Herbal medicine -- also called botanical medicine or phytomedicine -- refers to using a plant's seeds, berries, roots, leaves, bark, or flowers for medicinal purposes. Herbalism has a long tradition of use outside of conventional medicine. It is becoming more mainstream as improvements in analysis and quality control along with advances in clinical research show the value of herbal medicine in the treating and preventing disease.
How do herbs work?In many cases, scientists aren’t sure what specific ingredient in a particular herb works to treat a condition or illness. Whole herbs contain many ingredients, and they may work together to produce a beneficial effect.
What is herbal medicine good for?Herbal medicine is used to treat many conditions, such as asthma, eczema, premenstrual syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, migraine, menopausal symptoms, chronic fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, and cancer, among others. Herbal supplements are best taken under the guidance of a trained health care provider.
- Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) has been used in traditional
medicine to treat circulatory disorders and enhance memory. Although not
all studies agree, ginkgo may be especially effective in treating
dementia (including Alzheimer's disease) and intermittent claudication
(poor circulation in the legs). It also shows promise for enhancing
memory in older adults. Laboratory studies have shown that ginkgo
improves blood circulation by dilating blood vessels and reducing the
stickiness of blood platelets. By the same token, this means ginkgo may
also increase the effect of some blood thinning medications, including
aspirin. People taking blood thinning medications should ask their
doctor before using ginkgo. Caution should also be taken with people
with a history of seizures and people with fertility issues; speak with
your physician.
- Kava kava (Piper methysticum) is said
to elevate mood, enhance well being and contentment, and produce a
feeling of relaxation. Several studies have found that kava may be
useful in the treatment of anxiety, insomnia, and related nervous
disorders. However, there is serious concern that kava may cause liver
damage. It's not clear whether the kava itself caused liver damage in a
few people, or whether it was taking kava in combination with other
drugs or herbs. It's also not clear whether kava is dangerous at
previously recommended doses, or only at higher doses. Some countries
have taken kava off the market. It remains available in the United
States, but the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a consumer
advisory in March of 2002 regarding the "rare" but potential risk of
liver failure associated with kava containing products.
- Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens)
is used by more than 2 million men in the United States for the
treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non cancerous
enlargement of the prostate gland. A number of studies suggest that the
herb is effective for treating symptoms, including frequent urination,
having trouble starting or maintaining urination, and needing to urinate
during the night. But a well-conducted study published in the February
9, 2006 edition of the New England Journal of Medicine found that saw palmetto was no better than placebo in relieving the signs and symptoms of BPH.
- St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum)
is well known for its antidepressant effects. In general, most studies
have shown that St. John's wort may be an effective treatment for mild
to moderate depression, and has fewer side effects than most other
prescription antidepressants. But the herb interacts with a wide variety
of medications, including birth control pills, and can potentially
cause unwanted side effects, so it is important to take it only under
the guidance of a health care provider.
*Source: Herbal medicine | University of Maryland Medical Center
According to current statistics, one in every three men has a condition of premature ejaculation. This is a medical condition whereby a man is not able to control his ejaculation process while having sexual intercourse. 