Health Benefits of Herbal Supplements

The debate still rages as to the exact definition of a herb. It has long been debated that woody plants and those not grown from seeds should fall under the heading of spices, while plants grown from seed, or that have medicinal or other useful properties should be classes as an herb.

It is for this reason that the different plant groups of herb, spice, flower and vegetable tend to overlap each other very closely. Chicory and rhubarb are vegetables that are often classed as a herb, while bay, sage and ginger are spices that tend to also fall under the heading of herbs.

Loosely termed, a herb can be any plant which offers useful properties, can act as a medicine, dye, insect repellent or anti-bacterial aide.

The seeds of the ANISE plant are used for the relief of cough, to aide in digestion, and as a breath freshener.

The juice or sap of the ALOE plant is used to treat burns, cuts, and other skin problems while the inner lining of the leaf acts as a laxative.

BASIL leaves when consumed are used to relieve depression, migraines and headaches. They are also beneficial in improving concentration levels.

Usually grown as a decorative flower BERGAMOT or BEE BALM has edible flowers and leaves. The flowers are generally consumed for their taste while the leaves are consumed or steamed for their health benefits. They can aide in problems of the digestive and urinary tract. Serve as an insect repellent and are beneficial in the relief of cold sores and chest ailments.

CARAWAY is an edible seed used to control flatulence. Because it is very flavorful it is often used and consumed within the foods that we eat.

For a plant that aides in the relief of acne, blisters, eczema, psoriasis, depression, headache, nervous tension, gout, flatulence, indigestion and irritable bowel syndrome. CHAMOMILE is a plant with many health benefits.

CHIVES are a mild antiseptic.

The oil from CLOVES act as an antiseptic used to relieve symptoms of the common cold, toothache and mouth sores.



The little orange nuisance flower that grows in your backyard that we so fondly refer to as a DANDELION has edible leaves, flowers and roots. This plant can aide in liver and gall bladder problems. It is also a diuretic or can act as a mild laxative.

DILL is used to relieve symptoms of colic and flatulence in young children. It is also used to increase appetite and improve digestion.

FEVERFEW has a very bitter aroma and is used as a tisane to treat headaches. It can also be used to repel moths.

GARLIC is found in most modern kitchens. It has been touted for it's ability to relieve or prevent symptoms of the common cold and flu. It also helps reduce high cholesterol and can be used as a natural mosquito repellent.

GINGER has anti-inflamatory properties and can aid in the symptoms of arthritis, rheumatism, bronchitis, colds and flu, colic, constipation, diarrhea, exhaustion, poor circulation, sinusitis. It can also be used to relieve indigestion.

You probably recognize HOPS as one of the main components of beer. But they are also used to treat insomnia, relieve tension, and to provide relief from fevers.

The root of the HORSERADISH plant has a powerful taste that is used to flavor our foods and to provide relief of breathing problems.

The JASMINE plant acts as an aphrodisiac, but also provides relief for headache, mental tension and anxiety when used in aromatherapy.

An antiseptic that soothes minor cuts and burns, muscle aches and pains, insect bites and eczema LAVENDER is a flowering plant that is also used to calm and relax, or to relieve anxiety. It is an used for relief from acne, dandruff, insomnia, sunburn, psoriasisand other skin ailments as well as in the symptoms of PMS.

A flavorful herb often found in teas LEMON GRASS reduces tension and depression.

Generally used to flavor the foods that we consume MARJARAM relieves the symptoms of anxiety, arthritis, bronchitis, flatulence, muscle aches and pains, rheumatism, sinusitis and digestive problems.

Most people have at one time or another consumed PEPPERMINT either in a candy or as a flavoring in some other food group. It provides relief for symptoms of asthma, bronchitis, headache or migraine, colic, sinusitis, sore or tired feet and toothache. It is also a natural insect repellent.



It is an appetite stimulant and can aide with the digestion of our food.

ROSEMARY provides relief from nervousness, bladder problems, water retention, flu, gout, poor circulation, burns, liver or gall bladder problems, fatigue and rheumatism. It is also beneficial in the prevention of cellulite.

A common herb that we usually keep within our spice cabinet is SAGE. It provides relief for symptoms of cough, sore throat, and indigestion.

SPEARMINT is used to soothe an upset stomach or to aide in other digestive disorders.

Another common spice THYME enhances memory, reduces stress, raises low blood pressure, aids in the symptoms of colds, cough, depression, fatigue, rheumatism and tonsillitis.

Often used as a poultice on minor wounds YARROW is also used for relief of flatulence and indigestion.

Although Alternative Therapies and Complimentary Therapies can provide very important health benefits to us always check with your doctor before you begin using any herb for medicinal purposes. Herbs are generally not government regulated, so when misused or overused, they can cause serious health problems.

Play safe. Play responsible out there!

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www.wikipedia.com
http://www.aworldofaromatherapy.com
http://www.garlic-central.com/garlic-health.html
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/aloe-vera/NS_patient-aloe
http://www.gardenguides.com/plants/info/herbs/herb.asp

The Herb Bible by Peter Mchoy and Pamela Westland. Printed in 1997 by Strathearn Books Limited. Toronto, Ontario.