How Effective Does an Herb Affect Your Health?

Herbs are a great way to add flavour and colour without extra fat, salt or sugar. They also have a number of health benefits such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and cancer-preventing properties. However, the effectiveness of a herb depends on factors such as how and where it was sourced.

Generally, herbs are most effective when grown in their natural environment.

Garlic

Garlic is a well-known culinary herb that’s used around the world to flavor food. It’s also been used for medicinal purposes by many cultures to support cardiovascular health, blood sugar regulation and immune function.

A large part of garlic’s healing properties is due to the organosulfur compounds it contains, most notably allicin and ajoene, which provide antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral activity. These phytocompounds help to scavenge free radicals that may contribute to aging and chronic diseases, such as high cholesterol and atherosclerosis.

In naturopathic medicine, it’s often recommended for its ability to support cardiovascular health, and its ability to help the body resist infection and ward off colds and flu. It’s also often used as a general tonic to increase overall energy levels. It can be taken as a dietary supplement or in a tincture form.

St. John’s wort

St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) is an herb that grows as a plant and can also be taken as a supplement in tea, tablets, capsules, or liquid preparations. It is often used to treat depression, and some studies have shown that it may be as effective as some prescription antidepressants.

It also appears to help with Join Herbalife menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes and insomnia. It may also help with nerve pain and wound healing.

It’s important to tell your healthcare providers about any complementary health approaches you use. This is especially true of St. John’s wort, which can interact with many medications and cause serious side effects. It should also not be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, as it may increase the risk of miscarriage and has caused birth defects in animal studies.

Ashwagandha

The roots of ashwagandha (also called winter cherry and Indian ginseng) have been used for centuries to help reduce stress and anxiety. But there’s not much scientific evidence supporting many of the health claims made about ashwagandha. One study did show that ashwagandha root extract can increase testosterone levels in men, which may be a concern for those with prostate issues or who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Researchers believe that ashwagandha may improve physical performance and prevent chronic diseases, but more research is needed. In the meantime, you can try a supplement that contains ashwagandha root, or talk to your doctor about how it might impact your health. Look for third-party tested supplements and always check with your healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist, or pharmacist before taking any herbal remedy.

Lemon balm

The lemon-scented herb Melissa officinalis L is used in herbal medicine for its digestive, carminative, antispasmodic and sedative properties, as well as its antioxidant activities. It also has been reported to help reduce anxiety levels and relieve PMS symptoms in women.

Its terpenes are thought to contribute to the herb’s relaxation and antiviral benefits. Another chemical in the plant, eugenol, helps calm muscles and numbs pain.

Fresh leaves can be eaten raw in salads or added to iced tea or other beverages. They can also be used to make herbal vinegars and compound butters, and can be dried and used in cooking. Because lemon balm may interfere with thyroid hormones, it is recommended to consult a medical practitioner before taking it. The plant grows best in sunny conditions but can also grow in semi-shade.

Peppermint

Also known as mentha piperita, peppermint extract and oil are used for indigestion, heartburn, nausea, stomach spasms in the esophagus, to improve flow of bile and to relieve gas. It is also used to reduce spasms during endoscopy and colon exams and to cover up the unpleasant taste of some medicines.

The volatile oils (menthol and carvone) in peppermint relax muscles throughout the digestive tract. Peppermint is similar to spearmint but contains up to 30% more menthol than spearmint. In test tubes, it kills some types of bacteria, fungi and viruses. Early research shows that rinsing with a solution containing peppermint and lemon oil (HiOra by Himalaya Herbal Healthcare) reduces dental plaque better than a plain water rinse. It also improves bad breath. Peppermint also relieves itchy skin.