Herbal Remedies

If you're tired of coming out of the doctor's office with an expensive prescription every time you visit, you may find some relief . . . in your kitchen cabinets. Herbal remedies have been around for centuries, and modern science is rediscovering the wisdom of many of these treatments. The three examples below will give you an idea of scope of herbal cures and show you how they can help you fell better, stay fitter, and sometimes avoid prescription medication altogether.

Cinnamon for Type 2 Diabetes

Studies conducted in Pakistan and at the Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center in Maryland are showing that cinnamon has a powerful ability to help the human body deal with excess glucose. It's believed that the hydroxychalcone in cinnamon works on fat cells, using them as scrubbers to remove glucose from the bloodstream. For sufferer's of Type 2 diabetes, this may be very good news. A daily dose of ground cinnamon, taken orally, has fewer potential side effects than conventional treatments and may turn out to be a low cost, effective way to help manage the disease. More than that, cinnamon is also showing promise in treating high blood pressure and kidney disease.

Sage and Black Cohosh for the Symptoms of Menopause

Both of these plants contain high levels of natural estrogens that can be effective in treating menopause and other reproductive system ailments. They are completely safe and are easily available. With current medical literature condemning the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRTs), safer solutions involving plant estrogens may be an effective way to reduce the hot flashes, night sweats, and irritability associated with menopause. Sage and black cohosh can be taken alone or in combination with other plant estrogens.

Lavender for Sleeplessness

Your grandmother believed in the advantages of keeping some lavender in the house, and she was right. Researchers at Wesleyan University found that lavender essential oil increased the slow-wave sleep of test subjects. This is the part of the sleep cycle in which heart rhythm slows down and the muscles relax. In a related study conducted at the University of Southampton, test subjects improved their sleep quality by 20% when exposed to air that was scented with lavender. Better yet, lavender is inexpensive and has no side effects.

There are many others too, like:

· Fenugreek for tinnitus
· Ginger for asthma
· Comfrey for cold sores
· Nettle for hives
· Peppermint for indigestion other than acid reflux (GERD)

Lower Cost, Safer Herbal Remedies

Do your homework, and talk to your doctor. Trying to reduce your cholesterol, blood pressure, and indigestion with dietary and herbal alternatives may save you unforeseen prescription drug side effects and interactions. Some herbal remedies on the market are unproven, and others are outright quackery, but every day researchers are finding reasons to respect plants for their ability to help us get and stay healthy.

Although herbs certainly can't treat every medical condition, finding safe, effective alternatives to expensive prescription medications is a good way to start taking control of your health. Don't run to the drug store the next time you're looking for a little relief. Ask your doctor about the risks, and try to find a healthier solution with an herbal remedy instead.