Herbs: Health Benefits and Side Effects
The medicinal properties of herbs are used both in traditional medicine and in pharmacology. Many plants are useful in the treatment of various diseases.
Benefits of herbs
For example, mint is used in the treatment of coughs, colds, cataracts, and epilepsy. Decoctions of chamomile and lingonberries are useful for arthritis and various diagnoses of neuralgia.
Calendula tincture has an anti-inflammatory effect, it is used for healing wounds, cuts, bites, and so on. Sage treats female infertility and relieves headaches. Ginseng root is famous for boosting immunity, fighting viruses and lowering blood sugar levels.
Aloe cleanses the blood, treats diseases of the nervous, cardiovascular, digestive and urinary systems. Nettle increases the level of hemoglobin in the blood, fights against skin boils, acne and eczema.
Alfalfa helps women’s health during menopause, is recommended for cystitis, hemorrhoids and prostatitis, promotes the release of stones from the kidneys.
Side Effects of Herbs
Most herbs do not cause side effects. However, you need to remember the correct dosage and concentration (in the same herbal decoctions and tinctures). An overdose can cause poisoning of the body, headaches, dizziness and nausea.
Also, if a person has chronic diseases (diseases of the kidneys, stomach, heart), then before using herbal settings, you must first consult a doctor. Otherwise, the use of herbs can worsen a person’s well-being.
For example, wormwood is not recommended for anemia, stomach ulcers, gastritis. Motherwort is contraindicated in arterial hypotension and stomach ulcers. Echinacea is harmful for pregnant women, as well as for those who have autoimmune diseases or tuberculosis.
How to choose the right herbs
When buying herbs in a pharmacy, be guided by the date of collection of herbs. It is important that the date coincides with the season when the first fruits of this plant ripen.
For example, for chamomile and ginseng – this is June, for Echinacea – August. Also pay attention to the expiration date and storage conditions.
It is important that the packaging is made of paper or fabric, not a plastic bag. Because essential oils react with plastic, forming hazardous compounds.
Storage conditions. Keep the herbs in a dry place and in a closed container so that moisture does not get on them.
