Top 10 Best Herbs – Chamomile, Echinacea, Lavender, Lemon balm, Marigold, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sage, St. John’s wort, Violet
Top 10 Best Herbs
Chamomile
Chamomile is one of the most popular herbs in the Western world. There are two plants known as chamomile: the more popular German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) and Roman, or English, chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile). Although they belong to different species, they are used to treat the same health problems. Both are used to calm frayed nerves, to treat various stomach problems, to relieve muscle spasms, and to treat skin conditions and mild infections. Chamomile has been used as a medicine for thousands of years, dating back to the ancient Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks. Historically, chamomile has been used to treat many conditions, including chest colds, sore throats, abscesses, gum inflammation (gingivitis), anxiety, insomnia, psoriasis, acne, eczema, minor first-degree burns, inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis), stomach ulcers, children’s conditions such as chickenpox, diaper rash, and colic.
Although chamomile is popular, there aren’t many studies that look at whether it works to treat these conditions. Animal studies have shown that German chamomile reduces inflammation, speeds wound healing, reduces muscle spasms, and serves as a mild sedative to help with sleep. But there are very few studies to see if the same is true in people. Test tube studies have shown that chamomile can kill bacteria, fungus and viruses. The most popular use for chamomile in the Unites States is for anxiety and insomnia. One study found that chamomile capsules reduced symptoms of anxiety in people with mild to moderate generalized anxiety disorder. Animal studies have found that low doses of chamomile may relieve anxiety, while higher doses promote sleep. Chamomile has been used traditionally to treat stomach cramps, irritable bowel syndrome, indigestion, diarrhea, gas, and colic. It helps relax muscle contractions, particularly in the smooth muscles that make up the intestines. But there are no good human studies on any of these conditions. One analysis of several studies found that product containing a combination of the herb iberis, peppermint, and chamomile seemed to help relieve symptoms of indigestion. When used as a mouthwash, there is some evidence that chamomile may help prevent mouth sores from radiation and chemotherapy. Chamomile is often used topically in a cream or ointment to soothe irritated skin, especially in Europe. Two studies in people found that a chamomile cream helped relieve symptoms of eczema.
While chamomile is considered generally safe, it may make asthma worse, so people with asthma should not take it. Pregnant women too, should avoid it.
Echinacea purpurea and Echinacea angustifolia
Echinacea has traditionally been an alternative herbal remedy to treat or prevent colds, flu and other infections. It reduces the risk of bronchitis, and stimulates the immune system to help fight infections. It contains active substances that enhance activities of the immune system, relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and have hormonal, antiviral, and antioxidant effects. For this reason, echinacea is often recommended to treat urinary tract infections, vaginal yeast (candida) infections, ear infections (also known as Otitis media), athlete’s foot, sinusitis, hay fever (also called allergic rhinitis), as well as slow-healing wounds. One study even suggests that echinacea extract exerted an antiviral action on the development of recurrent cold sores triggered by the herpes simplex virus (HSVI) when supplied prior to infection.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
Lavender essential oil, extracted from fresh flowers of lavender, is beneficial in a variety of conditions, including insomnia, alopecia (hair loss), anxiety, stress, and postoperative pain. Scientific evidence suggests that aromatherapy with lavender may slow the activity of the nervous system, improve sleep quality, promote relaxation and concentration, and lift mood in people suffering from sleep disorders. Lavender aromatherapy may help reduce agitation in patients with dementia. One study of 86 people with alopecia areata (an autoimmune disease that causes hair to fall out, often in patches), found that those who massaged their scalps with lavender and other essential oils daily for 7 months experienced significant hair regrowth compared to those who massaged their scalps without the essential oils. Aromatherapists also use lavender in inhalation therapy to treat headaches, nervous disorders, and exhaustion. Herbalists treat skin ailments, such as fungal infections (like candidiasis), wounds, eczema, and acne, with lavender oil. It is also used in a healing bath for joint and muscle pain. Another study found that lavender oil may improve pain control after surgery.
Lemon balm (Citrus limon)
Several studies show that lemon balm combined with other calming herbs (such as valerian, hops, and chamomile) helps reduce anxiety and promote sleep. Lemon balm increased mood and significantly increased calmness and alertness. Some studies suggest that topical ointments containing lemon balm may help heal cold sores caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It also helps in preventing recurrence of herpes. The cream has also been found to reduce the healing time of both genital and oral herpes. Several animal studies also support the value of topical lemon balm for herpes lesions. And preliminary studies show that lemon balm exhibited a high, concentration-dependent activity against HIV infection. Some evidence suggests that lemon balm, in combination with other herbs, may help treat indigestion. Others reveal that lemon balm oil has a high degree of antibacterial activity. Lemon balm may also help to improve cognitive function and decrease agitation in people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Marigold (Calendula officinalis)
The flower petals of the calendula plant, or pot marigold, have been used for medicinal purposes since the 12th century. Calendula is native to Mediterranean countries but is now grown as an ornamental plant throughout the world. It has high amounts of flavonoids, plant-based antioxidants that protect cells. Calendula appears to fight inflammation, viruses, and bacteria. Traditionally, calendula has been used to treat stomach upset and ulcers, as well as relieve menstrual cramps, but there is no scientific evidence that calendula works for these problems. Today, calendula is often used topically. It helps wounds heal faster, possibly by increasing blood flow and oxygen to the affected area, which helps the body grow new tissue. The dried petals of the calendula plant are used in tinctures, ointments, and washes to treat burns, bruises and cuts, as well as the minor infections they cause. It also has been shown to help prevent dermatitis in breast cancer patients during radiation therapy. Calendula is not usually taken by mouth except in extremely small amounts in homeopathic preparations. Calendula cream is also used to treat hemorrhoids. Homeopaths often recommend ointments with calendula to heal first-degree burns. Ear drops containing calendula are sometimes used to treat ear infections in children.
Peppermint (Mentha piperita)
Peppermint calms the muscles of the stomach and improves the flow of bile, which the body uses to digest fats. As a result, food passes through the stomach more quickly. However, if your symptoms of indigestion are related to a condition called gastro esophageal reflux disease or GERD, you should not use peppermint. Peppermint helps in flatulence/bloating by relaxing the muscles which allow painful digestive gas to pass. Enteric coated peppermint capsules can help treat symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, such as pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea. Peppermint, when applied topically, has a soothing and cooling effect on skin irritations caused by hives, poison ivy, or poison oak. One small study suggested that peppermint applied to the forehead and temples helped reduce headache symptoms. Peppermint and its main active agent, menthol, are effective decongestants. Because menthol thins mucus, it is also a good expectorant, meaning that it helps loosen phlegm and breaks up coughs. It is soothing and calming for sore throats (pharyngitis) and dry coughs as well.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Rosemary leaf is used for indigestion (dyspepsia). Applied topically, rosemary oil is sometimes used to treat muscle pain, arthritis and to improve circulation. Historically, rosemary has been used to stimulate hair growth. Massaging the scalp with rosemary and other essential oils (including lavender, thyme, and cedar wood) every day for a few months continuously, has been found to help significant hair regrowth. Several studies show that rosemary inhibits food borne pathogens like Listeria monocytogenes, B. cereus, and S. aureus. Rosemary is often used in aromatherapy to increase concentration and memory, and to relieve stress. Rosemary, combined with other pleasant smelling oils, may lower cortisol levels and help reduce anxiety. Another study found that the use of lavender and rosemary essential oil sachets reduced test taking stress.
Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Sage reduces the flow of breast milk during weaning, and cures galactorrhea or excessive production of breast milk. Beneficial for revitalizing weakened circulation and for excess sweating. Settles an upset stomach, relieves gas/bloating after meals. Calms inflammation of the digestive tract, soothes irritated membranes. Relieves excess sweating, night sweats, dries up congested mucus. Contains thymol with antiseptic and astringent effects. A hair rinse that helps with dandruff and restores colour to graying hair. Soothes inflammation of the gingiva, mouth, tongue and throat. A healing gargle that is antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal. Tonifies and tightens gum tissue, soothes irritated, inflamed linings. Strong antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial due to menthol content. Used as a gargle for sore throats, helps with stuffed nose and coughs, mouth sores and gingivitis. Astringent, tonifies throat membranes.
St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum)
St. John’s wort has been used for centuries as an alternative herbal remedy to treat mental disorders and nerve pain. In ancient times, herbalists wrote about its use as a sedative and a treatment for malaria, as well as a balm for wounds, burns, and insect bites. Today, St. John’s wort is used by some for depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders. There is good evidence that St. John’s wort may reduce symptoms in people with mild-to-moderate but not severe (or major) depression. In many studies it seems to work as well as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a popular type of antidepressant that doctors often prescribe first to treat depression. They include fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa), and sertraline (Zoloft). An early study suggests that St. John’s wort may help relieve physical and emotional symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in some women, including cramps, irritability, food cravings, and breast tenderness. Two studies suggest that St. John’s wort, combined with black cohosh, helps improve mood and anxiety during menopause. St. John’s wort has improved mood in people with Seasonal affective disorder, a type of depression that occurs during the winter months because of lack of sunlight. St. John’s wort has antibacterial properties and may also help fight inflammation. Applied topically (to the skin), it may relieve symptoms associated with minor wounds and skin irritation.
Violet (Viola odorata)
The flowers, leaves and roots of various Viola species are used for medicinal purposes, being rich in vitamins A and C. They also contain a type of antioxidant called an anthocyanin. Medicinal and edible, the flowers and leaves of viola are made into a syrup used in alternative medicine mainly for respiratory ailments associated with congestion, coughing, and sore throat. Common violet, mainly by its content in mucilage, has soothing, antitussive and anti-inflammatory properties. Moreover, its content in saponins confers expectorant properties, whereas salicylic acid gives analgesic properties. The same component along with methyl-salicylate, eugenol and beta-sis sterol are responsible for the antipyretic properties, which reduce fever. Malic-acid and quercetin provide it with bacteriostatic properties that prevent the growth of bacteria. All this cocktail of properties is particularly used to fight many diseases of the respiratory system. The properties of the violet help in the treatment of bronchitis by expelling secretions, reducing inflammation and soothing coughing. For the same reason, it is effective in treating cough. The flowers of this plant used in tea help reduce fever. For colds, violet infusions with lemon juice helps lessen symptoms. The ability of common violet to reduce swollen mucous membranes and their antitussive properties are very useful for asthma sufferers. A tea from dried flowers can help reduce inflammation of gastric mucosa as well as treat ulcers in stomach and duodenum. Malic acid exerts a mild laxative function, effective for the treatment of constipation. For inflammation in the bladder, urinary tract and kidneys, the use of this plant can help reduce it and expel microorganisms causing the infection.
Category: HERBS
