5 Reasons to Use Herbs

Ginkgo Biloba

Archeologists tell us that the ginkgo tree is the oldest living species of tree on the entire earth, going back more than 225 million years. Medicinally, the use of ginkgo almost certainly goes back millennia, too. Today, extracts made from this living fossil are among the most popular herbal medicines in the world.

In the U.S., extracts of ginkgo biloba are used primarily as an alternative treatment for Alzheimer's disease but in Germany, where ginkgo is on the Commission E's list of approved phytomedicines, ginkgo extracts are also used for tinnitus, vertigo and poor leg circulation.

Someday, ginkgo biloba may also be used for altitude sickness, cochlear deafness or as a protective agent against hypoxia. There is also some evidence that ginkgo biloba may undo some of the sexual dysfunction caused by antidepressants.

Could an extract made from ginkgo biloba help you? Only your doctor can give you medical advice but Germany's Commission E recommends that patients interested in using ginkgo biloba take 120 to 140 mg of standardized extract per day.

Before embarking on a regimen of ginkgo biloba, though, it's important to disclose your use of this supplement to your physician and pharmacist. Ginkgo biloba may affect the way your body uses MAO-inhibitors, anticoagulants, diuretics and anticonvulsants.

Like most herbs, ginkgo biloba hasn't been exhaustively studied for long-term use and its use during pregnancy and lactation hasn't been proven completely safe.

 

References:

American Botanical Council. (2003). The ABC Clinical Guide to Herbs.

Blumenthal, M., et al. (2000). Herbal Medicine Expanded Commission E Monographs.

5 Ways to Use Chamomile

Americans use nearly 1 million pounds of chamomile every year so it's no wonder that German chamomile is among the most popular herbs in the world. But you don't have to be an herbalist to use chamomile for its believed therapeutic properties. Chamomile is inexpensive, readily available and listed among the safest herbs for home use. Here are 5 ways to use chamomile in your healing regimen:

1.  Add chamomile to a sitz bath to soothe irritation. Chamomile has potent anti-inflammatory properties but, at the same time, it's also gentle enough for even the most sensitive areas of your body. By soaking about an ounce of chamomile flowers in a gallon or so of hot water, you can make a soothing bath for inflammation and irritation of the genital and anal areas.

2.  Gargle chamomile tea for sore throats. To make a soothing mouthwash or gargle, add one half of an ounce of chamomile flowers to near-boiling water and remove from heat. Cover to retain the essential oils and allow to cool. Then, simply gargle with this mixture several times throughout the day to reduce inflammation and soothe irritated passageways.

3.  Inhale chamomile steam for stuffy noses. To reduce inflammation in swollen nasal passages, add about an ounce of dried chamomile flowers or several drops of chamomile essential oil to near-boiling water then inhale the resulting vapors, being careful not to get too close to the still-hot water.

4.  Make a soothing chamomile poultice. To soothe skin irritation, grind or mash chamomile flowers in a small bowel then add just enough warm water or witch hazel to make a paste. Apply this paste to the skin and cover with light gauze to keep the poultice in place.

5.  Enjoy a cup of chamomile tea. It's no wonder that 90% of all the chamomile sold in this country ultimately winds up as tea. Chamomile tea contains flavonoids and essential oils that some studies suggest may have antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and sedative actions. Best of all, while allergies are not unknown, other side effects are rare and generally mild.

4 Things You Need to Know about Fiber

Decades of study suggest that a diet rich in dietary fiber may reduce the risk of certain diseases, especially diseases of cardiovascular system.  In 2001 the Institute of Medicine made an official recommendation in which they established the Adequate Intake or AI for total fiver intake.  For adults age 50 and younger, the Institute recommends a daily fiber intake of 38 grams per day for men and 25 grams per day for women.  For those over the age of 50, the recommendation drops to 30 grams per day for men and 21 grams per day for women.

But suddenly "upping" your intake of fiber may not be the smartest thing you can do.  Here are 4 things you need to know about fiber before you rush out and buy a box of fiber supplements:

1.  Sudden increases in fiber can cause gas & bloating.  Side effects among healthy individuals are rare although some people may experience cramping, bloating or gas when suddenly or dramatically increasing their intake of fiber.  But even in light of these reported side effects, there is currently no official "upper limit" when it comes to fiber.

2.  Fiber can interfere with your body's use of medications.  Fiber may affect the way your body uses certain medications, including widely-used medications like warfarin, digoxin and even the over-the-counter pain reliever acetaminophen.  Your doctor may advise to "space" your fiber supplements so that you wait at least 2 hours after taking prescription drugs.

3.  Certain types of fiber may also reduce your absorption of minerals like iron, calcium and zinc.  But contrary to popular opinion, this isn't due to the fiber itself but a component of  it--phytate.  No evidence exists to suggest that diets rich in dietary fiber pose any real risk to people who are reasonably healthy to begin with.

4.  Certain forms of fiber can cause allergic reactions.  People allergic to shellfish may be advised to avoid taking supplements or colon "cleanser" containing chitin or chitosan.  This is because supplements containing those forms of fiber are often made from the "shells" of lobsters and crabs.

Remember, only your doctor is qualified to give you medical advice and the information presented in this article is intended only to help you open a dialogue with a qualified medical professional.  If you have any questions about dietary fiber, talk to your primary healthcare provider.

4 Reasons to Drink Coffee

Is coffee an herb?  An herb is defined as an plant used for medicinal purposes and coffee's relationship to reduced rates of type 2 diabetes, cancer and liver disease certainly make a compelling case for drinking more coffee.  While the consumption of coffee isn't without controversy, here are 4 reasons to feel just a little bit better about that morning cup of joe:

1.  Coffee may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.  6 recent studies, including one that studied more than 84,000 people, has associated heavy coffee use with lower risks of developing adult-onset (type 2) diabetes.  The mechanism through which coffee achieves this is poorly understood and few doctors are likely to recommend you start drinking coffee if you don't already.  But if you're a man who drinks 6 cups a coffee a day, at least on study suggests that your risk of type 2 diabetes is 54% lower than men who don't drink coffee at all.

2.  Coffee may help prevent Parkinson's disease.  A 2001 study published in the journal Annals of Neurology found a dose-dependent relationship between coffee consumption and a decreased risk of Parkinson's disease in men.  In this study, men who drank at least one cup of coffee for 10 years had a 40% lower risk than men who didn't drink coffee at all.  Unfortunately, this doesn't seem to hold true for women and, in fact, heavy caffeine consumption in women who take (or have taken) hormone replacement therapy is actually associated with an increased risk of Parkinson's.

3.  Coffee may help prevent some forms of cancer.  The science linking coffee to lower rates of some forms of cancer is shaky but a few studies have suggested that both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee consumption may lower your risk of certain forms of cancer, especially colorectal cancers.

4.  Cancer may help prevent liver damage and cirrhosis.  Various studies suggest that consuming 2 or more cups of coffee a day may lower your risk of liver failure by as much 40%, compared to people who drank no coffee at all.  This is true even when the damage to the liver is caused by the excessive use of alcohol.

It's important to remember that all coffee contains caffeine--even decaffeinated coffee contains trace amounts--and caffeine isn't appropriate for everyone.  Also, while some studies have suggested that coffee may lower the risk of certain types of cancers, other studies indicate that it may well increase the risk of other cancers.

And caffeine can interfere with the way your body uses certain medications, too.  It can increase the absorption of some prescription drugs while hindering your body's ability to metabolize others.  Finally, coffee may also interfere with the way your body absorbs certain nutrients.

What's the best advice where coffee is concerned?  Talk to your doctor.  Only your own physician is qualified to give you medical advice so to learn if coffee is safe and appropriate for you, consult your primary healthcare provider.

References:

Ascherio, A., et al.  (2001).  Prospective study of caffeine consumption and risk of Parkinson's disease in men and women.  Annals of Neurology.

Corrao, G., et al.  (2001).  Coffee, caffeine, and the risk of liver cirrhosis.  Annals of Epidemiology.

Tavani, A., et al.  (1998).  Meta-analysis of coffee consumption and risk of colorectal cancer.  American Journal of Epidemiology.

van Damme, R., et al.  (2002).  Coffee consumption and risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus.  Lancet.

 

5 Reasons to Eat More Fiber

Fiber may not be considered an herb by some people, but if you consider an "herb" to be any plant with potential health benefits, fiber definitely qualifies.  Here are 5 reasons to eat more fiber:

1.  Fiber May Prevent Heart Disease.  A number of studies have found that diets rich in fiber may effectively reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.  One review of past studies found that for every 10 grams of fiber added to the daily diet, a 14% decrease in heart attacks was reported.  Dietary fiber lowers cholesterol, improves insulin response and lowers blood pressure--ultimately resulting in lower risks of some types of heart "events" like myocardial infarction.

2.  Fiber May Prevent Type 2 Diabetes.  Some experts believe that the dramatic rise in type 2 diabetes in industrialized countries is directly tied to the rising popularity of refined carbohydrates.  Indeed, diets low in refined carbohydrates and high in fiber-rich grains like whole grain cereals are associated with lower rates of type 2 diabetes.

3.  Fiber May Prevent Some Types of Cancer.  Though many of the most-publicised studies on fiber and cancer have now been discounted, fiber does still seem to lower the risk of two types of cancer--colorectal cancers and breast cancer.  Exactly how (or even if) fiber actually reduces the risk of these cancers is the subject of much debate but the research seems to suggest a positive relationship between fiber-rich diet and lower risks of these two types of cancer.

4.  Fiber May Prevent Diverticulitis.  Diverticulitis is a colon condition marked by pain and inflammation in the colon that occurs when food particles become trapped in "pockets" called diverticula.  These "pockets" or "pouches" are weak spots in the colon wall that are thought to be extremely common, especially in older adults, but which may also be largely preventable.  Diets high in insoluble fibers like psyllium are directly associated with both a reduced risk of developing these food-gathering "pockets" and a reduction in diverticulitis "flare-ups".

5.  Fiber May Help Fight Obesity.  Nutritionists and weight loss experts often recommend high-fiber foods for people struggling to reach or maintain proper body weight.  While not all studies suggest that fiber helps overweight individuals lose weight, some people find that the temporary feeling of "fullness" fiber brings can help stave off cravings and binge eating.

Obviously, only your doctor is qualified to give you medical advice so if you have any questions about fiber's potential health benefits or just want to learn more about fiber's role in nutrition, talk to your physician.

5 Branches of Herbal Medicine

While every major system of alternative medicine makes at least some use of healing herbs and other medicinal plants, Western herbalism has been an especially fertile ground for exploration.  Today there are dozens of sub-categories of herbal medicine; some are practiced by a few disenfranchised fringe practitioners while a few are practiced far more extensively.  Here are the main 5 branches of herbal medicine--in alphabetical order:

1.  Aromatherapy.  Aromatherapy is based on the use of concentrated substances known as essential oils.  Usually distilled from leaves, bark or roots, essential oils have long been used to scent cosmetics, flavor foods and (to a lesser extent) preserve various consumer goods.  But some people believe that essential oils, with their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties can also promote health.  The exact practice of aromatherapy varies from practitioner to practitioner.  Some believe that aromatherapy works primarily by promoting relaxation and encouraging the body's own natural healing while others believe that aromatherapy's essential oils are in-and-of-themselves powerful medications capable of treating cancer, diabetes and various infections.

2.  Bach Flower Therapies.  Based on the research of an English physician name Edward Bach, the remedies that bear his name are made by steeping flower petals in water and/or alcohol then further diluting the resulting "tea" with more water or alcohol.  The finished remedies are too dilute to contain any of the "active" ingredients of the parent blossoms and, in fact, don't even have a distinct odor, but users believe that the manufacturing process imparts an "energetic signature" onto the finished product.

3.  Herbal Remedies.  Usually made from "cut" herbs, these remedies are the remedies most familiar to use here in the West.  After collecting the appropriate materials, an herbalist may dry or otherwise process the herbs before packaging them in the forms of capsules, teas or loose herbs.  Herbal remedies also include things like tinctures and infusions.

4.  Homeopathy.  Invented by a German physician name Samuel Hahnemann, the practice of homeopathy was the first major offshoot of Western herbalism to really take root.  Dr. Hahnemann believed in a theory he described as "like curing like" and developed a healing modality that matched the side effects of herbs to diseases that caused similar symptoms.  Today, homeopathy is so well known that people unfamiliar with the difference, use the terms "herbal medicine" and "homeopathy" interchangeably.

5.  Phytopharmaceuticals.  As their understanding of chemistry and biology grew, researchers of the late 1800s and early 1900s began to search for the "active" ingredients in the most popular herbal remedies.  The ability to identify and separate those "active" components eventually led to the development of standardized extracts like those now made from St. John's wort, ginseng and saw palmetto.  Decried by some herbalists as the botanical equivalent to heresy, standardized extracts are praised by others for their high quality and consistent dosages. 

7 Herbal Remedies for Acne

There are a lot of "natural" cures and home remedies for acne but 7 herbal remedies for acne stand out as particularly interesting because they have at least some scientific evidence behind them:

1.  Tea Tree Oil.  Of all the herbal remedies for acne you'll see bandied about on online forums, topically applied tea tree oil is among the most scientifically-supported.  Tea tree oil, which is made by distilling the leaves from a tree known as Melaleuca alternifolia, has long been used to treat infections.  Legend tells us that the Aboriginal people of Australia used it to treat coughs, colds, and other illnesses.  And a 2007 study from Iran seems to prove that tea tree oil, applied in a 5% gel, is--in the words of the study's authors--"an effective treatment for mild to moderate acne".  In this randomized, double-blind study, the tea tree gel was more than 3 times more effective at reducing total acne lesions and nearly 6 times more effective at reducing the severity of the volunteers' acne.

2.  Guggul.  Guggul is an Ayurvedic remedy from India that's made from a shrubby little tree that botanists call Commiphora wightii or C. mukul.  A 1994 study from India gave this herb orally to study volunteers and found it slightly better at reducing acne lesions than the prescription drug tetracycline.  After 3 months, 4 volunteers on tetracycline had "relapsed" while only 2 on the gugulipid had.  Interestingly, the guggul patients also found the oiliness of their skin improved while taking the herb.

3.  Flaxseed Oil.  While no major studies on flaxseed and acne have yet been published, a 2007 study published in the journal Ophthalmology produced some interesting results.  While this study was intended to look at a non-acne medical condition, the anti-inflammatory actions demonstrated by flaxseed oil was significant enough to to make the study's authors specifically mention it as, "an effective anti-inflammatory (sic) nutritional therapy alternative to long-term antibiotics".  

  

4.  Evening Primrose Oil.  Another seed oil known to support skin health is evening primrose oil.  Made from the seeds of a native American plant known as Oenothera biennis, evening primrose oil, or EPO, may help acne patients whose acne is related to essential fatty acid deficiencies or who have problems metabolizing essential fatty acids.  To date though, no significant scientific studies have looked at evening primrose specifically for acne.

5.  Goldenseal.  Goldenseal is regarded as something of a cure-all by many American herbalists and for good reason.  Not only is it anti-microbial; it also works against some otherwise resistant strains of antibiotics.  It's used both orally and topically and is sold in a variety of forms.  While no significant scientific studies have specifically studied goldenseal for use in acne, it is a among the most-recommended of all the herbal remedies for acne.

6.  Oregon Grape Root.  Like its botanical neighbor, goldenseal, oregon grape root is a rich source of berberine, which has been proven to kill a large number of pathogens, including those germs that may contribute to acne.  Because it's more widely available than goldenseal, extracts of oregon grape root are often substituted.  Oregon grape root extract is made from Mahonia aquifolium.

7.  Chamomile.  Chamomile has not been exhaustively studied for medicinal use in humans but animal studies suggest that chamomile has significant anti-inflammatory properties--most likely due to its rich flavonoid content.  Chamomile has also been shown to have antioxidant, antimicrobial and antispasmotic actions in humans.

References:

Enshaieh, S., et al.  (2007). The efficacy of 5% topical tea tree oil gel in mild to moderate acne vulgaris: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study.  Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology.

Thappa, D., et al.  (1994).  Nodulocystic acne: oral gugulipid versus tetracycline.  Journal of Dermatology.

Jones, S.  et al.  (2007).  Visual outcome and corneal changes in children with chronic blepharokeratoconjunctivitis.  Ophthalmology.

Horrobin, D.  (1989).  Essential fatty acids in clinical dermatology.  Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Dattner, A.  (2003).  From medical herbalism to phytotherapy in dermatology:  back to the future.  Dermatologic Therapy.

Weber, H., et al.  (2003).  Method validation for determination of alkaloid content in goldenseal root powder.  Journal of AOAC International.

McKay, D., (2006).  A review of the bioactivity and potential health benefits of chamomile tea (Matricaria recutita L.).  Phytotherapy Research.

13 Herbs to Avoid If You're Having Surgery

To most Americans, herbs and herbal remedies are still used only occasionally.  But even "light" use of some herbs can be dangerous if a surgical procedure is in your future.  Here, according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists, are 13 herbs to avoid if you're having surgery.

1.  Echinacea.  Echinacea is used primarily to boost the immune system and millions of people worldwide take it every fall to get their bodies ready for the inevitable assault during the cold and flu season.  But echinacea may also cause inflammation of the liver, especially if used in conjunction with certain drugs used to treat irregular heart beat, some cancers and fungal infections.

2.  Ephedra.  This traditional Chinese herb is sometimes called Ma-Huang and is used both as an appetite suppressant and as a bronchial dilator.  However, when it's combined with some of the medications used to treat high blood pressure, ephedra can also blood pressure to spike to potentially deadly levels.

3.  Feverfew.  Feverfew is a popular herbal remedy for arthritis, seasonal allergies and even some types of migraine.  Feverfew's ability to "thin" the blood may also increase the risk of surgical and post-surgical bleeding, especially in surgery patients already assigned certain anti-clotting medications.

4.  Garlic.  Garlic is highly prized in herbal medicine and is used to treat a variety of infections, lower blood pressure, decrease the risk of certain types of cancer and to support cardiovascular health.  Unfortunately, the properties that make garlic a prized preventative also make it more likely to increase surgical and post-surgical bleeding, especially if the patient is given anti-clotting medications.

5.  Ginger.  Ginger is a spice that has gained much notoriety as an anti-nausea/anti-motion-sickness herb.  But like other herbs with blood thinning actions, ginger may increase the risk of excessive bleeding or exaggerate the effects of anti-clotting medications.

6.  Ginkgo.  The traditional Chinese herb Ginkgo biloba may well be the most widely used herb in the world.  One of ginkgo's main uses as a safe, effective way to increase blood flow.  This is proving very useful in some types of dementia but also means that ginkgo may increase the risk of post-surgical bleeding or increase the action of anti-clotting medications.

7.  Ginseng.  Ginseng is about as close to a "cure-all" as herbal medicine gets.  Its very name, Panax ginseng, gives us the word panacea--"a remedy for all ills".  Like other herbs of its kind, though, ginseng may increase bleeding, especially when combined with anti-clotting medications.  Ginseng may also increase blood pressure.

8.  Goldenseal.  Goldenseal may be unfamiliar to people North America but here in the U.S., it's immensely popular.  It's used to treat upset stomach, menstrual disorders, some types of infection and more.  Despite its extensive use as an herbal remedy, though, goldenseal has not been studied scientifically for potential interactions.  In theory, goldenseal could raise blood pressure and interfere the with the prescription medication heparin. 

9.  Kava-Kava.  Kava has taken something of a beating in the press lately and some herbal texts have actually removed references to it altogether.  Whether kava was ever really as dangerous as it was made out to be or not; the truth is that this South Pacific herb can dramatically increase the action of some anesthetics and some anti-seizure medications.

10.  Licorice Root.  Used extensively in traditional Chinese medicine, licorice root is used to treat stomach ulcers, coughs and sore throat.  But it may also contribute to liver damage, high blood pressure and inflammation.  It may also interfere with the body's ability to maintain its electrolyte balance.

11.  Saw Palmetto.  Saw palmetto has seen more than its share of publicity lately, especially in regards to its ability to effectively relieve symptoms of enlarged prostate.  While saw palmetto is generally considered safe for many men, it does work by influencing hormone levels and may prove troublesome if used with other hormone treatments.

12.  St. John's Wort.  St. John's wort, named of the biblical figure St. John the Baptist, is a tiny flowering herb long-prized as a natural anti-depressant.  Unfortunately, it is also among the best-documented herbs in respect to its ability to interact with a variety of other herbal remedies and mainstream prescription medications.  Of special note is St. John's ability to completely negate the effect of some HIV/AIS medications and its potential to exaggerate the effect of some anesthetics. 

13.  Valerian.  Valerian is used primarily to ease stress, relieve insomnia and relax muscles.  So it should come as no surprise that valerian may also exaggerate the effect of surgical anesthetics and some of the most common drugs used to treat seizures.

Of course, only a licensed medical professional is qualified to give you medical advice so if you have any questions about this list of 13 herbs to avoid if you're having surgery, talk to your primary care physician for more information.

References:

American Society of Anesthesiologists.  (2003).  What You Should Know About Herbal and Dietary Supplement Use and Anesthesia.

Wichtl, M.  (2004).  Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals.

Blumenthal, M.  (2003).  The American Botanical Council Clinical Guide to Herbs.

5 Ways To Find Good Herbal Information Online

Anyone with a computer and a basic understanding of language can write herbal remedies articles.  How do you sort the nonsense, the fluff and the potentially dangerous from the legitimate information?  Here are my tips for making sure that the info you're reading (and the person writing it) are legit:

1. Look for scientific references.  When it comes to giving health advice, there is no shortage of blogs out there doing just that.  But just because something is written in an informal style does NOT mean it shouldn't be held responsible for the word they pass.  "Studies show," and "they say," and "it's been shown," sound impressive but they mean nothing.  If you want legitimate health information, look for someone who will show you exactly which studies are being cited, what they show and who the "they" is that's doing all this amazing research.
2. Make sure those references are legitimate.  If the site being referenced is a site selling products, beware.  If the site is backed by someone hawking a "miracle cure" for something, be doubly aware.  There are no miracle--even among herbs--so don't let some made-for-ads site trick you into believing that it's legit when it's not.
3. Don't be impressed by terms like "certified" and "educated".  Herbal medicine is full of scam artists whose only credentials are mail-order diplomas.  They look impressive but a "certificate" is NOT a license.  And don't be impressed by official-sounding organizations, either.  I get offers all the time for diplomas issued by impressively named institutions that, upon closer inspection, are just fronts for multi-level-marketing firms or publishing houses selling herb books.
4. Remember the Golden Rule.  No, not that one--the other Golden Rule.  "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is."  I've worked with herbs and other botanicals throughout my entire career.  I've studied herbs from every continent and been invited to endorse, buy and sell dozens of different "cures".  And the plain truth is, there are no miracle products, no miracle herbs and no miracle techniques.  If there were, I'd be the first to tell you about it.
5. Watch out for the "soft sell".  99% of all the herbal remedies web sites you'll run across today are deliberately crafted to "pre-sell" you on something.  These sites provide page after page of carefully written "articles" to "educate" you on whatever their special little miracle cure is.  But they often don't present a balanced view and they almost never present a scientific look at herbal remedies.  A good rule of thumb is this:  If it ever feels like a sales spiel, it probably is a sales spiel.

Remember, scam artists, charlatans and frauds count on your unfamiliarity with herbs.  Hopefully, now you have a few more tools to make informed decisions about the herbal remedies you might be considering.

5 Herbal Products Every Home Should Have

With the avalanche of herbal products available in your local pharmacy it can be difficult to put together a truly useful herbal first aid kit.  But here are 5 botanical products I personally recommend every homeowner consider keeping locked in his or her medicine cabinet.

Enteric Coated Peppermint Capsules

Your grandmother probably gave you peppermint candies to help with nausea during long car trips.  Today, science knows that Grandmother was right.  Enteric coated peppermint oil, taken internally, has a relaxing, antispasmodic effect on the smooth muscle tissue found in the digestive tract and is now widely recommended for a variety of bowel conditions, especially irritable bowel syndrome.

Chamomile Tea

Among the most-studied of all the botanicals is chamomile.  While chamomile is most often used for relaxation, scientists know that chamomile is more than just another herbal sleep aid.  Chamomile has anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic and antispasmodic actions.  Chamomile tea can also be applied topically to the skin to reduce inflammation or used as a gargle to soothe dry, scratchy throats.

Psyllium Powder

Few things are as uncomfortable as constipation.  Psyllium powder is a safe, effective way to encourage bowel movements without the cramping and pain that stimulant laxatives can often cause.  Regular consumption of dietary fiber like psyllium may also help many people better manage complicated health conditions like high cholesterol, high blood pressure and the insulin resistance that accompanies type 2 diabetes.

Raw Garlic

Study after study has shown that raw garlic is effective against many of the most common infections humans face.  In laboratory tests, garlic exhibits marked antimicrobial actions against the most common causes of food poisoning, including E. coli and the bacteria that cause lysteria and salmonella.  Garlic is also an effective treatment for yeast and fungal infections.  Perhaps the best news of all is that garlic is even effective against strains of these microbes that are resistant to normal medical treatments.

Aloe Vera Gel

While aloe vera's ability to heal burns has never been scientifically proven, researchers do know that aloe vera gel has the ability to reduce inflammation when applied directly to wounds.  According to a study published in the International Journal of Toxicology, aloe vera gel demonstrates antifungal, animicrobial and antiviral actions.  Aloe vera gel may even have anti-cancer benefits when applied to skin.

References:

Grigoleit, H., et al.  (2005).  Gastrointestinal clinical pharmacology of peppermint oil.  Phytomedicine.

McKay, D., et al.  (2006).  A review of the bioactivity and potential health benefits of chamomile tea (Matricaria recutita L.).  Phytotherapy Research.

Wang, Z., et al.  (2007).  Effects of dietary fibers on weight gain, carbohydrate metabolism, and gastric ghrelin gene expression in mice fed a high-fat diet.  Metabolism.

Davis, R., et al.  (1994).  Anti-inflammatory and wound healing activity of a growth substance in Aloe vera.  Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association.

Friedman, M., et al.  (2007).  Recipes for antimicrobial wine marinades against Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella enterica.  Journal of Food Science.