Ten Popular Herbal Remedies

There are many reasons people turn to herbal remedies.  Some believe they are safer or healthier than prescription medicines, while others just don't like doctors or can't afford a doctor's visit.  It's always a good idea to consult with a doctor before starting any treatment, but you can prepare yourself ahead of time by learning about the various herbal remedies available so you can ask your doctor what he thinks of them at your next appointment.  Here are ten of the most popular herbal remedies and their uses.

The most common use for black cohosh is to help alleviate the symptoms of menopause.  There have been some studies done on black cohosh that found it helpful for treating hat flashes, mood changes, night sweats and other symptoms of menopause.  However, more research needs to be done to confirm the effectiveness of this herbal remedy for treating menopause symptoms.

Many people believe that echinacea helps prevent colds and infections.  However, the studies that have been done suggest that it doesn't prevent colds at all.  It is possible that this supplement may decrease the duration of a cold and the severity of the symptoms, but there are mixed results from the research that has been done in this area.  Some of the studies that have been done don't show any change in symptoms at all.

Flaxseed is another popular herbal remedy.  Flaxseed oil provides many of the benefits attributed to flaxseed, but not all of them, so be sure to purchase ground flaxseed instead of flaxseed oil if you are going to be taking this herbal remedy to alleviate menopause symptoms or constipation.  Flaxseed helps lower cholesterol levels and improves kidney function.  It is being studied for use in treating other conditions.

There is evidence to support the use of ginseng to help strengthen the immune system and lower blood sugar levels.  Ginseng is also credited with causing a slight improvement in mental functioning.  However, this effect is only temporary.  When buying ginseng, be sure to get either Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) or American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius).  The Asian variety is believed to be the most potent.

Guarana is a plant that contains a high concentration of caffeine, about three times more than coffee beans.  Because of its caffeine content, it provides the same benefits you would obtain from other caffeine sources, such as increased alertness and mental performance.

This herbal remedy does just what it sounds like.  It is a natural alternative for treating erectile dysfunction.  In 2008, a study was done that seems to confirm that horny goat weed may be useful as a treatment for erectile dysfunction.

Saw palmetto is an herbal remedy that helps lower the levels of male sex hormones, which may help alleviate the symptoms of enlarged prostate and reduce the frequency of urination in men with prostate problems.

Studies on St. John's Wort have had conflicting results.  Some have shown this herbal supplement to be effective at treating the symptoms of depression while others have found it to work about as well as a placebo.  St. John's Wort has also been rumored to help with other mood disorders, but research does not seem to back this up.

Tea tree oil is a topical treatment that can be used to treat acne, athlete's foot and toenail fungus.  Tea tree oil is toxic if swallowed, so never take it orally.  Many parents with school-aged children also swear that it keeps head lice away.  However, even topical application of tea tree oil can cause severe allergic reactions, so it is best to avoid using it on children except under a doctor's supervision.

Valerian is an herbal remedy that has been shown to be effective at helping people get to sleep and improving the quality of sleep.

Although many herbal remedies do have beneficial health properties, it's important to remember that natural does not necessarily mean safe.  Herbal remedies, like more conventional medicines, can cause side effects and interact with other supplements or medications.  Some are not recommended if you have certain medical conditions, and it is possible to overdose if you take too much of any of them.  Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to make sure that the herbal remedies you are taking won't adversely impact your health.