Herbal supplements have been used as dietary substitutes since many centuries, and are even used by people today. They are known to prevent and cure many minor and long -lasting diseases and ailments. Around 75 percent of the world's population is still using some or the other type of herbal supplement. Examples of some herbal supplements are: turmeric, flaxseed, ginseng, ginkgo, St John's wort, milk thistle and garlic. Sometimes the food we eat is not enough to fulfill the body's requirements of nutrition and to combat against diseases. Herbal supplements are natural medicines or substitutes which can increase the body's immunity to fight against diseases.
Most Important Herbal Supplements
Following are some of the most important herbal supplements.
1. Turmeric
Recommended for arthritis patients!
Turmeric contains curcumin - a powerful anti-inflammatory which is best for body pains and patients of arthritis. Turmeric is also used as an antiseptic to heal the wounds. Turmeric is also known to prevent colon cancer and the deadly Alzheimer's disease. It is recommended to add a pinch of turmeric powder to your food while cooking.
Side-effects
There are as such no side-effects for turmeric but it can upset your stomach, cause nausea or diarrhea if taken in excess. Taking higher doses can even result into abnormal heart beat. Don't take turmeric in the form of medicine during Pregnancy and breast-feeding as it puts the pregnancy at risk.
Also Read: Different Breastfeeding Benefits for Moms & Babies2. Cinnamon
Best herb for type 2 diabetes' patients!
A recent German study found that including cinnamon in your daily diet can lower blood sugar levels nearly by 10%. This can reduce risks of diseases related to heart and keep your heart healthy. Cinnamon also reduces cholesterol.
Side-effects
Higher doses of cinnamon can definitely become problematic for a person. Cinnanom can cause irritation to the skin and mucous membranes, an even the urinary tract. It can also cause diarrhea, vomiting, drowsiness, if taken in excess amount.
Also Read: Urinary Tract Infection: Cause, Symptoms & Prevention3. Ginger
Best for people with nausea problems!
Ginger can avoid stomach from getting upset due to pregnancy, motion sickness, and even chemotherapy. Ginger is a powerful antioxidant which blocks the effects of serotonin, the chemical responsible for sensations of nausea. Ginger also decreases blood pressure and is even said to reduce the risk of cancer risk. Ginger's anti-inflammatory properties help to regulate blood flow, reducing the blood pressure and arthritis pain. It also destroys the ovarian cancer cells and thus is highly beneficial for ovarian cancer patients.
Side-effects
Intake of more than 5 grams of ginger can upset your stomach, cause irritation in the mouth and even cause heartburn. Therefore, do not take it in excess to increase its chances of side-effects.
4. Garlic
Reduces the risk of cancer!
Consumption of garlic can lower risk of ovarian and colorectal cancer. It also has many cardiovascular benefits. Garlic is said to contain around 70 active phytochemicals, which is said to lower high blood pressure. It can prevent strokes avoid arterial blockages.
Side-effects
Garlic is known to cause stomach problems leading to indigestion and can also cause irritation in the gastrointestinal tract. Taking excess of garlic can even make the blood pressure too low.
You can also check the symptoms of stomach pain.5. Holy Basil
Best to fight stress!
Holy basil is effective to reduce stress as it increases adrenaline and decreases serotonin. It also helps to avoid indigestion problems and headaches. Holy basil is known to reduce chances of breast cancer. But check with your doctor before you start consuming it.
Side-effects
There are as such no harmful side effects known of holy basil. But it can combine with certain medications to slow down blood clotting and increasing chances of excessive bleeding. Therefore, it's recommended to take it with your doctor's advice.
Author Bio Shishir Gupta is the director of Alliaance Biotech. The firm is licensed to manufacture the Drugs Tablets, Capsules, Liquid, Injections (Dry & liquid), Hormone's Tablets and injections. Alliaance Biotech is ISO 9001:2008, head office located at Chandigarh, with activities mainly in the manufacturing Pharmaceutical finished products.
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