Zakaria Mohamad August 30th, 2009
Few herbal remedies:
* Aloe vera has traditionally been used for the healing of burns and wounds. A systematic review (from 1999) states that the efficacy of aloe vera in promoting wound healing is unclear, while a later review (from 2007) concludes that the cumulative evidence supports the use of aloe vera for the healing of first to second degree burns.
* Agaricus blazei mushrooms may prevent some types of cancer.
* Cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccos) may be effective in treating urinary tract infections in women with recurrent symptoms.
* Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) may speed the recovery from type A and B influenza.[95] However it is possibly risky in the case of avian influenza because the immunostimulatory effects may aggravate the cytokine cascade.
* Feverfew (Chrysanthemum parthenium) is sometimes used to treat migraine headaches. Although many reviews of Feverfew studies show no or unclear efficacy, a more recent RTC showed favorable results. Feverfew is not recommended for pregnant women as it may be dangerous to the fetus.
* Garlic (Allium sativum) may lower total cholesterol levels.
* Ginger (Zingiber officinale), administered in 250 mg capsules for four days, effectively decreased nausea and vomiting of pregnancy in a human clinical trial.
* Green tea (Camelia sinensis) components may inhibit growth of breast cancer cells and may heal scars faster.
* Purified extracts of the seeds of Hibiscus sabdariffa may have some antihypertensive, antifungal and antibacterial effect. Toxicity tested low except for an isolated case of damage to the testes of a rat after prolonged and excessive consumption.
* Honey may reduce cholesterol.[114] May be useful in wound healing.
* Lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus), administered daily as an aqueous extract of the fresh leaf, has lowered total cholesterol and fasting plasma glucose levels in rats, as well as increasing HDL cholesterol levels. Lemon grass administration had no effect on triglyceride levels.
* Nigella sativa (Black cumin) has demonstrated analgesic properties in mice. The mechanism for this effect, however, is unclear. In vitro studies support antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, anti-inflammatory and immune modulating effects. However few randomized double blind studies have been published.
* Ocimum gratissimum and tea tree oil can be used to treat acne.
* Oregano (Origanum vulgare) may be effective against multi-drug resistant bacteria.
* Pawpaw can be used as insecticide (killing lice, worms).
* Peppermint oil may have benefits for individuals with irritable bowel syndrome.
* Phytolacca or Pokeweed is used as a homeopathic remedy to treat many ailments. It can be applied topically or taken internally. Topical treatments have been used for acne and other ailments. It is used as a treatment for tonsilitis, swollen glands and weight loss.
* Pomegranate contains the highest percentage of ellagitannins of any commonly consumed juice. Punicalagin, an ellagitannin unique to pomegranate, is the highest molecular weight polyphenol known.[138] Ellagitannins are metabolized into urolithins by gut flora, and have been shown to inhibit cancer cell growth in mice.
* Rauvolfia Serpentina, high risk of toxicity if improperly used[citation needed], used extensively in India for sleeplessness, anxiety, and high blood pressure.
* Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) contains a number of phenolic compounds, including flavanols, flavones, flavanones, flavonols, and dihydrochalcones.[142] Rooibos has traditionally been used for skin ailments, allergies, asthma and colic in infants.[143] In an animal study with diabetic mice, aspalathin, a rooibos constituent improved glucose homeostasis by stimulating insulin secretion in pancreatic beta cells and glucose uptake in muscle tissue.
* Rose hips – Small scale studies indicate that hips from Rosa canina may provide benefits in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Rose hips show anti COX activity.
* Salvia lavandulaefolia may improve memory
* Saw Palmetto can be used for BPH. Supported in some studies, failed to confirm in others.
* Soy and other plants that contain phytoestrogens (plant molecules with estrogen activity) (black cohosh probably has serotonin activity) have some benefits for treatment of symptoms resulting from menopause.