They can be formulated in many ways, as I pointed out in my article, The Art of Preparing Herbs. Whatever way they are used, they can be very helpful in cultivating health and a better sense of wellness, which can then allow you to experience healthy living, along with living a Low Density Lifestyle.
Today, I’m going to mention a number of herbs and briefly say what their benefits are. Some of the benefits are based on lab testing.
After this article, in subsequent posts I will get more specific and focus on different herbs and discuss their beneficial properties.
But for today, here’s a look at a number of herbs:
Aloe vera has traditionally been used for the healing of burns and wounds.
Agaricus blazei mushrooms may prevent some types of cancer.
Artichoke may reduce cholesterol levels.
Blackberry leaf has drawn the attention of the cosmetology community because it interferes with the metalloproteinases that contribute to skin wrinkling.
Black raspberry may have a role in preventing oral cancer.
Butterbur has been used traditionally for abdominal cramps and constipation.
Cranberry is effective in treating urinary tract infections in women with recurrent symptoms.
Echinacea extracts can limit the length and severity of colds; however, the appropriate dosage levels may be higher than is available in over-the-counter remedies.
Elderberry may speed the recovery from type A and B influenza.
Feverfew is sometimes used to treat migraine headaches.
Garlic may lower total cholesterol levels.
German Chamomile has demonstrated antispasmodic, antiinflammatory and cholesterol-lowering effects in animal research. In vitro, chamomile has demonstrated moderate antimicrobial and antioxidant properties and significant antiplatelet activity, as well as preliminary results against cancer. Essential oil of chamomile has been shown to be a promising antiviral agent against herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), also in vitro.
Ginger can decrease nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.
Purified extracts of Hibiscus seeds have some antihypertensive, antifungal and antibacterial effects.
Lemon grass can lower total cholesterol and fasting plasma glucose levels.
Milk thistle has been recognized for many centuries as a liver tonic. Research suggests that milk thistle extracts both prevent and repair damage to the liver from toxic chemicals and medications.
Black cumin has demonstrated analgesic properties in mice. In vitro studies support antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, anti-inflammatory and immune modulating effects.
Oregano may be effective against multi-drug resistant bacteria.
Pawpaw can be used as insecticide.
Peppermint oil has benefits for individuals with irritable bowel syndrome.
Pokeweed is used as a homeopathic remedy to treat many ailments. It can be applied topically or taken internally. Topical treatments have been used for acne and other ailments. It is used to treat swollen glands and weight loss.
Pomegranate has been shown to inhibit cancer cell growth in mice.
Rooibos has traditionally been used for skin ailments, allergies, asthma and colic in infants. In an animal study with diabetic mice, aspalathin, a rooibos constituent, improved glucose homeostasis by stimulating insulin secretion in pancreatic beta cells and glucose uptake in muscle tissue.
Rose hips – Small scale studies indicate that rose hips may provide benefits in the treatment of osteoarthritis.
Sage may improve memory.
Shiitake mushrooms are edible mushrooms that have been reported to have health benefits, including cancer-preventing properties. In laboratory research a shiitake extract has inhibited the growth of tumor cells. In addition, both a water extract and fresh juice of shiitake have demonstrated activity against pathogenic bacteria and fungi.
Soy and other plants that contain phytoestrogens (plant molecules with estrogen activity), such as black cohosh, have benefits for treatment of symptoms resulting from menopause.
Stinging nettle is effective for benign prostatic hyperplasia and the pain associated with osteoarthritis.
In vitro tests show antiinflammatory action. Stinging nettle has also been shown to reduce total cholesterol.
Valerian root can be used to treat insomnia.
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