Do Herbal Remedies Work?

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Do Herbal Remedies Work?

By Dr. Isadore Rosenfeld, PARADE Magazine

http://health.msn.com/health-topics/articlepage.aspx?cp-

documentid=100198312 & page=2

Years ago, I witnessed an open-heart operation at the University of

Shanghai in China. The surgeons opened the chest of a young woman

using acupuncture as the only " anesthesia. " This experience left me

with an open mind about the possibilities of what was then

called " alternative medicine. "

Natural remedies have been used for centuries. In fact, many of the

prescription drugs we take are plant-based. Some 5 billion people

worldwide rely solely on traditional plant-based treatments to heal

what ails them, and more than half of Americans take dietary

supplements, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Unfortunately, the FDA does not supervise the manufacture or

importation of herbal remedies. The pill you take may not contain

what's listed on the label, and there is a risk of contamination.

Until recently, claims about the effectiveness of supplements had not

been tested.

The good news is that large and well-designed trials of many natural

therapies are being conducted to determine their effectiveness. Here

is what we know so far:

Ginseng

This popular herb has long been used to boost energy, increase sex

drive, prolong life and improve appetite. However, most of the

research supporting its effectiveness was performed on animals. Try

it if you like, but don't take ginseng if you have heart disease,

diabetes, high blood pressure or are taking an anticoagulant.

Garlic

Marketed as a pill, capsule or powder, garlic supplements are said to

lower cholesterol and blood pressure and to have antibiotic

properties. I believe that it does these things—but not well enough

to be used as the sole treatment for high cholesterol, hypertension

or infection. Don't take it if you also are taking aspirin or

anticoagulants.

Echinacea

Millions of Americans take echinacea because they believe it boosts

immunity and helps prevent the common cold. Studies have shown

conflicting results, possibly due to variation in the contents of the

products tested. It seems that one particular species, Echinacea

purpurea, works best. There's no harm in trying it unless you are

allergic to ragweed, have an autoimmune disorder or are taking drugs

that can hurt the liver.

Chamomile

This herb does have some antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral

properties. I recommend chamomile to improve sleep, settle the

stomach, soothe a sore throat and relieve bronchial congestion. Some

of my patients tell me that it eases the pain of arthritis and

menstrual cramps and that a chamomile bath can reduce symptoms of

hemorrhoids. Avoid it if you are taking an anticoagulant, are

allergic to daisies or are pregnant.

St. 's wort

This herb acts on receptors in the brain to improve mild depression.

However, it interacts poorly with some medications and may reduce the

effectiveness of oral contraceptives. If you're not taking other

medication and your depression is mild, it's OK to try it.

Ginkgo biloba

Evidence suggests that ginkgo biloba has a positive effect on the

vascular system, probably because it contains flavonoids and organic

acids and helps to eliminate free radicals. It has anti-inflammatory

properties and reduces the tendency to form blood clots. Some doctors

recommend it to boost memory, promote circulation to the legs or ease

cognitive impairment due to decreased blood flow to the brain. It's

well-tolerated at prescribed levels, but don't take it if you also

are taking an anticoagulant.

Valerian

Valerian has been around for thousands of years and was prescribed by

Hippocrates to help his patients relax and sleep. It is probably the

most widely used sedative in Europe, where preparations are available

for children as well as adults. It is safe, but don't take it for

longer than a few weeks.

Ginger

This root is a safe and effective antinauseant, but claims that it

benefits the heart, intestinal tract or lungs are unproven.

Saw palmetto

Millions of men worldwide use saw palmetto to treat the symptoms of

an enlarged prostate. Although it is safe and has few side effects, a

recent study in The New England Journal of Medicine found it to be no

more effective than a placebo.

Hawthorn

Leaves and flowers of this tree have been used to treat heart disease

since the first century. The NIH has found that it strengthens the

heart and may be used to treat mild heart failure. Be sure to let

your doctor know if you decide to try it.

Black cohosh

Clinical trials to determine whether black cohosh relieves menopausal

symptoms have yielded conflicting results. Some women do experience

benefits, and it appears to be safe. But don't use it for more than

six months, and don't take it if you have a history of estrogen-

dependent tumors.

Feverfew

Taken regularly, this herb may prevent (not treat) migraines. Since

preparations vary, be sure to find one with at least 0.2%

parthenolide, the anti-inflammatory compound believed to make it

work. Feverfew has no serious side effects, but don't take it if

you're pregnant.

These are just a few of the many herbal products available on the

market. Remember: Even though they are natural, supplements can

interact with other herbs and prescription drugs. If you decide to

try one, consult with your doctor first.