Using Herbal Remedies for Common AilmentsHerbal knowledge, including information about which herbs may be useful for treating various ailments, is continuing to grow as people are increasingly seeking a more natural alternative to pharmaceutical drugs. One reason in particular that herbal remedies are experiencing such popularity today is that many herbal medicines are safer and cause fewer side effects than conventional drugs.
However, it is important to keep in mind that the fact that a medicine is plant-based is not a guarantee that it is safe. Herbal medicines should be used with care and here at the Helpful Herbalist we recommend consulting with a naturopathic doctor or other medical professional before beginning any new herbal treatments. This is especially important if you are also taking conventional medicines. Furthermore, while herbal medicine offers many possibilities for treating almost any bodily affliction, it is also worth noting that herbal medicines are not always the best form of treatment.
The following table provides just a small sample of some of the ailments that are treated with herbal medicines, as well as some of the more commonly used herbs in their treatment. To access a more detailed discussion of an ailment and its corresponding herbal remedies, click on the links provided within the table or use the links in the navigation bar to the left.
Common Ailments | Herbs that Have Been Used as Natural Remedies
| Acne | calendula, comfrey, lemon, slippery elm, echinacea, dandelion, cabbage | Anxiety | valerian, ginseng, passion flower, lemon balm | Arthritis | devil’s claw, white willow, red pepper, stinging nettle, oregano, pineapple, ginger, turmeric, celery seed | Constipation | crampbark, linseed seeds, rhubarb, guelder rose | Diabetes | bitter melon, fenugreek, blueberry, banaba, ginseng, onion, garlic, | Excessive sweating | tea tree, burdock, sage, astragalus | Fungal skin infections | comfrey, garlic, turmeric, myrrh, calendula | Headaches and migraines | lavender, linden, feverfew, skullcap, rosemary | High blood pressure | garlic, gingko biloba, ginger, yarrow, hawthorn | Insomnia | oats, ginseng, lemon balm, chamomile, hops | Menopausal problems | black cohosh, don quai, wild yam, shepherd’s purse, chaste tree berry, red clover, St. John’s wort, sage | Minor burns and sunburns | aloe vera, calendula, comfrey, St. John’s wort | Minor wounds | yarrow, calendula, aloe vera, witch hazel, comfrey | Nausea and vomiting | lemon balm, black horehound, peppermint, codonopsis | Weight loss
| Siberian ginseng, cayenne, green tea, flaxseeds, psyllium seeds |
As the Helpful Herbalist continues to grow we will be expanding on this table, as well as providing more in-depth information about the herbal remedies used for various common ailments.
If you decide to explore the use of herbal remedies, keep in mind some of the problems that can go wrong, including:
- The wrong herbal remedy may be used; this will occur more frequently when experimenting with herbs whose qualities are not as well-documented, and when using herbs to treat ailments for which they are not typically recommended
- The herbal medicine may interact with conventional medicines; as some herbal medicines have been found to interact with other medicines, it is important to tell your health care professionals about all medicines (herbal and conventional) that you are taking
- The wrong part of a herb is used; make sure you are aware of what part of a plant is used for medicinal purposes as sometimes one part of the plant may be safe while all other parts can be highly toxic
- The herb has not been properly prepared; when preparing your own herbal remedies, make sure to carefully adhere to all recommendations, including preparation, dosage, and storage. If you are using commercially prepared herbal medicines, make efforts to ensure a quality product, including buying from a reputable store, and checking the labeling for information on the recommended daily dose, the percentage of active ingredients in the product, and all ingredients
- Herbal medicines may cause allergic reactions; there are cases of herbs causing allergic reactions in some users and if you are prone to allergies make sure to always consult with a professional who is knowledgeable about herbs before use
If herbs are used carefully, and precautions are taken to ensure safe use, the worst outcome of the use of an herbal medicine will normally be that there is no improvement in the condition.
Remember, the human body has amazing healing abilities. Given the right support, including making healthy lifestyle, diet, and exercise choices, the body tends to be able to heal itself and herbs can be a natural and gentle way to promote healing.
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