Types of Herbal Medicine
Feverfew is indigenous to Europe and the Balkan peninsula and is said to have grown around the Greek Parthenon, thus the species name parthenium. Its common name comes from the Latin febri fugia, which means "driver out of fevers." Feverfew has made its way to both North and South America, where it is now naturalized. Its leaves have taken on a life of their own as a popular herbal remedy, used to soothe migraines, joint inflammation and more.
©2007 Publications International, Ltd. Ginger is a herbal remedy for calming nausea and arthritis. This botanical and popular spice is native to southeast Asia but is readily available in the United States.
Ginkgo Biloba Herb Use and Medicinal Properties Extracts of the fruit and leaves of the Ginkgo tree have been used in China for over 5,000 years. Ginkgo Biloba has been historically used in alternative medicine for Heart disease, Kidney disorders, Alzheimer's, Asthma and as an energy builder.
Ginseng, an oval-shaped root, is among the most popular herbal remedies. It is believed to boost energy, lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels, reduce stress, treat diabetes, and manage sexual dysfunction. Do scientific studies confirm these effects? Learn more about possible benefits and risks of using ginseng.
Milk thistle is also used in herbal remedies for liver conditions and liver health. Uses of Milk Thistle. Milk thistle is a potent antioxidant: Research has found that it significantly increases levels of glutathione, which the liver uses to detoxify and metabolize harmful substances.
Garlic has been used for thousands of years by cultures worldwide as both food and medicine. It is a member of the lily family, which includes many well-known edibles including onions, chives, shallots and leeks.
St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) can ease mild to moderate depression, says Andrew Weil, MD, who is the founder and director of the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona.
Turmeric, an herbal supplement, is known for its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antioxidant properties. Health benefits of turmeric include treatment of indigestion, ulcers and osteoarthritis. Turmeric contains curcumin and is a yellow-orange powdery substance.