Dan Boyle

More people are turning to natural remedies, such as essential oils and herbs, to alleviate health problems and conditions. This may be for many reasons -- People may have lost their trust in traditional medicine, prescription drugs may not be working, they may not have time to see the doctor or they may want to avoid the side effects associated with prescription drugs.

Herbs can be very beneficial to our health if we are sensible and do our research or see a qualified practitioner. Herbs have been used for many centuries to treat people and modern medicine is often based on herbs.

Here is a list of top herbs for health:

• Garlic - Not only used to protect from vampires but also has many health benefits including: it lowers bad, HDL, cholesterol levels, lowers blood pressure, it boosts the immune system protecting us from coughs and colds, it is antibacterial and antifungal, it can prevent cancers especially those of the digestive system, it helps to regulate blood sugar levels and is a known aphrodisiac.
• Gingko Biloba - keeps our eyes healthy, increases blood flow to vital organs, is used in the treatment of inner ear problems such as tinnitus and vertigo, lowers cholesterol levels, aids memory and concentration, alleviates stress, anxiety and depression. Gingko Biloba is also an antioxidant and is great for the metabolism.
• Ginseng - Ginseng tea is brilliant as a caffeine substitute as it gives an energy boost and aids alertness and concentration. Ginseng also increases memory and learning, it can reduce cholesterol, it strengthens the respiratory system and protects the liver from damage by toxins. Siberian Ginseng boosts the immune system. Trials have shown that it can be helpful to athletes because it boosts oxygen uptake, helps the body recover after training and helps both mental and physical performance.
• Ginger - Ginger is a powerful antioxidant protecting the body from damage by free radicals. It is also good for the digestive system and for treating nausea and morning sickness. It is also said to reduce the risk of heart disease, to help the body handle stress and is useful in the treatment of insomnia.
• Eleuthero - Helps the body deal with stress and with lactic acid build up after exercise.
• Fo-Ti - Good for the cardiovascular system and the blood.
• Dang gui - Helps to protect against cardiovascular disease, is good for the blood and is a great tonic for strengthening.
• Milk Thistle - Helps to support liver function and so is useful in detox programs.
• Cranberry - As a juice or supplement, cranberry is great for keeping the urinary tract healthy.
• Turmeric - An anti-inflammatory which can ease arthritis and may also protect us from colon cancer and Alzheimers Disease. Use it in curries.
• Cinnamon - Has been shown to lower blood sugar levels and studies have shown that it also reduces cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood so may reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Rosemary - Helps to counteract the carcinogenic effect of cooking meats. A wonderful herb that tastes great in your cooking.
• Nettle - Nettles are a brilliant source of protein and vitamins, they help to cleanse the blood and prevent fatigue.
• Dandelion root - Cleanses and detoxifies the body and helps the liver.
• Dipsacus - Stimulates the metabolism, strengthens bones and ligaments and is good for the kidneys and liver.
• Cayenne - A great herb to add to your cooking to improve your circulatory system and to remove toxins.

Dangerous Herbs

The following is a list of herbs which can be harmful as a herb or essential oil. Homeopathy is completely different and very minute quantities are given under guidance of a qualified Homeopath.

• Aconite - Incredibly poisonous with no known antedote. Do not ingest or apply to the skin. As little as 1mg has been known to kill a horse.
• Aloe - Do not ingest the whole leaf as it causes a violent purge. Aloe gel is helpful in the treatment of burns.
• American Hellbore - Both black and green types are harmful to the heart. It is poisonous and can cause cardiac arrest.
• Angelica - Angelica is a carcinogen which means that it can cause cancer.
• Arnica - Useful as a cream to treat bruising but is toxic if ingested.
• Autumn Crocus - Is poisonous and can cause death.
• Bayberry - Can cause cancer and is an irritant.
• Belladonna/Deadly Nightshade - A well-known poison which acts on the nervous system.
• Bloodroot - causes many nasty symptoms including burning of the stomach, paralysis and vertigo.
• Blue Cohosh - Toxic and an irritant. Harms the heart and intestines.
• Borage - Borage oil is said to be harmless and to offer some benefits but the borage plant is toxic and the leaves, in large doses, can cause liver damage and cancer. Pregnant women should avoid it.
• Broom - Affects the heart and respiratory system, can cause death.
• Chaparrel - Has been shown to be harmful to the liver.
• Coltsfoot - Can cause liver cancer.
• Comfrey - Research has shown that comfrey causes cancer in rats.
• Echinacea - Widely used to boost the immune system but can be harmful to certain groups of people -- pregnant women, people who are allergic to daisies, people suffering from HIV and AIDS, lupus, multiple sclerosis, TB and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Ephedra - Stimulates the emotions and the heart and has been known to be fatal.
• Eyebright - Can cause damage to the eyes, nausea and insomnia.
• Foxglove/Digtalis - A poison that can ultimately cause death.
• Goldenseal - Some say that it is a great herb which is sooting but other sources say that it is an irritant that can cause ulceration.
• Hemlock - A well-known poison causing respiratory paralysis and then death.
• Jimson weed/Datua - Can cause convulsions and hallucinations. An overdose can cause death.
• Juniper - It is fine in small doses and can be used as a flavoring but, in large doses, it can cause kidney damage.
• Licorice - Can help treat some conditions such as digestive problems but can cause high blood pressure and edema. Do not take for long periods.
• Life Root - Can cause damage to the liver.
• Lobelia - Can be fatal, causing coma and then death.
• Mayapple/Mandrake - Both the European and American types are harmful. The heart is damaged by the European mandrake whereas the intestines are damaged by the American type.
• Mistletoe - Consumption of mistletoe berries can affect the heart and be fatal.
• Pennyroyal - The FDA approve its use as a tea but pennyroyal essential oils can cause liver damage.
• Poke Root/Poke Weed - This is toxic and the berries have been known to kill children.
• Rue - The oil is harmful to pregnant women and can cause miscarriage. It is an irritant and can cause a rash.
• Sassafra - Is a carcinogenic and damages the vital organs.
• Skullcap - Should be avoided by pregnant or lactating women, cases of liver damage have been reported.
• St John's Wort - Known for treating depression but studies with hamsters has shown that it can affect sperm and ovary-egg cells. Should not be taken long term.
• Sweet Flag/Calamus - Damages the heart and liver and has been known to cause cancer in studies using animals.
• Tansy - The oil is incredibly toxic and can be lethal in quite small doses.
• Wormwood - Used in the making of Absinthe, it affects the central nervous system and can cause convulsions.
• Yohimbe - It is sold as an aphrodisiac because it affects the genitals causing tingling but it can lower blood pressure.

Always seek advise from your practitioner before using herbs and essential oils and follow the instructions/guidelines for use. Some herbs and oils are perfectly safe in small doses or quantities but become harmful when used in larger quantities or over a long period of time.

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