Botanical expert Varro Tyler, author of Tyler's Honest Herbal, and Mark Blumenthal, founder of the American Botanical Council, look at six popular herbs and what the latest research says about the health pros and cons of using these botanical products. There's no conclusive evidence on the use of many herbs, 'and scientists are continuing to study them.
Echinacea
Most common use : Boosting the immune system to reduce the severity and duration of colds and flu. Cautions : May cause dermatitis in sensitive patients. Theoretically, use is not advised in cases of autoimmune diseases such as lupus.
Research update : Some of the studies have shown that if taken at the first sign of a cold, it shortens the duration and lessens the symptoms.
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Garlic
Most common use : Mild reduction in cholesterol; prevention of plaque buildup in arteries.
Cautions : People taking aspirin or other anticoagulant drugs should avoid eating large amounts of the herb.
Research update : Study out of Berlin suggests that it's beneficial for preventing deposits on arteries, thus may prevent clogged arteries. Some studies show mild reduction in cholesterol levels, possibly 4% to 6%
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St. John's wort
Most common use : Treating mild to moderate depression.
Cautions ; Should not be used at the same time as prescription antidepressants. Should not be used at all with the drug indinavir, an HIV therapy. May lower the effectiveness of immunosuppressant drugs, cardiac drugs and possibly oral contraceptives.
Research update : A recently published study showed it is not effective in treating moderate to severe depression, but botanical experts say other research indicates that the herb is effective for treating milder forms of depression. A large study is underway.
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Ginkgo biloba
Most common use: Treating age-related cognitive decline. Improvement of distance and pain-free walking in peripheral arterial occlusive disease, which is caused by inadequate blood supply to the legs.
Cautions: Rare stomach or intestinal upsets, headaches or allergic skin reaction. Should be used with caution with blood-thinning drugs.
Research update: U.S. study published in 1997 found that ginkgo was safe and significantly improved cognitive performance and social functioning in some patients with Alzheimer's type dementia. A large trial is in the works.
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Asian ginseng
Most common use : Boosting mental and physical resistance to stress, building up general vitality and fighting fatigue.
Cautions : May experience insomnia if the herb is taken right before bedtime. Should be avoided during pregnancy.
Research update : Some European studies show that older patients feel better when they take ginseng. Not proven that the herb is a performance and endurance enhancer in humans.
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Saw palmetto
Most common use : Treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-malignant enlargement of the prostate that causes urination.
Cautions : Take with food to avoid problems.
Research update: Review of studies shows that it appears to work; the end result is that patients have increased urinary flow and don't have to get up as much at night.
Botanical expert Varro Tyler, author of Tyler's Honest Herbal, and Mark Blumenthal, founder of the American Botanical Council, look at six popular herbs and what the latest research says about the health pros and cons of using these botanical products. There's no conclusive evidence on the use of many herbs, 'and scientists are continuing to study them.Echinacea Most common use : Boosting the immune system to reduce the severity and duration of colds and flu. Cautions : May cause dermatitis in sensitive patients. Theoretically, use is not advised in cases of autoimmune diseases such as lupus. Research update : Some of the studies have shown that if taken at the first sign of a cold, it shortens the duration and lessens the symptoms.[[10647]]Garlic Most common use : Mild reduction in cholesterol; prevention of plaque buildup in arteries. Cautions : People taking aspirin or other anticoagulant drugs should avoid eating large amounts of the herb. Research update : Study out of Berlin suggests that it's beneficial for preventing deposits on arteries, thus may prevent clogged arteries. Some studies show mild reduction in cholesterol levels, possibly 4% to 6%[[10648]]St. John's wort Most common use : Treating mild to moderate depression. Cautions ; Should not be used at the same time as prescription antidepressants. Should not be used at all with the drug indinavir, an HIV therapy. May lower the effectiveness of immunosuppressant drugs, cardiac drugs and possibly oral contraceptives. Research update : A recently published study showed it is not effective in treating moderate to severe depression, but botanical experts say other research indicates that the herb is effective for treating milder forms of depression. A large study is underway.[[10649]]Ginkgo biloba Most common use: Treating age-related cognitive decline. Improvement of distance and pain-free walking in peripheral arterial occlusive disease, which is caused by inadequate blood supply to the legs. Cautions: Rare stomach or intestinal upsets, headaches or allergic skin reaction. Should be used with caution with blood-thinning drugs. Research update: U.S. study published in 1997 found that ginkgo was safe and significantly improved cognitive performance and social functioning in some patients with Alzheimer's type dementia. A large trial is in the works.[[10651]] Asian ginseng Most common use : Boosting mental and physical resistance to stress, building up general vitality and fighting fatigue. Cautions : May experience insomnia if the herb is taken right before bedtime. Should be avoided during pregnancy. Research update : Some European studies show that older patients feel better when they take ginseng. Not proven that the herb is a performance and endurance enhancer in humans.[[10650]]Saw palmetto Most common use : Treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-malignant enlargement of the prostate that causes urination. ข้อควรระวัง: การใช้อาหารเพื่อหลีกเลี่ยงปัญหา วิจัยปรับปรุง: ทบทวนการศึกษาแสดงว่า เหมือนการทำงาน ผลลัพธ์สุดท้ายคือ ผู้ป่วยได้เพิ่มขึ้นท่อปัสสาวะไหล และไม่จำเป็นต้องลุกขึ้นมากในเวลากลางคืน
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