Common herbs for health

Posted by DAAN on September 18, 2008 under Food, General, Herbs |

Although DAAN sells many herbal products, you should remember that there are many common herbs and supplements that can also provide health benefits:

For centuries, the Chinese have understood the homeopathic benefits of herbs in helping to maintain a healthy body, says Richmond’s Dr. Louise Demorest, acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist.

“Herbs have been used for thousands of years to treat all sorts of ailments and conditions,” says Demorest. “There is a continuum between what is considered medicinal herb and what is considered food. For example, mint is a very common flavouring; however, mint in itself also has medicinal purposes.”

Herbs have never gone out of style. Today, herbs are used as beauty products, home decor accents, pesticides, medications and flavourings.

As herbal infusions, chamomile and calendula (a flower grown locally) are calming drinks that can also be used externally to treat skin problems.

“You can also put either one in a bath to soothe itchy, dry skin and redness,” says Demorest, who has been practising herbology for more than 14 years. “Lavender has grown popular because it’s a wonderful tonic used to ease anxiety and insomnia.” For sleeplessness, many people swear by placing crushed lavender flowers in a sachet and sleeping with it by their side.

Herbs are generally safe for use; even so, Demorest cautions clients about mixing certain types of herbs together. “Although ginkgo biloba is sold over the counter, it would be good to have a herbalist’s advice because it does increase blood circulation to the brain,” she says. “So, if you had a brain tumor or you are on blood thinners you don’t want to take it.”

The risks associated with taking herbs are low compared to pharmaceuticals, says Demorest. That’s because herbs are natural and are easily assimilated in the body. One of the side benefits of herbs is that they also contain nutrients, vitamins and minerals. “In ancient times, people didn’t have vitamins,” she says. “For example, people ingested rosehips because they are very high in vitamin C.”