Best Herbal Supplements Anyone Can Take
Prior to the 20th century, all medicine was herbal
, and today there are still large areas of the world where people rely primarily on herbal remedies to heal and soothe what ails them. There are real, proven benefits to many of the best herbal supplements, so why do they get treated like second-class citizens in the world medicine?The short answer is that there is a lot of money in the big pharmaceutical industry. We want to believe that science can cure us of anything and make us live forever, and the pharmaceutical industry has a huge stake in letting us continue to think this way. Sure, there are plenty of laboratory-created medications that help people in real ways, but they're not the only answer. Plus, they can be highly addictive, and with all their side effects they sometimes do as much harm as good.
Herbal supplements are not only cheaper than industrial pharmaceuticals, but they're less addictive, less harsh, have fewer side effects, and work more naturally inside the body. Most are so harmless that they don't even require a prescription.
Here are a few of the best herbal supplements anyone can take:
Chamomile: Chamomile has many positive effects, but it's primarily known for its calming and stress relief capabilities, which makes it the perfect supplement to take in the evening soon before bed. It's also used in treatment of allergies, eczema, digestive problems, and anxiety.
Echinacea: Echinacea extract, which comes in teas and pill capsules, is thought to be effective in fighting back against the common cold, shortening its severity and length. Its effects in larger doses have not been studied, so go easy on the dosage.
Ginkgo Biloba: Ginkgo Biloba is one of those magic herbs that is used worldwide for a variety of purposes. In particular, it can help with headaches, mild depression, and cramps. It may also help protect against certain negative effects of aging such as dementia, however no conclusive studies have proven this.
Ginseng: Ginseng root is known to be useful for stress relief and as a stimulant. It's often placed in teas or energy drinks intended to give people a boost in their brain functioning, but pure supplements can be even better. Be careful, though, because Ginseng has also been known to keep people up at night when consumed too late in the day.
St. John's Wort: St. John's Wort is a popular remedy for mild to moderate depression. While its benefits have not been definitely established, many studies have shown real positive results in people taking St. John's Wort. The important thing is to buy from a reputable company whose quality is established, as lower-quality versions of St. John's Wort are less likely to be pure and well made.
Valerian: Valerian root is known as a mild sedative that calms anxiety and restlessness while helping to overcome mild insomnia. In particular, it makes it easier to fall asleep quickly, and it lengthens the natural sleep cycle. It may also be used to ease headaches, cough, and mild pain that interferes with sleep.
by: Rodney Strange