The Top Five Herbal Supplements Americans Love to Take – Al Smith

The most desired trend in America now is to live healthier and longer. If you turn on the TV or open a magazine, chances are that you will see an advertisement for something to better your health, whether it is the latest diet craze, the newest workout equipment, or the latest supplement to improve some aspect of your health.

You may buy organic fruits and veggies and eat free-range meat. Americans are also totally into herbal supplements. Here is a brief overview of some of the more popular varieties.

1. Garlic has been used as a seasoning in food for years, but now people are looking into its health benefits as well. It is most popular for hear conditions such as high cholesterol and hardening of the arteries. It is also being explored in uses such as boosting the immune system and reducing blood sugar levels.

Whole garlic is also used in a variety of herbal remedies as well. The juice can be used as an antiseptic and to prevent skin conditions, and the syrup can be used for asthma, coughs, bronchitis, and other lung disorders. Some people are hesitant to take garlic, as when taken in large quantities it can leave a person’s skin with a garlicky odor.

2. Ginseng Teas or Pills – Many people are looking for energy supplements, either to spur their workout to the next level or to help them burn calories to lose weight. Ginseng has taken over part of this niche. It is common used to increase stamina and energy, as well as an anti-stress treatment.

It also has some anti-inflammatory properties that can make it useful in treating other conditions. Some people are also researching possible aphrodisiac qualities, which may cause it to be included in sexual performance enhancing drugs. The whole herb is also said to be useful for stomach issues, nausea, and lack of appetite.

3. Gingko Biloba is most widely known for improving memory, and most people choose it for that quality alone. However, it also can help increase the efficiency of your metabolism, making it a good partner for those who are looking to lose weight. It also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which make it an overall good choice for better health.

Traditionally, the seed from the Gingko Biloba tree was used for the treatment of asthma and other breathing disorders. Lately, though, scientists have been studying extract from the leaf itself. It shows some promise in Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, depression, short-term memory loss, and many others.

4. Echinacea has been hailed as the treatment for the common cold and flu for its possible anti-viral properties. It is often found in herbal cold remedies and lozenges, and works well as a general immune system booster.

As an herb, Echinacea has also been found to be useful for boils, cancer, syphilis, and impurities of the blood because of its antiseptic properties. It has also been used as an aphrodisiac. Use caution when using Echinacea though, and use sparingly – taking Echinacea for more than 6 weeks at a time can cause a person to develop sensitivity to ragweed.

5. St. John’s Wort has been known to be nature’s antidepressant, and is often used for treating depression and anxiety. It can also be used in helping to treat stress-induced insomnia. Some people have found that it is also helpful for treating upset stomach and indigestion.

As a whole herb, St. John’s Wort has also had a variety of other uses, from being an expectorant to break up mucous, to treating diarrhea, depression, and jaundice. It has also been used for children who experience nighttime bed-wetting problems.

It is helpful to do more research before adding herbs to your routine for health. In some cases supplements will do the job, in others the whole herb is traditionally used. Yet in other cases liquid extracts are found to be the most effective as they are the most concentrated.

As with any change in your routine, adding herbal supplements to your diet should be thoroughly discussed with your health care professional before proceeding. Different herbs can affect people differently – what works for your best friend can have severe effects for you. If in doubt, stop taking the supplement and speak to your doctor.

Al Smith