Helpful herbal remedies
Herbal remedies have been the foundation of healthcare throughout history, and many modern drugs are derived from plants.
But while sometimes only prescribed drugs and medical treatments are suitable, the British Herbal Medicine Association (BHMA) points out that even today, herbs can be ideal complements to modern medicines.
It’s estimated that more than a third of Brits regularly use traditional herbal medicines to treat minor ailments, such as coughs and colds, back pain, sleep problems and stress.
Do herbal medicines work?
Some studies have found that certain traditional herbal remedies can have a beneficial effect. Researchers from King’s College London, for example, examined traditional Indian diabetes treatments and cancer treatments used in China and Thailand, and found they had useful properties. In the case of diabetes, extracts from the curry leaf tree were found to have positive effects in helping regulate the release of glucose into the bloodstream.
Another King’s study found ‘promising activity’ against lung cancer cells from certain Eastern plants, particularly the Thai aquatic weed Ammannia baccifera, and the Chinese plant Illicium verum or star anise.
Conversely, while ginkgo biloba has been said to enhance memory and help treat dementia, several US studies have found it has no effect. And although garlic is thought to help lower cholesterol, a 2007 Stanford University study found it made no significant difference.
Are herbal medicines safe?
It’s important to remember that just because something’s available without prescription or is ‘natural’, doesn’t automatically make it safe. St John’s Wort, for example, can stop the contraceptive pill from working and also makes the asthma-relieving drug aminophylline less effective, while ginkgo and ginseng are known to interfere with the blood-thinning drug warfarin.
In 2011, a scheme designed to guarantee the quality of herbal medicines in the UK was launched by the Medicine and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). The THR (Traditional Herbal Registration) scheme covers herbal medicines used for a wide range of conditions suitable for selfmedication.
Although THR medicines haven’t undergone rigorous clinical trials like synthetic drugs, they’ve been judged by experts to be safe.
Consumers can tell if a herbal medicine is registered by looking for the THR number, and usually a logo, on the packaging. THR medicines will also contain clear, officially-approved information on their safe use.
What are different herbal remedies for?
Here, Dr Dick Middleton, a retired pharmacist and now director of the BHMA, outlines – in no particular order – his top 10 medicinal herbs...
1) Rhodiola rosea
“For relieving stress with an energy boost as well, the herb Rhodiola is difficult to beat,” says Dr Middleton.
2) Pelargonium
“Take this herbal remedy at the first signs of a cold to keep the symptoms at bay. Always take regularly for at least two days after symptoms have disappeared completely.”
3) Devil’s Claw
Dr Middleton says research shows root extracts of this herb have antiinflammatory, muscle relaxant and pain-relieving properties. “Take for all types of muscle and joint pain.”
4) Echinacea
This herb has been used for many years to relieve symptoms of colds and flu. Many users also believe it has immune-boosting properties.
5) Passion Flower
“This herb relieves stress and anxiety and has a calming effect on mood,” says Dr Middleton, who suggests it’s particularly helpful for relieving insomnia caused by worry and anxiety, when taken in combination with Valerian.
6) Black Cohosh
This well-known herb is said to relieve menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes and night sweats. Middleton says it’s also effective for relieving the mood swings that often accompany the menopause.
7) Valerian
“Valerian root extract has been shown to improve the quality of sleep, but always take it for a few weeks in order to gain maximum benefit,” advises Middleton.
8) Milk Thistle
Milk Thistle is widely used to relieve symptoms of overindulgence with food and drink, and Middleton says: “Many users take the herb particularly at Christmas time because it has a longstanding reputation for protecting the liver.”
9) Agnus Castus
Middleton says clinical studies have shown that when taken daily on a regular basis, this herb relieves many premenstrual symptoms such as mood swings, cramps, bloating and breast tenderness.
10) St John’s Wort
“This herb is very effective in relieving low mood and anxiety when taken regularly,” says Dr Middleton. However, it can affect the way some medicines work, so always read the leaflet or seek advice before taking, particularly if you’re taking any other medication.