Alternative Remedies, part 2 at BettyConfidential.com

Thousands of flowers, leaves and other plant parts are touted as elixirs for a variety of ailments, but how do you know what's for what?

Here's a list of herbal remedies that have shown promise in scientific testing.

Before taking one, check with your doctor; many herbs, even some that are beneficial alone, can cause harm in combination with other supplements or drugs. When buying herbal preparations, be confident of your source. The FDA recently cited 69 weight-loss supplements that were tainted with Bumetanide, a potent diuretic that can cause serious side effects and was not listed as an ingredient.

Consider these...

Aloe Vera Studies say it can help heal burns and abrasion, but paradoxically, it inhibits healing of deep surgical wounds. Note that it does not prevent burns from radiation therapy.

Chamomile Early studies find benefits when used topically for mouth ulcers and certain skin conditions. Chamomile is currently being researched for generalized anxiety disorder.

Chasteberry Preliminary research finds benefits for easing premenstrual syndrome and breast pain, as well as treating some kinds of infertility.

Cranberry Small studies suggest cranberry juice and other products can help prevent urinary tract infections. It's currently being tested for prevention of dental plaque.

Elderberry Small studies indicate it relieves flu symptoms and, given with antibiotics can help treat sinus infections.

Evening Primrose Oil Small studies suggest benefits for eczema, rheumatoid arthritis and breast pain. Evidence is mixed for relief of premenstrual syndrome.

Fenugreek Helps lower blood sugar in patients with diabetes, in some studies.

Feverfew Several studies suggest it can help prevent migraines.

Flaxseed Lower cholesterol levels in some studies. New research is investigating its potential for preventing heart disease and osteoporosis.

Garlic Some studies show it lowers cholesterol levels, and may slow atherosclerosis.

Ginger Studies show it can ease pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting. Though many people swear by it, the scientific jury is out on its efficacy for motion sickness.

Ginkgo Some studies suggest it lowers the incidence of dementia and Alzheimer's disease and improves memory in the elderly. It's being studied for asthma, multiple sclerosis and sexual dysfunction due to antidepressants.

Ginseng Research suggests it may lower blood glucose and benefit immune function.

Milk Thistle Research outside the U.S. finds it improves liver function. The National Center for Complementarry and Alternative Medicine is funding research on its use for chronic hepatitis C and other liver disease.

Peppermint Oil Studies suggest it may improve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, and, with caraway oil, ease indigestion.

Avoid These...

Bitter Orange A component of many herbal weight-loss products, bitter orange can speed up heart rate and raise blood pressure, reportedly causing fainting, heart attack and stroke. Used topically, it can increase the risk of sunburn.

Ephedra In 2004, the FDA banned sale of dietary supplements containing ephedra following reports of stroke, heart attack and sudden death.

Kava While some studies suggest it can ease anxiety, the FDA warns that kava supplements can cause severe liver damage.

For more, read Susan Crandell's report on Alternative healing methods.

Alternative Remedies, part 2 at BettyConfidential.com

Blogged with the Flock Browser