Herbs

An herb is a plant grown for culinary or medicinal purposes. There are healing powers of some common herbs which can help you achieve optimal health in a different way. One decreases your cholesterol levels and risk of heart disease; one improves your memory and brain function; and one allows you to better cope with stress. Some herbs even contain phytochemicals, nutrients found in plants that may reduce the risk of cancer.

Plants have been harvested for their medical properties for many thousands of years. More recently, some pharmaceutical companies began to isolate the most active ingredients in various herbs and sell them individually. Most people now agree, however, that the ingredients left behind when these extracts are taken are important. These other ingredients may have any of a number of purposes, such as curbing or augmenting the main ingredient’s full effect. Some herbalists even believe that medicinal plants should only be used as they are found in nature.

Regardless of whether you choose pharmaceutical grade herbal supplements or naturally grown whole herbs, you must utilize them correctly and appropriately. Because herbs are natural, they are often considered safer than prescription drugs. Yet they can have serious, harmful effects – especially if taken without consideration for the proper guidelines and precautions, or if taken with certain medications. Always read all directions before taking an herbal supplement. You should also consult your doctor before starting any supplement regimen – particularly if you have kidney or liver disease or are pregnant or nursing.

At the same time, unlike prescription drugs, the contents of supplements are not regulated by the US government. Always read the full ingredient list before ingesting any herb.