From Aloe to Zea, the best herbal remedies you can take – and what they claim to do for your health
FROM maca root and echinacea to aloe and black cohosh, herbal remedies are big business.
Many of us swear by them when it comes to easing cold and menopause symptoms, helping us drift off at night, or simply for boosting overall health and wellbeing.
Herbal medicines have active ingredients made from plant parts, such as leaves or roots.
Some, including echinacea, valerian and St John’s wort, have been widely studied, and found to have genuine health benefits.
One meta-study published in The Lancet found echinacea decreased the odds of developing the common cold by 58 per cent, while a 2015 review of studies investigating valerian suggests it may improve sleep quality.
The global herbal supplements market was worth more than £60billion in 2020, according to Vantage Market Research.
Dr Jenna Macciochi, an immunologist at the University of Sussex, told Sun on Sunday Health: “With countless options on the market, it can be hard to navigate which herbal remedies really make a difference.
“Always read the labels and understand what they contain — avoid excessive fillers, artificial additives and preservatives.
“Look for ones that have third-party testing or academic studies to show their benefits.
“Always follow dosage instructions and speak to your GP or a pharmacist before taking a new remedy, especially if you are already taking medication.”
Dr Richard Middleton, a registered pharmacist and director of the British Herbal Medicine Association () said: “Research has shown that while herbal medicines are always high-quality, a wide variation in quality exists with herbal food supplements.
“Herbal medicines are always accompanied by approved leaflets on how and when to take the product. This is not the case with food supplements.
“Always look for a THR logo on the pack that identifies a high-quality herbal medicine.”
Read our A-Z guide to see what plant products claim to do for your health.
ALOE: To soothe skin conditions including psoriasis, burns and insect bites. New studies suggest it may help with IBS and constipation. Can irritate skin for some and trigger diarrhoea.
BLACK COHOSH: To ease menopause symptoms such as hot flushes and night sweats. But the NHS says there’s no strong evidence it works.
CAMOMILE: A mug of camomile tea can boost sleep and aid digestion. Can cause drowsiness in large quantities. Rich in antioxidants, which promote heart health.
DANDELION: Stimulates appetite, aids digestion and, taken as a tea, helps with hydration. The root is used for liver detox and leaves to help kidney function.
ECHINACEA: Strengthens the immune system to fight colds and flu. Generally safe but if you’re on medication for your liver it’s not advised.
FEVERFEW: To prevent pain, nausea and light sensitivity for migraine sufferers. Can cause indigestion, nausea and allergic- contact dermatitis.
GINSENG: Used to reduce tiredness. Scientists also think it stimulates the brain. Check with your GP first, as it can react negatively with heart medication.
HYSSOP: Used for centuries to treat colds and coughs. Has been linked with seizures in people with epilepsy.
INULA: Helps relax respiratory passages for lung conditions. May interfere with blood-sugar levels.
JIAOGULAN: Chinese scientists found people who had it as a tea lived longer than average. Could cause nausea and vomiting.
KOREAN GINSENG: To boost immune function. A study found 2g a day raised levels of immune cells. Insomnia can be a downside.
LAVENDER: To reduce insomnia, anxiety, headaches and hair loss. Some people take it to ease side effects of chemotherapy.
MACA ROOT: To treat sexual dysfunction and low libido. Evidence is mixed but one study found it boosted semen concentration in men. Also taken to ease menopause symptoms.
NETTLE LEAF: Taken as a tea, it’s generally safe. Good source of calcium and other minerals. May help prevent osteoporosis.
ORACHE: A leafy vegetable containing high levels of vitamin A. Avoid if pregnant or if you have gout or kidney stones.
PELARGONIUM SIDOIDES: For colds and bronchitis. Some studies have shown it can kill bacteria and viruses and stimulate the immune system.
QUERCUS ROBUR: From oak trees, it’s thought to be packed with antioxidants.
ROSEMARY: Often used in oil form to ease stress and anxiety and boost concentration.
ST JOHN’S WORT: Research shows that it can boost mood and ease mild or moderate dep-ression. Must check before using alongside other medication. Can cause allergic reactions, nausea, diarrhoea, headaches and more.
TURMERIC: The active ingredient curcumin has been found to reduce inflammation and raise antioxidant levels.
UVA URSI: For healthy bacterial balance in the urinary tract and to boost the immune system. Avoid in pregnancy and if you have high blood pressure.
VALERIAN ROOT: Helps people nod off faster and improves sleep quality. Can cause drowsiness.
WILD YAM: To treat inflammation, muscle spasms and asthma. Avoid anything other than small, short-term doses.
XANTHOX: Or “Prickly ash” encourages circulation. Has been linked with stomach upsets.
YARROW: Traditionally used to staunch wound bleeds and help the body fight fever. May cause gut issues and dizziness.
ZEA MAYS: Or “Cornsilk”. Can ease irritation in the kidneys and is considered a diuretic.