There are times when herbal remedies are the smarter choice over pharmaceutical medication, including how herbs are a much safer alternative because of their lack of side effects.
For minor health problems, prescription medications can be set aside and milder healing herbs are better options. Here are 10 of the best herbs that can help improve your health and are effective against some health conditions:
1. Catnip
Making tea out of this herb is a great remedy for those with an upset stomach, as well as those who want relief from tension and anxiety. There are no known side effects for drinking catnip tea.
2. Cranberry
For those with high bladder infection risk and those with chronic prostatitis, drinking ½ to ¾ cup of cranberry juice daily can help treat the mentioned conditions.
3. Garlic
This has potent antimicrobial properties, which can help cure colds and sinus congestion. It can also treat traveler’s diarrhea and may help those with hypertension by eating one to two fresh cloves of garlic every day.
4. Ginger
Another herb you can grow in your garden or just have in your kitchen is ginger, which is the best remedy for nausea and vomiting. It can also relieve flu and upset stomach symptoms when you drink ginger tea.
5. Sage
Just a teaspoon of leaves added to a cup of boiling water can help you with sore throat, colds, and cough. In Germany, sage is used to treat excessive sweating and there are also studies that show this herb can reduce night sweats and hot flashes in menopausal women.
6. Thyme
This herb has been highly regarded for its ability to provide relief for coughs, congestion, and colds. Thyme has volatile oils with antispasmodic and antimicrobial properties that just one tablespoon of fresh or dried leaves added to a cup of boiling water can provide these benefits.
7. Turmeric
One of the herbs with so many health benefits, turmeric has curcumin that can fight inflammation and treat diseases, including arthritis.
8. Cinnamon
For those with diabetes and high cholesterol, cinnamon is a wonderful addition to your kitchen ingredients.
9. Aloe Vera
Known for being skin-friendly, aloe vera is a medicinal plant that is easy to use for minor burns and cuts. Those with eczema and other skin conditions can benefit from aloe vera as well.
10. Chamomile
Tea from the flower heads, whether dry or fresh, can prove to be a soothing brew for those who are feeling anxious. This also helps you sleep better, so drink it just before bedtime.
The useful plant compounds in these herbs definitely make them one of a kind when it comes to improving our health. While there is no need to eliminate pharmaceutical drugs completely, you can use these herbs to limit your dependence on those drugs to avoid unwanted side effects.
