For a survey, the National Center for Health Statistics gave a questionnaire. The objective was to understand the use of various alternative and complementary medicine among the US population. The survey found that the total number of people, particularly adults, who have consumed herbal medicine or dietary supplement once in their lifetime was 50.6 Million in 2002 and 53.6 Million in 2012.
The survey also concluded that the only group with a significant increase in the use of herbs and supplements was above 65 years of age. The reason behind this could be the increasing number of health issues in old age. With a market value of USD 5.26 Billion, researchers estimate that the global herbal market will grow at a CAGR ( compound annual growth rate) of 6.2%.
The reason behind the growing popularity of herbs is their incredible benefits. Through this article, you will learn about some of the herbs and their medicinal properties.
List of Incredible Herbs
The list of herbs is never-ending. It is almost impossible to name every herb. So, below are the five most popular and effective herbs of all time.
1. Chamomile
If you are a fan of herbal supplements, you must have heard about chamomile tea. It is a centuries-old herb popular in western countries. Here are some things to know about it.
- The word Chamomile comes from two Greek words, Chamos and Melos. The former means ground and signifies the low-growing characteristic of the herb. The latter means apple and signifies the scent of apple from the fresh Chamomile blossoms.
- The medicinal writing of ancient Greek, Egyptians, and Romans had referred to Chamomile. Besides, Chamomile also has its place in the writing of Dioscorides, Hippocrates, and Galen.
- The Egyptians and Greeks treat the skin issues, such as xerosis and erythema, caused by harsh, dry weather through crushed Chamomile plants.
- Now, Chamomile tea is a popular herbal supplement known for various benefits. A 2010 study observed that taking chamomile tea could reduce menstrual pain. Besides, some females also reported a significant reduction in stress and anxiety caused by period pains.
- Some other claimed benefits of Chamomile are lowering blood sugar levels, treating diabetes, preventing osteoporosis, reducing inflammation, cancer prevention and treatment, Relaxation, providing healthy sleep, treating cold, etc.
There are two classifications of Chamomile, Roman, and Garman. The dry flowers of these varieties contain almost 120 metabolites, particularly flavonoids and terpenoids that give Chamomile these medical properties.
2. Echinacea
The purple Coneflower, known by masses as Echinacea, is a popular herb globally. In the United States, the herb has been there for centuries. Now, they have become so common that you can purchase them from a local vendor nearby. Here are some things to know about it.
- Echinacea is a common name for a group of flowering plants that belong to the daisy family. It grows in the Temperate grasslands of Prairies and wooden, open areas.
- The group consists of nine flowering plants, but Echinacea Angustifolia, Echinacea purpurea, and Echinacea pallida are the only three used as herbal supplements. The root and upper parts of the plants are a significant part of many tablets, extracts, tinctures, and oils.
- Echinacea is rich in antioxidants, which protect cells from stress caused by chronic disease, heart disease, and diabetes. Rosmarinic acid, cichoric acid, and flavonoids are three popular antioxidants present in Echinacea.
Some of the possible health benefits of Echinacea are boosting the immune system, reducing inflammation, decreasing blood sugar levels, reducing anxiety, treating several skin conditions, and protecting against cancer.
3. Kratom
GoldenMonk Kratom’s popularity has attracted people all over the world. Who has not heard of this Southeast native of the coffee family? Here are some things about the plant.
- The Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School, describes kratom as “a tropical tree from the coffee family native to Southeast Asia, with properties that range from stimulant-like, energizing and uplifting, to opiate-like, causing drowsiness and euphoria.”
- The herb contains dozens of active ingredients, with mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine as two of its most popular components.
- The American Kratom Association believes that 10-16 Million US citizens consume kratom regularly in raw form or tea.
- Researchers believe kratom can treat several issues, such as anxiety, sleeping disorders, chronic pain, etc. The federal authorities do not believe in these benefits and want to ban kratom.
- However, the official site of John Hopkins Medicine says, “Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers conclude that the psychoactive compound somewhat similar to opioids likely has a lower rate of harm than prescription opioids for treating pain, anxiety, depression and addiction.”
Sometimes there are incidents where people suffer after consuming kratom. But investigations show that it happens when someone mixes kratom with other drugs. So you should stay careful before you buy kratom online and start consuming it. To buy high-quality, affordable Kratom products like maeng da kratom pills, visit KratomCountry.
Kratom is an unregulated product with no federal classification. Because of this, it is important for consumers to do their research before buying Kratom. Look for companies who participate in the American Kratom Association’s Good Manufacturing Practices program. The AKA GMP program ensures Kratom vendors adhere to strict manufacturing protocols including stringent receiving, testing, and quarantine procedures.
Vendors like Kraken Kratom have helped lead the way in Kratom regulation. They were the first company to attain GMP compliance and their advocacy work has led to the passage of the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) in several US States. The KCPA helps to regulate the Kratom industry by:
– Defining Kratom
– Creating specific labeling requirements
– Prohibits sale of certain Kratom products
– Creates penalties for violations
– Requires registration for Kratom production
These requirements combined with other state regulation has gone a long way towards legitimizing this unique plant. As more and more people begin to discover this amazing plant, we can only expect continued action on the regulatory front.
4. Garlic
The father of western medicine, Hippocrates, uses Garlic for various health conditions. So, here are some things to know about this herb of the Allium family.
- Garlic is the most common herb found in almost every kitchen worldwide. Its delicious taste and pungent smell make it one of the most loved herbs.
- Scientists believe that its health benefits are forming Sulfur compounds during chewing, chopping, or crushing garlic cloves.
- It contains Manganese, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, vitamin B1, Phosphorus, Fiber, Selenium calcium, iron, copper, and potassium.
Garlic is known for various benefits, such as fighting the common cold and sickness, reducing blood pressure, improving cholesterol levels, and decreasing the risk of health disease.
5. Ginkgo Biloba
An underrated herb, Ginkgo Biloba has several health benefits. Here are some things to know about the herb.
- A study organized in 2014 found that Ginkgo supplements can positively affect people going through Alzheimer’s and consuming cholinesterase inhibitors, the medication most commonly used for treating the condition.
- The Gingko Evaluation of Memory study found that the herb was neither effective in lowering blood pressure nor reducing heart disease risk. However, the herb gives promising results in lowering the threat of peripheral artery disease associated with poor blood circulation.
Besides these, Rosemary, Feverfew, Ginger, Ginseng, and Goldenseal are other common herbs used for various purposes. After learning the benefits, you might understand why people are giving so much love to the herbs.
Conclusion
Herbs have been there for more than 5000 years. Ancient texts of almost every part of the world talk about them in one way or the other. They are a lifesaver and can cure various diseases if efficiently consumed.