Herbs are plants which people use for their scent, flavor or therapeutic properties. They are either used as cooking ingredients, beauty enhancers and for treating infections and illnesses. Man has used them for thousands of years.
Herbal supplements are herbs which go though a certain process and sold as tablets, capsules, powders, extracts or teas. Many people take herbal supplements to sustain their health.
Here are some of the health benefits of herbs and herbal supplements:
1. They help to strengthen the immune system.
Herbs contain essential oils, vitamins, antioxidants, phyto-sterols and other substances that help to strengthen your immune system and fight disease causing organisms.
2. They help to fight inflammation.
Herbs have potent anti-inflammatory properties. They help to protect your body from the inflammatory effects of osteo-arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and certain types of bowel disorders such as ulcerative colitis.
3. They help to reduce blood sugar and cholesterol levels in the body.
Some herbs such as fenugreek, bilberry and cayenne pepper contain properties that help to stabilize blood sugar levels in the body. They are also believed to control diabetes.
There are also herbs that are able to control the body’s cholesterol levels. These include psyllium, licorice and fenugreek.
4. They help to prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
Many herbs help to prevent Alzheimer’s disease because of their anti-amyloid and anti-inflammatory properties. Ginkgo is one of such herbs which are widely used to treat Alzheimer’s disease and certain types of dementia.
5. They help to prevent cancer.
Herbs have been used to treat certain forms of cancer even before the discovery of traditional cancer medications. Up to this day, many people still use herbs to help treat certain types of cancer such as colon and breast cancer.
6. They help to promote skin health.
Aloe vera, turmeric, holy basil, neem, chamomile and tea tree are among the herbs which people use to get smooth, healthy skin.
7. They help to nourish your hair.
Herbs are one of the favorites when it comes to hair care. Many people use them to enhance hair growth, make hair shiny and bouncy, or use their extracts for massaging their scalps and repair damage in the hair roots.
8. They help to promote oral health.
Herbs are used as active ingredients in the manufacture of toothpastes, mouthwashes and too whiteners. There are even herbs that give positive results when used directly on the teeth and gums. Some of them can even cure bad breath and remove teeth stains.
Herbs have helped us for many centuries. Many people prefer to use them because they are natural. But they can have negative effects if administered wrongly. You should use them with the guidance of a medical professional in order to avoid complications.
