The Everything Guide to Herbal Remedies (25 page)
Read The Everything Guide to Herbal Remedies Online
Authors: Martha Schindler Connors
Newborns can actually be more resistant to infection than you’d think. Every baby is born with a set of built-in antibodies that were passed along from his mother, which creates what’s known as passive immunity. By his first birthday, however, the child will have lost this protection—and his body will already have started making antibodies of its own.
Candidiasis is treated conventionally with OTC antifungal remedies such as miconazole (Monistat) and butoconazole (Mycelex), which can cause skin reactions and intestinal discomfort. Some doctors may also prescribe oral antifungals, such as fluconazole (Diflucan) or ketoconazole (Nizoral). Fluconazale can cause diarrhea and headaches; ketoconazole can cause nausea and abdominal pain.
Herbal remedies can be used in conjunction with these medicines, and include the following:
| • Camphor (Cinnamomum camphora) | This natural fungicide can clear up a case of tinea unguium (research shows it’s active against the most common fungal culprits). |
| • Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) | This immune-boosting herb can help pharmaceuticals fight fungal infections even better than they could alone. Research shows that combining an oral echinacea preparation with a conventional antifungal cream can significantly reduce the rate of recurrent infections. |
| • Garlic (Allium sativum) | Fresh garlic extracts are lethal to tinea-causing fungi, and research using ajoene, an isolated garlic constituent, found that it cleared up athlete’s foot, ringworm, and jock itch infections as well as the prescriptiondrug terbinafine. |
| • Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) | A natural anesthetic and anti-inflammatory, lavender oil is also an effective weapon against the Candida albicans fungus. |
| • Pomegranate (Punica granatum) | Pomegranate has proven fungicidal and wound-healing properties. Topically applied extracts of pomegranate peel, combined with gotu kola (Centella asiatica), have been shown to clear up oral candidiasis as well as pharmaceutical antifungals. |
| • Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) | A traditional Aboriginal treatment for all types of skin inflammation, tea tree oil can also kill Candida albicans and other fungi. |
Immunodeficiency disorders—a class of conditions that includes primary (inherited) and secondary (acquired) disorders—can create a seemingly endless stream of infections that often lead to serious complications. For example, people with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) are prone to opportunistic infections, which are potentially life-threatening conditions that might not cause any problem in a healthy person. AIDS also makes infections harder to treat and creates more serious complications from run-of-the-mill infections like a cold or the flu.
Conventional medicine typically treats immunodeficiency disorders with drugs designed to prevent specific infections: antivirals like amantadine (Symmetrel) or acyclovir (Zovirax) or vaccines that protect against infections like the flu.
Immunodeficiency disorders can come from a prolonged illness (like cancer or diabetes) or infection (AIDS is caused by the HIV virus). Malnutrition can also trigger them—a shortfall of nutrients that puts you at less than 80 percent of your recommended weight can cause severe immune system impairment—as can immunity-suppressing treatments like chemotherapy and radiation.
Several herbs can also help support immune function to treat or prevent secondary infections (although experts warn people with immunity deficiencies to avoid immunostimulating herbs). Herbs can also treat the various symptoms of infection and relieve the side effects of conventional drug therapies. They include:
| • Amla (Emblica officinalis, Phyllanthus emblica) | Also known as amalaki, this Ayurvedic herb is an adaptogen, antioxidant, and antiviral; it’s also a key ingredient in the Ayurvedic remedy known as triphala. Studies show it can speed the healing of infected wounds, inhibit the activity of HIV, and kill several types of infectious bacteria in HIV-infected patients. |
| • Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) | A staple in the pharmacies and pantries of China, Europe, and the Middle East, licorice has proven immunomodulating effects, which can help avert secondary infections. |
| • Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) | Lemon balm is a traditional remedy for viral infections, and extracts have shown specific activity against HIV. Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) and sage (Salvia officinalis, S. lavandulaefolia) have similar anti-HIV action. |
| • Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) | This herb is a potent antimicrobial, and research shows it can kill the Candida fungi that cause infections in immune-compromised people. |
The Herbal Medicine Cabinet
Most of the time, you’re (thankfully) dealing with run-of-the-mill complaints and not dire emergencies or deadly diseases. But while problems like stomachaches and sunburns aren’t life threatening, they do require remedies, and most people would rather avoid a middle-of-the-night trek to the drugstore by having the right medicine on hand. Conventional medicines are the standard in most American medicine cabinets, but many carry unwanted, even dangerous, side effects. Herbs offer a better solution.
There are more than eighty categories of nonprescription, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs available in the United States today, treating everything from acne to warts. If you’re like most people, you keep a supply of OTC remedies to treat the health concerns that you and your family face most often: headaches and head colds, diarrhea and indigestion, sleeplessness and sunburns.
But why stock your medicine cabinet (and body) full of synthetic medicines with unwanted side effects when there are herbal equivalents that can give you similar results with a more gentle approach? To build a better medicine chest, stock up on these herbal remedies.
OTC analgesics and anti-inflammatories certainly come in handy when you have a headache, sore muscles, or a hangover, but are they always the best choice? These herbs offer similar (if not better) pain relief than traditional OTC medications:
| • Arnica ( Arnica montana ) | In a recent study, topical arnica outperformed both topical ibuprofen and oral acetaminophen in relieving joint pain and stiffness. Arnica has also been proven effective at treating sore muscles and bruises. |
| • Barberry ( Berberis vulgaris ) | Barberry works as both an internal and external painkiller. It’s also an effective topical antimicrobial. |
| • Cayenne ( Capsicum annuum ) | Applied to a sore spot, cayenne is a potent painkiller (its key constituent, capsaicin, is used in many OTC muscle and joint rubs and is approved by the FDA as a topical analgesic). Topical cayenne has also been shown to relieve and even prevent headaches. |
| • Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) | Clove oil works as a topical pain reliever and anesthetic (and also fights bad breath and cavities, thanks to its antibacterial components). It’s especially helpful after dental work, and research shows it fights pain as well as the OTC pharmaceutical benzocaine. Clove oil also soothes cold and canker sores and helps kill infectious microbes. |
| • Cramp bark ( Viburnum opulus ) | An aptly named plant, cramp bark is a classic herbal remedy for muscle cramps (it’s also a great headache remedy). Recent research shows it’s also effective against spasmodic back pain. |
| • Devil’s claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) | Devil’s claw has been used for generations in South Africa to treat pain and inflammation. Recent research has shown it’s particularly effective against back pain. |
| • Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) | Best known as a migraine remedy, feverfew is a staple of Western herbal medicine and a reliable remedy for all kinds of headaches (plus fevers and other kinds of inflammation). |
Tea tree oil
(Melaleuca alternifolia)
is a close as you’ll get to a one-bottle medicine cabinet: It’s got analgesic, anesthetic, antiseptic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, deodorant, decongestant, and expectorant abilities. Research shows that topical tea tree oil can replace your acne medication, athlete’s foot spray, mouthwash, deodorant, and cough medicine.
Instead of the conventional decongestants, antihistamines, and cough syrups, stock up on these botanicals:
| • Andrographis (Andrographis paniculata) | This Ayurvedic herb can significantly improve cold and sore throat symptoms; it also seems to prevent colds. |
| • Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) | This herb is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine as an immunity-boosting tonic (it supports overall immune function and helps the body deal with the stress that can lead to infections and disease). Research shows that taking astragalus can help you avoid catching a cold. |
| • Echinacea ( Echinacea purpurea ) | Echinacea has been studied extensively in recent years and proven to be an effective remedy for colds and other infections. |
| • Elderberry ( Sambucus nigra ) | Elderberry is a classic European remedy for the flu (it has both antiviral and immune-boosting effects). Research shows that taking an elderberry extract can significantly improve flu symptoms in two to four days. |
| • Isatis ( Isatis tinctoria ) | Constituents of this Chinese herb have antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, analgesic, and antipyretic (fever reducing) activity. Isatis can both prevent and treat colds and flu. |
| • Garlic ( Allium sativum ) | Garlic has antibacterial and antiviral properties and also seems to stimulate immunity, making it a good safety net against colds and flu. It’s even shown effectiveness against antibiotic-resistant strains of oral strep bacteria. |
| • Ginger ( Zingiber officinale ) | Ginger is a classic remedy for colds and flu (research shows it inhibits the bacteria and viruses responsible for upper respiratory infections); it’s also an effective pain remedy. Ginger teas and syrups make a great stand-in for conventional cough and cold medicines. |
| • Licorice ( Glycyrrhiza glabra ) | When it comes to fighting colds and flu, licorice qualifies as a one-herb wonder. It’s used to soothe sore throats, quiet coughs, loosen chest congestion, clear nasal passages, and relieve pain. |
| • Peppermint ( Mentha x piperita ) | Peppermint is the original source for menthol, which is used in many commercial chest rubs and other congestion-busting products. Inhaling the (diluted) essential oil or applying it to your skin can clear your head and chest. |
| • Slippery elm ( Ulmus rubra ) | Slippery elm is a classic Native American sore throat remedy, thanks to its soothing demulcent properties. |
Can herbs help hangovers?
Research shows that taking extracts of red clover
(Trifolium pratense)
directly after drinking alcohol—or prickly pear
(Opuntia ficus-indica)
a few hours before drinking—can reduce your chance of getting a hangover by 50 percent. Cheers!
Unlike conventional diarrhea, nausea, and constipation remedies, which attack only the symptoms of a particular problem, many herbs used to treat gastrointestinal problems actually help promote optimal digestion. Here are a few to keep on hand:
| • Artichoke (Cynara cardunculus, C. scolymus) | Artichoke is a classic (and proven) remedy for acid indigestion and heartburn, as well as the gastrointestinal pain, cramping, bloating, and flatulence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). |
| • Fennel ( Foeniculum vulgare ) | Fennel relaxes the smooth muscles in the GI tract and helps eliminate gas and its odor. Chewing fennel seeds is a great breath freshener, too. |
| • Flax (Linum usitatissimum) | Flaxseed is high in soluble and insoluble fiber (which fight constipation and speed elimination) and mucilage, which is soothing to irritated intestinal tissues. Both the seeds and oil are used to calm GI distress. |
| • Ginger ( Zingiber officinale ) | Ginger is an effective and safe remedy for all kinds of nausea and vomiting, including motion sickness, morning sickness, postoperative nausea, migraine-related nausea, and nausea caused by chemotherapy. |
| • Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) | Lavender can be used internally to relieve stomach upset and dyspepsia (acid indigestion). It contains camphor, which is a carminative (it relieves gas) and antispasmodic (it relieves spasms in the gastrointestinal tract). |
| • Peppermint ( Mentha x piperita ) | Peppermint is a traditional European remedy for stomach cramps, heartburn, and dyspepsia. A combination of peppermint and caraway (Carum carvi) has been shown to relieve the symptoms of chronic dyspepsia as well as prescription medicines. |
| • Pineapple ( Ananas comosus ) | Pineapples contain the enzyme bromelain, which has protein-digesting abilities and can help promote proper digestion and relieve heartburn. |
| • Psyllium ( Plantago ovata ) | Blond psyllium is used as bulk-forming agent to treat constipation (it’s the key ingredient in the OTC drug Metamucil); psyllium is also an effective diarrhea remedy. Research shows that psyllium is as effective as harsh commercial laxatives in treating constipation and also works as well as the antidiarrheal drug loperamide. |
Many herbs used traditionally to spice up foods also posses stomach-soothing abilities. For example, both turmeric
(Curcuma longa),
the ingredient that gives curry its kick, and cardamom
(Elettaria cardamomum),
an aromatic spice used throughout India and Southeast Asia, can settle an upset stomach, relieve acid indigestion, and help heal and prevent ulcers.
Everybody knows that sunburns are bad: They cause wrinkles and old-before-its-time skin as well as cancer. Many herbs offer natural sun protection, some when applied directly to the skin, others when consumed as a food or drink—and others in both ways.
| • Coleus (Coleus forskohlii, Plectranthus barbatus) | Extracts of this Indian plant actually produce a “tan” without the accompanying skin damage. Coleus seems to stimulate production of melanin, the chemical that provides the skin’s natural sun protection (people who tan easily or who have naturally dark skin are less susceptible to burning and skin cancer). |
| • Grape ( Vitis vinifera ) | Grape skins are rich in antioxidants, nature’s way of protecting the fruits from sunburn, and can convey the same benefits to human skin (grape seeds also contain them). You can apply grape extracts to your skin or consume them orally via grapes or wine. |
| • Maca ( Lepidium meyenii ) | A native of the Peruvian Andes, maca developed a natural sunscreen to protect itself from all that high-altitude radiation. Research shows that topical maca extracts can also protect skin against UV damage. |
| • Sesame ( Sesamum indicum ) | Used topically, sesame oil delivers natural sun protection. |
| • Shea ( Vitellaria paradoxa ) | Also known as karite, shea nuts contain allantoin, a natural sunscreen (shea also contains skin-soothing moisturizers). Commercial products, usually sold as “shea butter,” can add an extra dose of sun protection to your regular skin care routine. |
| • Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) | Eating cooked tomatoes or tomato paste can make you less susceptible to sunburns and UV-related skin damage. |
| • Spinach ( Spinacia oleracea ) | Spinach contains beta-carotene, which has been shown to reduce sunburn in fair-skinned people (one study combining beta-carotene supplements with vitamin E found a significant reduction in burns). Tossing spinach with other beta-carotene sources like beets (Beta vulgaris), carrots (Daucus carota), and watercress (Nasturtium officinale) can create the healthiest salad under the sun. |
| • Tea ( Camellia sinensis ) | Green tea, which is rich in antioxidant polyphenols, can act as a natural sunscreen when applied to the skin (it’s used in several commercial products). Studies show that drinking tea can also prevent sun damage. |