Medical Uses of Herbs Articles | Medicine

By: Guy Starbuck

Super kelp, garlic, parsley, green tea extract, horse chestnut, milk thistle and oregano oil are but only a few of the thousands of herbs available in this world. Herbs are used for a wide range of purposes ranging from culinary, medicinal, perfumery and other needs. Many of the herbs grow low and are aromatic, which can be dried or used in its natural form for culinary or medicinal purposes. These can be used for seasoning and adding extra flavor to cooking a large variety of dishes.

The reason why herbs are used as medicines is because they have multiple health benefits and can be used successfully for strengthening body muscles and tissues. It is also important to note that contain some active substances which can trigger adverse side effects if taken without medical supervision or if taken along with other herbal products. Thus it is recommended that herbs must always be taken on a doctor’s advice.

Super Kelp: this herb is also called Sea Kelp or Sea wrack, because it originates from the sea. It is considered to one of the largest sources of iodine and trace elements. Used rampantly for treating obesity, it has a flushing effect on the kidneys by removing all toxins from the body. Additionally it also stimulates the thyroid and pituitary glands to produce more growth hormone.

Garlic: This is one of the most commonly used herbs in most parts of the world. It is a natural antibiotic with pronounced healing properties. It is used to disinfect wounds, to treat aural infections as well as an antidote for cholera and typhus. With significant anti-fungal and anti-oxidant properties garlic is known to lower cholesterol. It can control various risk factors associated with cardiovascular ailments including high blood pressure, and elevated cholesterol. It is used for treating diabetes and cancer as well. Care must be take to avoid overdose of garlic which can result in upset stomach/flatulence, occupational asthma, postoperative bleeding, bloating, bad breath, body odor, and skin irritation. If you have any disorder affecting your bleeding patterns, do not have garlic.

Parsley: if you are looking for an herb that is famous for containing huge amounts of vitamins A, B, C and minerals calcium, iron, phosphorous, potassium and magnesium, the parsley or petroselinum is your herb of choice. One of the best knows diuretics it is known for its high nutrition value. Disorders affecting the kidney, including urinary problems and water retention are best cured with parsley. In fact, it is so healthy and nutritious that there is a popular saying about parsley which goes like this: “if parsley is thrown into fishponds it will heal the sick fishes therein”.

Green Tea Extract: One of the best known natural anti-oxidants, green tea extract significantly prevents heart diseases and cancer by stopping vascular blood clots and lowering cholesterol. Its antimicrobial properties help in developing immunity to various digestive and respiratory disorders. Excess of this herb may cause irritability, insomnia, heart palpitation, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, and loss of appetite.

Horse chestnut: This herb is famous for its ability to improve the circulatory system by strengthening the capillary cells and reducing fluid breakage. Used as an anti-wrinkle herb, it helps the aging process with its anti-oxidant properties. Phlebitis, varicose veins and hemorrhoids have all been benefited with the treatment with horse chestnut.

Milk Thistle: If you are looking for a natural remedy for protecting the liver from virus attacks, toxins and alcohol abuse, then this herb is for you. This multi-purpose herb helps in the maintenance of a healthy and robust liver. It also offers remedial solution for a host of diseases including: anthrax, asthma, bladder stones, cancer, catarrh, chest ailments, dropsy, fever, bleeding from the lungs or bronchia, hepatitis, rabies, jaundice, vaginal discharge, malaria, melancholy, piles, plague, pleurisy, spasms, and spleen and uterus problems. Excess consumption of this herb may result in stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, rash or other skin reactions, joint pain, impotence, and anaphylaxis. It is not recommended during pregnancy or for nursing mothers.

Oregano Oil: Known for its healing, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, this herb is excellent for treating a mild stomach upset, bronchitis, nervous tension, insect bites, rheumatism, earache, toothaches and even athlete's foot. Gastro problems like bloating, excessive gas formation, problems of the urinary tract, rheumatoid arthritis, swollen glands, and lack of perspiration are often treated with this herb. It is also known to be a potent pain killer, nearly as powerful as morphine.