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5 Things You Must Know About Herbal Remedies

1. Herbal remedies are effective alternative treatment. There are about four hundred thousand plants used as herbal remedies. Most of them have shown effectiveness in curing diseases from colds to heart problems, anxiety and even cancer prevention. Garlic has been used since World War II to treat wounded army. It has an antibiotic component known as allicin. There are many uses of garlic as herbal medicine. It kills the bacteria in the intestines that causes ulcer. It lowers down cholesterol and prevents risk of colon cancer. Ginger, when boiled and added with a spoon of honey is an effective remedy for sore throat. Coffee relieves pain by up to 40 percent because it blocks pain perception and elevates mood.

2. Herbal Remedies are cheaper compared to conventional medicines. They are available almost everywhere- in the kitchen, in the garden and in the neighborhood. They can be eaten in raw but most of the time their taste in unlikely. In this case, herbal remedies are sold in tablet and in tea form. However, these herbal remedies didn't go through different purifying and testing process. This makes them a lot cheaper.

3. Herbal remedies are safe when used properly. The use of herbal medicine is said to be safer than medicines available in the pharmacies. The truth is they also have side effects which can harm your health. Too much garlic can impair blood clotting. Gingko seeds contain toxins known as ginkgotoxin that can cause seizures. Never ever take supplements made from Gingko seeds. Gingko biloba supplements are made from gingko leaves which has less of ginkgotoxin. Other side effects of gingko biloba are stomach upset and nausea. Peppermint oil is used to ease irritable bowel syndrome but too much intake can increase blood cholesterol and can cause hypertension. Caffeine in coffee can cause palpitation and can increase anxiety. Remember, anything that is too much is not good for anyone's health.

4. Herbal remedies like conventional medicines have contraindications, too. There are herbal medicines that cannot be taken by people with certain conditions. Aloe vera nectar is used to treat constipation but this may cause abnormal heart rate for pregnant women. Echinacea root is extracted and sold as tea and capsule to cure colds, flu and to increase immune system. Patients with liver disease should avoid this as it can damage the liver. Diabetics should watch out for herbal remedies with licorice because it increases blood sugar.

5. There are herbal remedies that cannot be mixed with other herbal medicine or medication. Components of herbal medicines and other medication will interact and can harm your health. Gingko biloba, garlic, dong quai should not be used when taking blood thinning medication such as warfarin. Stimulant drugs are contraindicated with herbal remedies that can cause tiredness and sleepiness such as lavender, chamomile and jasmine. These 5 things you must know about herbal remedies do not intend to scare you or to stop using them. It is to help you to use them properly and safely. Talk to your doctor about herbal remedies and precautionary measures before taking them.