Herbs gave many therapeutic properties. They have been used for hundreds and some for even thousands of years for their medicinal value.
Herbs have a firm record of efficacy and safety, provided they are used appropriately. Check with your physician and pharmacist if you have any health conditions or if you are taking any medications that may make certain herbs contraindicated.
Turmeric (Curcumin) for Pain, Cognitive Function, and Beyond:Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is the culinary spice that gives curry its bright yellow color. It has also been used in India for centuries for a variety of medicinal purposes. Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin that is one of nature’s most potent anti-inflammatories and, as such, is a powerful pain reliever.
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Additionally, it may help preserve cognitive function and ward off neurodegenerative disorders. Curcumin has been shown not only to reduce markers of inflammation in the brain, but also to actually shrink beta-amyloid plaques, the destructive lesions that riddle the brains of patients with Alzheimer’s.
Other conditions that benefit from the use of curcumin include GI disorders such as Crohn’s and inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis, diabetes, liver disease, cancer, circulation problems, high levels of cholesterol and other lipids, and cystic fibrosis. It even appears to have anti-aging properties and has been shown to extend lifespan in mice.
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Crcumin is poorly absorbed. That’s why many supplements also contain quercetin and/or piperine, compounds that enhance its bioavailability. The suggested daily dose of regular curcumin is 1,500–2,000 mg. If you are using a curcumin phytosome product (one is Meriva), the recommended dose is 500–1,000 mg per day.
Garlic for Infections, Cardiovascular Health, and More:Garlic (Allium sativum) has long been a mainstay in both medicine and cooking. Centuries before Louis Pasteur discovered garlic’s potent antibacterial properties in the 1850s, it was used to treat infections and improve strength.
Garlic contains sulfur compounds with powerful antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory actions. It also inhibits platelet aggregation and improves circulation. In fact, there are scores of studies supporting garlic’s role in cardiovascular health.
One of the most exciting areas of research on garlic is cancer. In lab studies, garlic has been shown to inhibit the growth of several types of cancer cells, and a number of epidemiological studies suggest that eating a lot of garlic and related vegetables reduces risk of gastric and colorectal cancer.
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum), is a miracle herb when it comes to treating liver problems such as hepatitis and cirrhosis. Milk thistle’s active constituent, silymarin, helps rejuvenate the liver, acting as an antioxidant and inhibiting the free radicals and inflammation responsible for liver damage. Taken regularly, milk thistle also has the remarkable ability to stimulate the growth of new liver cells to replace old damaged cells.
Milk thistle may be used daily to address specific liver problems or periodically for a three or four week detoxification program in healthy people. Look for a standardized extract containing 80% silymarin and take 600–900 mg daily. Milk thistle is safe and well tolerated but occasionally has a mild laxative effect.
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