Herbal Remedies by Dr.Isadore Rosenfeld

Ginseng:This popular herb has long been used to boost energy, increase sex drive, prolong life and improve appetite. However, most of the research supporting its effectiveness was performed on animals. Try it if you like, but don't take gingseng if you have heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure or are taking an anticoagul

Galic: Marketed as a pill, capsule or powder, garlic supplements are said to lower cholesterol and blood pressure and to have antibiotic properties. I believe that it does these things-but not well enough to be used as the sole treatment for high cholesterol, hypertension or infection. Don't take it if you also are taking aspirin ou anticoagulants.

1. Echinacea: Millions of Americans take echinacea because they believe it boosts immunity and helps prevent the common cold. Studies have shown conflicting results, possibly due to variation in the contens of the products tested. It seems that one particular species, Ehinacea purpurea, works best. There's no harm in trying it unless you are allergic to ragweed, have an autoimmune disorder or are taking drugs that can hurt the liver.
2. Chamomile: This herb does have some antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. I recommend chamomile to improve sleep, settle the stomach, soothe a sore throat and relieve bronchial congestion. Some of my patients tell me that it eases the pain of arthritis and menstrual cramps and tha a chamomile bath can reduce symptoms of hemorrhoids. Avoid it if you are taking an anticoagulant, are allegic to daisies or are pregnant.
3. St. John's wort: This herb actas on receptors in the brain to improve mild depression. However, it interacts poorly with some medications and may reduce the effectiveness or oral contraceptives. If you're not taking other medication and your depression is mild, it's OK to try it.
4. Ginkgo biloba: Evidence suggests that ginkgo biloba has a positive affect on the vascular system, probably because it contains flavonoids and organic acids and helps to eliminate free radials. It has anti-inflammatory properties and reduces the tendency to form blood clots. Some doctors recommend it to boost memory, promote circulation to the legs or ease cognitive impairment due to decreased blood flow to the brain. It's well-tolerated at prescribed levels, but don't take it if you also are taking an anticoagulant.
5. Valerian: Valerian has been around for thousands of years and was prescribed by Hippocrates to help his patients relax and sleep. It is probably the most widely used sedative in Europe, where preparations are available for children as well as adults. It is safe, but don't take it for longer than a few weeks.
6. Ginger: This root is a safe and effective antinauseant, but claims that it benefits the heart, intestinal tract or lungs are unproven.
7. Saw palmetto: Millions of men world-wide use saw palmetto to treat the symptoms or an enlarged prostrate. Although it is safe and has few side effects, a recent study in The New England Journal of Medicine found it to be no more effective than a placebo.
8. Black colhosh: Clinical trials to determine whether black cohosh relieves menopausal symptoms have yielded conflicting results. Some women do experience benefits, and it appears to bem safer. But don't use it for more than six months, and don't take if you have a history of estrogen-dependent tumors.
9. Feverfew: Taken regularly, this herb may prevent (not treat) migraines. Since preparations vary, be sure to find one with at least 0.2% parthenolinde, the anti-inflammatory compound believed to make it work. Feverfew has no serious sede effetcts, but don't take it if you are pregnant. These are just a few of the many herbal produtcs available on the market. REMEMBER: Even though they are natural, supplements can interact with other herbs and prescription drugs. If you decide to try one, consult with your doctor first.