Herbal medicines are popular among the public and they are considered safe and natural remedies with multiple health benefits.
According to a pilot survey in the United Kingdom, 80% of people in the UK used herbal medicine for many purposes, including health protection, disease prevention, and treatment. In the United States, about six in ten cancer patients have reportedly used herbal supplements to help cancer treatment.
Below are four herbal remedies widely used around the world. Clinical trials have been conducted to show their huge potentials.
Ginkgo
Ginkgo trees are native to China and have been used as a medicinal herb for thousands of years.
The pharmacologically bioactive ingredients in ginkgo include terpenoids and flavonoids. They contribute to the health benefits of ginkgo, among which platelet-activating factor inhibition, free radical scavenging and antioxidant properties are greatly prominent.
Ginkgo-leaf extracts are believed to potentially help treat dementia and peripheral vascular diseases, and enough ginkgolides in ginkgo extract are necessary in order to make a difference in the human body.
Hawthorn
Hawthorn is a common species widely found in Europe, North America, and Asia. Their berries are a popular fruit and ingredients used as a nutritional ingredient in the food.
Hawthorn extracts are believed to help treat mild heart failure, and active constituents oligomeric procyanidins and flavonoids are known to treat mild heart failure.
Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto is a type of palm native to the United States. People used its berries to promote prostate health, modulate hormone levels, and prevent hair loss in men.
Preparations of saw palmetto have been advocated for the symptomatic treatment of mild-to-moderate benign prostatic hyperplasia.
JOHN’S WORT (HYPERICUM PERFORATUM)
Hypericum perforatum, known as ST. JOHN’S WORT, is a flowering plant native to Europe, western Asia, and northern Africa. The active compounds, called hypericin, are known for their antidepression and anti-anxiety properties.
Though herbal remedies are known for natural health benefits with low toxicity towards human bodies, they are not suitable for everybody.
We are still facing challenges when choosing herbal products on the market because a fair share of herbal products contains unclear and fake ingredients and toxic substances.
Before deciding to take a step toward the world of herbal remedies, we shall have a complete investigation in order to make a wise decision.
My mother’s throat has been dry for days, and we’re thinking of using natural remedies in curing her, sine this seems cheaper. It’s interesting to learn that Ginkgo-leaf extracts could help treat dementia. Also, I never knew that the Saw Palmetto is keen us preventing hair loss, especially for men.