by Shannon Farlouis

Created on: February 17, 2010

Plants contain phytochemicals. These phytochemicals play an important role and have effects on your body. Certain types of herbs offer medicinal benefits. That is a good thing. Be careful, certain types of herbs may be toxic if consumed in large amounts. An example of this type of herb is St. John's wort. Large amounts of this type of herb can lead to poisoning, so use with caution. Below I have a list of herbs and the importance they have on the body when used. Many herbs are used as an alternative medicine.

*Ginger is known to help ease nausea from cancer treatments such as chemotherapy.

*Mullein is known to boost the immune system. It also acts as a diuertic. I can be used in treating coughs, colds, diarrhea. It is often taken as a tonic.

*Valerian s used as a sedative.

*Dandelion is used to treat the digestive system.

*Feverfew is known to relieve migranes, fever, and chills.

*Comfrey is known to heal broken bones and also stops infection.

*White willow is an ancient herb. The bark of this herb contains salicylic acid. It is used to treat acne.

*Poppy seeds are known to help sleep and relieve pain.

*Plantain is used as an astringent.

*Pokeweed used topical can treat acne, taken internally it will help tosilitis.

*Passion flower is known in treating insomnia.

*Opium poppy is used for pain relief. Morphine is made from this herb.

*Catnip is used to treat and soothe coughs.

*Peppermint is used in treating Irritable Bowl Syndrome.

*Chamomile is used for relaxing and calming.

*Horehound is used as an expectorant.

*St. Johns wort is used as an antidepressant.

*Goldenseal is used for antimicrobial purposes.

*Meadowsweet is used for inflammation, pain, fever, and ulcers.

*Purple coneflower helps to reduce the symptoms of the cold or flu.

*Hawthorn relieves nervous tension.

*Bergamot orange is used in treating Malaria.

*Sweet sagewort is known to have anti-cancer properties.

*Konjac is used in treating dermatitis.

*Dill oil is used in soothing the stomach after meals.

*Garlic is known to be a natural antibiotic. It can be used in treatment of infections.

*Agaricus blazei is known to enhance the immune system and have anti-cancer properties.

*Yarrow if eaten quickly can counter poisoning.

*Prickley ginseng is an aid in digestion, cures hepatitis C, lowers blood pressure, and increases stamina.

*Bitter Aloe is used as a laxative.

*Agarwood is used in making natural perfume.

*Wormwood is used to repel fleas, and moths. In some parts of the world it is used in tea and has hallucinogenic properties. It can be used in brewing beer and wine.

*Smearwort is used to heal chronic sores.

*Astragalus is being studied to help combat HIV.

*Lemon grass oil is used as a pesticide and a preservative and is a native to India. If consumed in tea it can treat anxiety.

Although there are many more natural herbal remedies that can be used as a healthy alternative to medications it is always best to seek the advice of a doctor before using them because some herbs may interfere with prescribed medications and can cause serious medical complications.

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