Echinacea root (American coneflower
root)
The use of echinacea in the treatment of bacterial and viral infections
is well established and there has been much research interest in the immuno-stimulating
properties of this plant. Taking echinacea persistently seems to work far less
well than taking it when you have an acute infection.
Feverfew (Tanacetum
parthenium)
Several good clinical studies have demonstrated the effectiveness
of feverfew in preventing migraine attacks.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Ginger
has been shown to have a number of actions but it is probably best known for its
effects in avoiding nausea and vomiting; there has been considerable interest
in this in view of its lack of side effects in comparison with conventional anti-emetics.
Ginkgo
biloba
The main indications for Ginkgo biloba are diseases of the circulatory
system, particularly peripheral vascular disease in which the arteries are narrowed
by the deposition of fat in the arterial wall. Ginkgo biloba can also help to
improve circulation in the brain and so has been used to treat both depression
and Alzheimer's disease with some degree of success. In Western countries standardised
extracts from the leaves are available in tablet, liquid and intravenous formulations,
and in France and Germany these extracts are among the most commonly prescribed
medications.
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum)
The seeds of milk
thistle have been used medicinally for over 2,000 years; this herb is useful in
a whole range of liver and gall bladder conditions.
St John's Wort
(Hypericum perforatum)
St John's Wort has long been used for its anti-inflammatory,
mild sedative and analgesic properties, although recent research has demonstrated
that it does have some anti-viral properties as well. St John's Wort has caught
the public interest as the, "natural answer to Prozac", and there is
no doubt from the clinical trials available that it acts very effectively as a
mild antidepressant, although it is currently impossible to patent and make medicinal
claims on the basis of traditional use.
Valerian root
The sedative
action of valerian is well established and the herb compares very favourably with
other conventional sleeping tablets in the treatment of insomnia.
Kava
kava
Several well conducted clinical trials have shown that Kava is useful
in the treatment of mild anxiety.
Chinese herbal remedies
Chinese
herbal mixtures have been shown to be particularly useful in the treatment of
eczema, especially childhood eczema.
Reproduced with the kind permission of
BMA Publications from Professor George Lewith's book, Understanding Complementary
Medicine.