowered immune and digestive function. Astragalus is often taken for extended periods, even off and on for years for chronic immune disorders such as chronic fatigue syndrome. The herb extract is available in many forms, including liquids, capsules, and tablets.

DANDELION

The root of the common dandelion of lawns and gardens is a widely-used herb for cooling and cleansing the liver. The tea is often recommended (or add 2 dropperfuls of the liquid extract to a little ginger tea) to help with headaches, emotional swings during menstruation, acne, mood swings, and other problems related to "liver heat." Dandelion is often blended with other cleansing herbs like burdock root and red clover.

DONG QUAI

Dong Qua! (Angelica sinensis), an herb primarily recommended for its ability to “strengthen the blood,” especially when one is feeling run-down or fatigued. The prepared root is arguably the best-selling herb in the entire Chinese Pharmacopoeia. The famous TCM formula, Women's Precious Pills, (which contains Dong Quai as a lead herb), is one of the best-selling Chinese Patents for regulating the menses and promoting uterine health and increasing overall vitality. The fragrant celery-scented herb is used to make a tea, in cooking, or taken in tablets or capsules.

FEVERFEW

The common garden feverfew is popularly used in England and other parts of Europe for its anti-inflammatory properties. The herb is recommended for migraine headaches. It is also recommended for inflammatory types of arthritis. At least two double-blind studies support its effectiveness, but not all human trials show positive results. Take the herb in capsule or liquid tincture form. Dong quai is thought to begin working only after several weeks of use, and can be taken for weeks at a time, with a week or two break in-between.

GINGER, HAWAIIAN

An excellent warming, spicy herb for supporting digestion, relieving nausea (from any cause, including motion sickness and morning sickness), and generally stimulating circulation. Extensively used in Chinese and western herbal formulas. Ginger has been used in Europe throughout the ages to alleviate painful digestion, flatulence, colic, and diarrhea and as an ingredient in bitters formulas. Some research has shown ginger to have anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it worth a try for relieving stiffness and pain of arthritis, especially in combination with turmeric. Use it in teas, liquid tinctures, in capsules and tablets, and add to stir-frys and soups.

GINKGO

Ginkgo is one of the best-researched herbs, with many positive clinical studies to its credit. Positive studies show it to be effective for improving and preserving memory and alertness of the elderly for dementia. Other uses include improving blood circulation and protecting the eyes and hearing, especially during aging. The herb extract may be helpful for ringing in the ears (tinnitus), and the lack of blood flow to the legs (intermittent claudication) that can limit the ability to walk for distance as we age. The standardized extract in capsules and tablets is the form generally preferred.

GINSENG

The panacea herb of ancient China is revered all over the world for its strengthening and anti-aging effects. Ginseng is often recommended for people over 50 to improve vital energy, sexual energy, and enhance digestive powers. The herb is often blended with other herbs in formulas. American ginseng is thought to be more supportive to the adrenals than and not as stimulating as Chinese ginseng. Its use is more appropriate for young people and can be taken for longer periods of time (up to several months).

GOLDEN SEAL

This North American native herb is widely known and recommended by herbalists to treat various infections such as “pink eye,” sinus infections, and with other herbs like ginger or cayenne to help relieve symptoms associated with upper respiratory tract infections like flu, and bronchitis. Golden seal is widely available in many products. A product containing organically-cultivated roots and rhizomes is preferred because of over-harvesting in the wild.

GOTU KOLA

This ancient Ayurvedic herb is thought to improve memory and mental vigor and act as an adaptogen. Externally, creams and other products containing an extract of the plant are effective for burns, wounds, and ulcerated skin conditions. Gotu kola has also been used as a sedative for insomnia.

HAWTHORN

The extract is well-researched and has a long history of use as the herb of choice for strengthening and protecting the cardiovascular system, especially the heart. To be used in extract form in capsules, tablets, and liquid tincture form for long-term, even over a number of years. Recent research shows it to be effective for some people with mild heart weakness, and other syndromes associated with the cardiovascular system.

KAVA KAVA

Kava is the traditional herbal beverage of the South Seas. In parts of Polynesia, it is consumed every day as a recreational drink that relaxes the body and is slightly euphoric. It has been a popular herb in the South Pacific and Europe to help relieve fatigue, create a sense of calm, and promote urinary tract and prostate health. Kava has also been touted for its energy-promoting and communication-enhancing effects. The extract is widely sold in liquid extract form or in capsules and tablets. Some controversy exists about potential toxicity of kava for some people with pre-existing liver conditions. Herbalists recommend using mildly-concentrated products (up to no more than 20% kavalactones), and suggest caution if you are taking other medications that might stress the liver.

MACA

The traditional high Andean herb called maca is produced from a small turnip-like plant, and is one of the most popular herbs today for promoting fertility and sexual vigor. The herb is often sold in the powder form or as a dry, powdered concentrate from the roots. Herbalists often recommend taking the powder daily for best results.

MELISSA

Melissa, or lemon balm is a familiar garden herb in many parts of the world. The plant is in the mint family, and is persistent once established. Melissa was an important part of many herb formulas in ancient Europe, and today is often included in teas and other herb products for its gentle relaxing and calming effects. Taken as a tea infusion, it is a safe and good-tasting remedy for colic or fussiness of infants and adults alike.

MILK THISTLE SEED

The seed-shell of this ancient herb yields a group of flavonoid-like compounds, collectively called silymarin, which show remarkable virtues in restoring and maintaining liver health. In Europe, it has a centuries-old reputation and many years of scientific study. Milk Thistle is used for hepatitis, cirrhosis, any toxic condition of the liver, and by alcoholics, to protect and rebuild the liver. The flavonoids bind to the cell membrane of the liver cell hepatocyte, protecting it from damage by toxic chemicals such as pesticides. It also enters the hepatocyte and speeds the production of new enzymes and proteins, so the liver actually is regenerated and restored at an increased rate. It is useful also for psoriasis, according to clinical results. Available in standardized extract form in capsules or tablets.

NETTLE HERB

The stinging nettle yields two remedies, one from the leaves and another from the underground parts, the roots and rhizomes (an underground stem). The leaves are rich in calcium and other minerals, and a tea decoction can be consumed daily as a general tonic and “blood-builder.” The tea is popular all during pregnancy, and is recommended by herbalists for urinary health and to improve the health and vitality of the hair, skin, and nails. An extract of the underground parts has been studied for its positive effect on the prostate gland and urinary tract. Extracts are often combined with saw palmetto to help relieve symptoms associated with prostate inflammation and abnormal growth, common in men over 50, called prostatic hyperplasia. Available in capsule and tablet form.

PROPOLIS

A natural bee product, propolis is used by the colony to seal the hives against invaders or bacteria or fungal infection. It has shown strong anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal properties. It is especially useful in the mouth, to prevent gum disease. Externally it can be used for any kind of infection. Internally, it counteracts urinary tract infections, respiratory infections, and it is warming and expectorant (helps remove excess mucus). Use in liquid tincture form.

REISHI

Reishi is a mushroom renowned for its powerful immune-strengthening, antiviral, and antitumor properties. An extract of this famous mushroom tonic has shown the ability to regulate blood sugar and may help lower cholesterol. It is known to protect the body against free radicals and the effects of radiation. In liquid, capsule, or tablet form.

SHIITAKE

Shiitake mushroom extract is widely used today to strengthen the immune function; especially in relationship to chronic viral syndromes such as may be related to chronic fatigue syndrome, and also for prevention and supportive treatment of various cancers. Shiitake extract has also shown cholesterol-regulating benefits, as well as liver-protective properties.

SIBERIAN GINSENG

This herb is a member of the Ginseng family, Araliaceae, like Panax ginseng, but has a different action than Panax. Panax is considered a digestive and "chi" (vitality) tonic, and Siberian Ginseng is considered the "best of the adaptogens" (to help adapt to stress). Panax is not traditionally recommended to be taken by young people (under 40) for long periods (more than a week or two), because it may be too stimulating, but it is a wonderful warming tonic for older people and can be taken on a regular basis. Eleuthero, on the other hand, can be taken regularly by both men and women of all ages. It is by far the best studied in this class of herbs, with the Russians leading the way in research. In studies with thousands of people, eleuthero preparations, when taken consistently, decrease sick days, increase productivity and learning, and combat fatigue. In liquid form.

ST. JOHN'S WORT

This common European and American weedy plant shows great promise as an antiviral and anti-inflammatory agent. It has long been used as a remedy for mild depression. St. John's wort oil is excellent for reducing nerve pain and inflammation when applied topically. The topical application of the oil is also recommended for bruises, bites, burns, stings, scrapes, and other skin trauma. The standardized extract (0.3% hypericin) has shown effectiveness in numerous studies for helping to relieve symptoms of mild to moderate depression, and even severe depression in at least one study when given in a dose of 300 mg, three times a day.

USNEA

Usnea is known as an herbal antibiotic. In the laboratory, this common lichen has shown powerful inhibitory activity against infections due to strep, staph, and bacteria associated with pneumonia. The tincture can be added to echinacea tea, for instance, and gargled by the tablespoonful 5-6 times a day for relieving sore throat. Usnea does not work well systemically because the active ingredients, phenolic acids, are poorly absorbed from the gut.

VALERIAN

Valerian is used primarily for sleeplessness, restlessness, anxiety, or tension. Scientific studies shows the positive benefit of helping one fall asleep faster, by lessening the time spent trying to get comfortable and tossing and turning. It was long used for “hysteria” and any emotional upsets. Valerian is best when fresh or freshly-dried. Look for a preparation that manufactured with fresh plant material, which has a more pronounced relaxing property and not as many side effects as the long-stored dry root. Fresh root. In liquid form primarily.

VITEX

One of the best-known women's herbs, it was recommended by Hippocrates (450 B.C.) for the same purposes as today: menstrual imbalances, hormonal difficulties (PMS, menopause), and to bring on mother's milk. Positive human studies show that it is especially effective for relieving sore breasts that can occur during the menstrual cycle in some women.