What Supplements are Worth Taking?
Oct 20, 2009 | Posted by in Drugs and Supplements, Featured | 0 Comments
What Herbal Supplements Actually Work?
St. John’s Wort
St. John’s Wort is most widely known as an herbal treatment for depression. In many countries, it is prescribed for mild depression, especially for those who have financial constrains. It comes in capsule, extract, tablets, teabags, and tinctures and is widely available over the counter. It is well-tolerated, with the common adverse effects being stomach upset, dizziness, confusion, tiredness and sedation. It can cause photosensitivity in some users.
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle is a plant with splotchy leaves and milky sap. The extract of the seeds, which contain silymarin, is usually the part used for medicinal purposes. It has a variety of effects on the liver; it can help reverse long-term damage due to environmental exposure. A recent episode of mushroom death cap poisoning was successfully treated with milk thistle extract. Some Type II diabetics suffering from cirrhosis of the liver reported using less insulin to regulate their blood sugar after taking it as a supplement blood sugar after taking it as a supplement. It has even been used to treat cancer of the liver, although this should not supplant treatment by a physician.
Gingko Biloba
Long touted as a memory enhancing supplement, gingko actually works by increasing blood flow to the whole body. The side effect of this is a brain nourished with more oxygen, which helps promote better mental functioning and clarity. The aphrodisiac effects of gingko can also be attributed to better blood flow, as it functions much like the pharmaceutical Viagra. In addition, gingko contains compounds that help clean up free radicals in the body. Eliminating free radicals can help postpone on onset of Alzheimer’s disease, as well as protect the body from various types of cancers.
<strong>Licorice Root
Powdered licorice root is an effective expectorant. It was used in ancient times as such, and is still used in modern cough syrups. It is a mild laxative, and can be used as an anti-viral agent for the treatment of herpes, shingles, and mouth ulcers. Licorice also has a calming effect on the digestive system, and is a favorite among people being treated with chemotherapy. Hygienically, it is used as a breath freshener in Europe and Africa.
Valerian Root
Made popular in the movie Fight Club, where Jack’s doctor advises him to chew valerian root to treat his insomnia, valerian root has a number of medicinal uses. In addition to being a sleep aid, it can also help restlessness, anxiety, and function as a muscle relaxant. One study found that valerian tends to sedate the agitated person and stimulate the fatigued person, which leads to a balancing effect on the body.
Ginseng
Ginseng is known as an adaptogen, which means it increases resistance to physical and chemical stresses. It is used as a whole-body revitalizer. It is also traditionally used as an aphrodisiac and treatment for erectile dysfunction, but is only useful if taken on an daily basis. A recent study of giving ginseng to diabetics showed that after 8 weeks, they had improvements in fasting blood glucose levels, mood, and general cognitive performance.