Herbs

[Ivy]

Is anyone else into herbal remedies? I used to think it was a bunch of crap until I tried some out of desperation. They've really been helping!

[StateNAurora]

Health care for the young and ininsured. I've tried a couple. Ginseng and St. John's wart a couple of times. I didn't notice much of a difference. I use tea tree oil for cuts but mainly when I feel a cold/flu coming on. I put right below my nose and seems to prevent and lessen the duration of any colds. It doesn't hurt to try them out.

[NoWomanNoCry]

Herbal remedies can be helpful but you have to be careful - some of them interact badly with other meds. Like St. John's wart messes with the Pill.

[Benwa]

Consult someone knowledgable about herbs. View herbs as pharmaceuticals. True they aren't nearly as dangerous and odds of side effects are much smaller. Theres also some interaction with some drugs. I'd recomend seeing a trained herbalist, they're good people. I've studied some herbal medicine, but hardly enough to give advice. I know enough to ask someone who knows more.

[cornflakegirl]

i use homeopathic meds. the ones i mainly use a lot are for bruises & muscle aches, insomnia & bloating/stomach issues.

the whole idea behind homeopathy is that like cures like. for instance, the ones i use for insomnia, or specifically insomnia due to mental restlessness, uses a plant that causes this. it is so diluted that it then cures what it causes.

[hoodie]

taking a zinc/echinnacea combo when you're sick really does help you blast through a nagging cold or something a lot quicker. I have a lousy immune system, so this has helped me a great deal!

[wordsmith]

I found that some herbs/plants with medicinal properties do the trick, and some don't do anything at all, so I pick and choose.

I also agree that you have to be careful about interactions and side effects since homeopathic stuff isn't necessarily tested, studied, or FDA approved.

[paiger81]

I'm big on Lysine cause it helps prevent cold sores(and doesn't interact with any meds I take). It is a huge immune system booster as well.

I agree with Benwa that you need to consult with a professional about the different side effects. I can NOT take St. John's Wort, it messes me up.

I've said before that my great gramps was a curandero(witch doctor) so I've used various plants & herbs for various issues, but I also do research on the herbs before using them.

[biodork]

I am a SUPER huge advocate of using Zicam or Airborne when you feel those beginnings of a cold. They work so well for me, I'm usually to the end of the cold within a few days (as long as I consistently use them, as directed on the package)

[GetMeOuttaDC]

me! I am using them to prevent my cancer cells from growing back... consulted with a professional, and Mishl982's cousin who has used them successfully for the same condition. I have pills and a nasty-tasting antioxidant drink.

I have a follow-up dr's appt next month, let's see how well it works!

[Ivy]

Thanks, everyone, for your input. I found an herbal store around here and will go in for some advice. Right now I'm taking Dong Quai for a hormonal imbalace, plus dandelion root to help clean out the liver. It's helped a lot with my mood.

GetmeouttaDC: good luck with your follow up appointment!

[GetMeOuttaDC]

plus dandelion root to help clean out the liver.

AA meetings and 12-step programs also accomplish that nicely. :evil:

GetmeouttaDC: good luck with your follow up appointment!

Thanks! I'm gonna need it!! :cry:

[Desiderata]

anyone know anything about oil of oregano? Been hearing alot about it lately, just looking for more info

[cornflakegirl]

oil of oregano is my best friend. i take when i amstarting to feel sick - strenghtens immune system. i also use it on canker sores.

[Jedi of Zen]

I've been taking Kyodophilus (an acidophilus product) every day for a couple of years now, and while I would not call it a wonder pill, it has done a lot for my allergies, digestion, and, erhm, my libido as well. (It's beneficial bacteria, not an herb though.) Aloe vera juice seems to improve my mood a bit also, though I don't know why it should exactly.