THE RIGHT HERBS FOR YOU.

I'll give you some different medicinal herbs. What they do, the scientific evidence. Quantities, side effects and drug interactions. But before starting an herbal regimen, consult your doctor or health professional to make sure it is safe for you. 

Once in a herbal program, you must feel better, at least I hope. I think that helps me and keeps my doctor visits at a minimum. Therefore, it saves me money. 

You, of course, choose the herbs that are right for you. If your problems are not listed here, then do some research and find the right herbs for you. 

CHAMOMILE 

WHAT IT DOES: Relieves insomnia stomach, inflammation and discomfort 

SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE: At least 10 studies, including one in which 10 of the 12 subjects fell asleep after drinking chamomile tea. 

Quantities and forms: tea, taken as needed 

SIDE EFFECTS: None, although it can cause a reaction in people allergic to ragweed. 

DRUG INTERACTION: None known 



ECHINACEA 

WHAT IT DOES: Helps prevent colds or keeps getting worse. 

SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE: At least 26 clinical trials. One study found that echinacea may shorten the duration of a cold. 

Amounts and forms: 300 mg capsules taken 3 times daily. 

SIDE EFFECTS: May, in rare cases cause allergic reactions. 

DRUG INTERACTION: None known, but not recommended for people with autoimmune diseases. 


Feverfew 

WHAT IT DOES: to prevent and treat migraine headaches. 

SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE: At least 5 clinical trials found that 70% of those who took feverfew daily for longer periods had a decreased frequency and severity of migraines. 

Amounts and forms: One capsule of 125 mg per day. 

SIDE EFFECTS: none 

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Do not take aspirin or Coumadin (a blood thinning medication.) 



GARLIC 

WHAT IT DOES: Reduces cholesterol. 

SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE: At least 28 clinical trials, including one in Germany, which concluded taking 800 mg per day produces a 9% reduction in cholesterol. 

Quantities and forms: teeth once or twice a day, or tablets containing 500 mg of allicin per day. (Varies with the brand, read the label.) 

SIDE EFFECTS: None, except bad breath with fresh garlic. 

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Do not take aspirin or Coumadin. 



GINGER 

WHAT IT DOES: Helps to relieve nausea. 

SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE: At least five studies with a British study found that reduces nausea following gynecological surgery. 

Amounts and forms: Tea - A teaspoon of ginger in 8 oz. boiling water. Or two capsules of 500 mg per day. O fresh ginger, taken as needed. 

SIDE EFFECTS: None 

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Do not take aspirin or Coumadin. 



GINKGO BILOBA 

WHAT IT DOES: Promotes mental alertness and concentration. 

SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE: At least 36 clinical trials, one showing that 28% of 156 patients with two different types of dementia showed improvement after taking 240 mg daily for 24 weeks. 

Quantities and forms: two to four tablets of 60 mg per day. 

SIDE EFFECTS: Stomach upset, headache or skin reactions. 

DRUG INTERACTION: Do not take aspirin or Coumadin.