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Alternative herbal remedies

Alternative herbal remedies

The seeds, yerbal as coriander, are a prime ingredient in Indian Hyaluronic acid skincare. Answer From Brent A. For additional information, or to locate an experienced herbalist in your area, contact the American Herbalists Guild AHG site at www.

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Alternative herbal remedies -

Some laboratory tests have found certain plants or plant extracts have anti-cancer qualities. Manufacturers made these into cancer drugs such as Taxol from the Pacific yew tree. But, there is no scientific evidence from human trials that herbal medicine can treat or cure cancer.

We need large trials to prove this. Researchers did a laboratory study in They looked at the use of Chang-wei-qing CWQ as a treatment to prevent a certain type of bowel cancer.

The researchers found that CWQ showed an anti-cancer anti-tumour effect. But this was a laboratory study, and we need more research. Chinese researchers did a case study of patients with pancreatic cancer. All of the patients received Chinese Herbal Medicine CHM.

It showed that people having herbal medicine might survive longer. We need more research. They looked at several studies on CHM. The researchers said that CHM showed positive results.

This was as a therapy to use with other types of cancer treatment. They also said that CHM can help chemotherapy and radiotherapy to work better. They felt that CHM can help to control certain cancer genes. And that it can influence the way cancer cells work.

But they recommended more research to understand exactly how CHM works. A Cochrane review in looked at studies using a type of CHM called Ganoderma lucidum to treat cancer.

The researchers found that there was not enough evidence to use Ganoderma lucidum as a treatment for cancer. But they suggested that it might be used alongside conventional cancer treatment to boost immunity.

The researchers also said that future research should be of better quality studies. Your first consultation with a herbalist will usually cost more than further appointments. Follow up appointments are generally shorter, so are likely to cost less.

You will also have to pay for the herbs your herbalist prescribes. These costs may vary from place to place in the UK. Some herbal products in health food shops and pharmacies have to meet quality standards.

They also need to provide information about their product. This includes the specific content and dose of the product and how safe it is.

In Europe, always buy products registered under the Traditional Herbal Remedies THR scheme. Remedies registered under the scheme have a THR mark and symbol on the packaging.

THR products have been tested for quality and safety. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency MHRA regulates the registration of herbal products in the UK. Some unlicensed herbal products have been found to contain illegal substances and toxic herbs.

The manufacturers have not listed this on the packaging of the product. The amount of the active ingredient can also vary widely between products. It is safest to buy herbal remedies from a fully qualified herbal practitioner. They have had training to work out which medicines are appropriate for you.

They can also trace where their herbs and plants come from. It is understandable that you might want to try anything if you think it might help treat or cure your cancer.

Only you can decide whether to use an alternative cancer therapy such as herbal medicine. Some websites might promote herbal medicine as part of treatment for cancer.

But no reputable scientific cancer organisations support any of these claims. The EHTPA covers a group of organisations representing Ayurveda, Chinese Herbal Medicine, Traditional Tibetan Medicine and Western Herbal Medicine within Europe.

They are working together to develop a set of practice and training standards for herbal medicine. The BHMA aims to protect herbal medicine users, practitioners and manufacturers. It has an information service and can refer to locally qualified herbal practitioners.

Tel: Email: secretary bhma. The MHRA regulates medicines, medical devices and blood components for transfusion in the UK. This includes herbal products. Telephone: Email: info mhra. Find detailed information and research into some of the many different complementary and alternative therapies used by people with cancer.

A complementary therapy means you can use it alongside your conventional medical treatment. It may help you to feel better and cope better with your cancer and treatment.

An alternative therapy is generally used instead of conventional medical treatment. Find organisations, support groups, books, websites and other resources about complementary and alternative therapies. Treatments can include surgery, radiotherapy and drug treatments such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy or targeted cancer drugs.

Find out about treatments and how to cope with side effects. Search for the cancer type you want to find out about. Each section has detailed information about symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, research and coping with cancer.

Cancer Chat is our fully moderated forum where you can talk to others affected by cancer, share experiences, and get support. Cancer Chat is free to join and available 24 hours a day. Visit the Cancer Chat forum. About Cancer generously supported by Dangoor Education since Questions about cancer?

Call freephone 9 to 5 Monday to Friday or email us. Skip to main content. Home About cancer Treatment for cancer Complementary and alternative therapies Individual therapies Herbal medicine and cancer. Summary Herbal medicine uses plants or plant extracts to treat illness and promote health.

Some of these treatments may work, but most have not been thoroughly tested. The studies have often been too small to give a clear answer. We know most about the treatments for depression , anxiety and insomnia. Despite the lack of evidence, people all over the world take CAMs, and many report that they find them helpful.

Ultimately, whether taking CAMs is a good idea depends on individual circumstances. We recommend that you talk to your GP or mental health team first. Herbal remedies come from plants. If possible, choose a remedy which has been standardised, i. the contents are approximately the same in each bottle or tablet you buy.

Plant remedies are not always safer than ordinary medicines. All of them can have side-effects and interact with other medicines. Supplements include vitamins, minerals and animal and plant products, such as cod liver oil.

They can also have side-effects and interact with other medicines. Some people take supplements, like vitamin C in high doses, but this can damage the liver or kidneys. Many supplements have a recommended daily intake RDI , or allowance RDA. Ginkgo is a tree originating in China.

Extracts of its seeds and leaves are used to improve thinking in healthy people, as well as people with dementia. Research shows that Ginkgo may help in dementia.

The same is true of its use in healthy adults, but ultimately, we do not know. It may rarely cause bleeding into the brain and into the eye or prolong bleeding time during surgery.

About twenty such cases have been reported, and patients undergoing surgery may consider avoiding gingko.

Gingko should not be taken together with blood thinning medications, such as aspirin and ibuprofen. There is an increased risk of fits and lower fertility in both men and women. Ginseng grows in many parts of the world. Panax ginseng or Korean ginseng are most commonly used.

How good is it? It might improve cognitive performance, but there is no evidence that it delays ageing. Side-effects: agitation and mania; sleep problems; blood pressure changes; changes in bleeding time so people with bleeding disorders such as stroke and blood clots thrombosis should avoid it.

It may possibly stimulate breast cancers. This comes from a fungus which lives on rye. For hundreds of years it has caused epidemics of poisoning ergotism. This is caused by eating bread made from infected rye flour. It can cause fits, confusion, hallucinations and psychosis.

Severe poisoning can cause gangrene. Sage produces oils which are used in aromatherapy. It is used to improve concentration and memory and has been suggested as a treatment of depression and anxiety. There is some evidence for improved memory in volunteers.

One study found that it improved mood, alertness, calmness and contentedness. It may help concentration in people with dementia. Although safe when used in amounts commonly found in foods, some types when taken orally can cause convulsions.

Sage may also lower blood sugar. It should not be used in pregnancy or when breastfeeding. Vitamin E is found in plant oils, nuts, vegetables and, to a lesser degree, in meat and dairy products.

It may improve behaviour in dementia, but there is no good evidence that it improves memory or slows the progress of the disease. A recent study found that a daily intake of more than IU mg of alpha-tocopherol resulted in an increase of death from all causes, and an increased risk of bleeding and stroke.

Most of these treatments seem to work on gamma-amino-butyric acid GABA , a chemical in the brain linked to anxiety. We do not know if these drugs cause addiction. They are less powerful than conventional sedatives or sleeping tablets. Valeriana officinalis is thought to be safe and is available as a standard extract in the UK.

Some other species may cause liver problems. This remains unclear at the moment, but some studies have shown that people report sleeping better having taken Valerian. drowsiness or excitability. It may slow down reactions, so you should not drive or operate dangerous machinery after taking it.

Valerian is safe more most people when used sort-term. As with most complementary medicines, we do not know whether long-term use may be harmful. You should not take it in pregnancy. Passion flower is used to treat anxiety. It has also been suggested as a treatment in alcohol craving and opiate withdrawal.

Very few studies have been conducted, One trial found it to be as good as conventional tranquillisers. Isolated reports of severe toxicity even at normal doses. It can cause dizziness, confusion, heart problems, and inflammation of blood vessels. Some species may contain cyanides, so toxicity may depend on the preparation.

Chamomile is a mild sedative. It is also used to treat stomach upsets and mucosal irritations. Traditionally the flowers are prepared as a tea. We know very little, but one recent study has shown that it may make people less anxious, as long as the anxiety is not too bad.

It may increase bleeding time and may stimulate breast cancer cell growth in oestrogen sensitive cancers. People use this to lower cholesterol and for stomach upsets, such as irritable bowel syndrome.

It has also been used to treat anxiety and tiredness. It has even been suggested for use in alcohol and nicotine addiction. Some extracts can cause liver problems or possibly cancer.

It should not be used in pregnancy and it may increase epileptic fits. Lemon balm is a herb of the mint family. It is used for anxiety, sleep problems, heavy periods and period pain.

It is also used to treat agitation in dementia. Lemon balm is used as tea or extract. The oil is also used in aromatherapy.

Some evidence of calming in dementia. No research on its use in anxiety and insomnia. In combination with valerian and hops, it can improve sleep.

Lavender is also a member of the mint family. Drops of lavender oil or seeds put onto pillows have been used to help sleep. It is used in aromatherapy, and as an extract or tea. This is an extract from a combination of flowers which is used to treat anxiety, panic and trauma.

Melatonin is a hormone made by the pineal gland in the base of the brain. It controls our body clock. If you are over 55, your doctor can prescribe melatonin for you. The prescribed brand is called Circadin.

A mixture of two aminoacids - L-Arginine and L-Lysine - has been used to try to reduce stress and anxiety. Roseroot is also known as 'arctic root' or 'rhodolia'. It is also a so called 'adaptogen' which should help the body cope better with stress, anxiety and tiredness. Roseroot has also been used as an energy booster, for instance to enhance athletic performance.

Vitamins, trace elements and supplements. It has been suggested that certain vitamins, trace elements and supplements may help anxiety. However, there are very few studies to rely on at present. One problem is that studies tend to test combinations rather than individual substances, so that it's difficult to tell which ingredient does what.

The Food Standards Agency has produced a website which explains all about vitamins, trace elements and supplements. In bipolar disorder manic depression , adding omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the chance of becoming ill again.

Some people buy natural lithium, but we do not recommend this because the doses offered in the tablets are much lower than in prescription preparations.

Also, lithium at any dose should be closely monitored. Most treatments for depression are supplements, which are building blocks in the production of serotonin. This is a chemical in the brain that seems to be involved in depression. L-tryptophan and 5 hydroxytryptophan 5-HT , are such building blocks, but they have not as yet been cleared as safe.

This is when the plant starts to flower. For a long time it was thought that the red dye, hypericin, which is produced when the plant is crushed, was responsible for its action.

Research now suggests that another ingredient, hyperforin, may produce the antidepressant effect. It may cause mania in people with bipolar disorder. There is also a risk of organ rejection in people taking St John's wort who undergo transplant surgery.

S-adenosyl-methionine SAME is another building block of serotonin. It is not often used in the UK, but is popular in Europe and the US. It is also popular with HIV sufferers because it has few side-effects.

It is often given as an injection. However, oral preparations are available, but some do not work. SAME can be expensive. In some countries, folic acid is added to the flour. Selenium is an important trace element. It is found in vegetables, meat, fish and Brazil nuts. Brazil nuts can vary in selenium content, but sometimes the concentration is so high that the US National Institutes of Health advise that Brazil nuts should be only eaten occasionally.

The Food Standards Agency recommends a safe upper level of 0. Some formulations exceed this dose. can lead to nausea, vomiting, nail changes, irritability, weight loss, depression, confusion, liver and skin changes.

We don't know. Many depressed people may have low vitamin D levels, but studies have not been able to show that taking Vitamin D helps depression.

NOTE: Going out into the sunlight is a good way to stock up on Vitamin D because the light of the sun helps our skin to produce Vitamin D itself. And the physical activity can help to lift low mood as well.

Omega-3 acids are mainly derived from fish — they are used to prevent heart and joint disease. They are also used in depression. Omega-3 fatty acids have two main components: docosahexaonic acid DHA and eicosapentaonic acid EPA.

The pills are often large, and some people find them hard to swallow. Avoid preparations which have added vitamin A. This could cause vitamin A poisoning. They may be worth taking with antidepressants.

They may help prevent relapse in bipolar disorder. There is not enough evidence to recommend them as an alternative to antidepressants or mood stabilisers. Choices are limited. Rauwolfia, a plant originating from India, has been used, but is not as good as antipsychotic medicines.

Accessed Feb. Passion flower. German chamomile. Lemon balm. FDA issues consumer advisory for dietary supplements containing kava. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.

Bystritsky A. Complementary and alternative treatments for anxiety symptoms and disorders: Herbs and medications. Mixing medications and dietary supplements can endanger your health. Food and Drug Administration.

Dietary supplements: What you need to know. Using dietary supplements wisely. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Bauer BA expert opinion. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. See also Anxiety disorders Cognitive behavioral therapy Anxiety and diet Depression and anxiety: Can I have both?

Fatigue Generalized anxiety disorder Mental health: Overcoming the stigma of mental illness Mental health Mental illness in children: Know the signs Mindfulness exercises Muscle pain Psychotherapy Shortness of breath Sleep disorders Stress symptoms Sweating and body odor Tachycardia Test anxiety: Can it be treated?

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Calling this Alternative herbal remedies connects you Powerlifting nutrition program a Patient Advocate at The Fiber optic solution Hyaluronic acid skincare, the nation's most trusted Altetnative resource. Our Patient Advocates can help guide gerbal or your loved one through the hergal to remediee after a Hyaluronic acid skincare diagnosis. Our team has a combined experience of more than 30 years in assisting cancer patients, and includes a medical doctor, an oncology registered nurse and a U. For example, some herbs can prevent chemotherapy and radiation therapy from killing cancer cells. Certain herbs enhance the effect of chemotherapy in a toxic way that leads to unwanted side effects. Doctors recommend patients avoid herbs during treatment. Clinical trials that combine herbal medicine with cancer therapies are relatively new to the United States. Alternative herbal remedies

Complementary and alternative medicine includes practices Non-toxic kitchenware as massage, acupuncture, hergal chi, and drinking green tea. Complementary and alternative medicine CAM is the term for medical products and practices that are not part of Alternative herbal remedies rfmedies care.

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This list is meant to be Type diabetes research introduction to what types of CAM are practiced, not an endorsement. Some of the therapies listed below still need more research to prove that they can be helpful.

If you have cancer, you should discuss your thoughts about using CAM with your health care provider before using the therapies listed below. People may use the term "natural," "holistic," "home remedy," or "Eastern Medicine" to refer to CAM.

However, experts often use five remedise to describe it. These are listed below with examples for each. These combine mental focus, breathing, and body movements to help relax the body and mind. Some examples are. Energy healing is based on the belief that a vital energy flows through the body.

The goal is to balance the energy flow in the patient. There's not enough evidence to support the existence of energy fields. However, there are no harmful effects in using these approaches.

These are healing systems and beliefs that have evolved over time in different cultures and parts of the world.

For details about specific CAM therapies, NCI provides evidence-based Physician Data Query PDQ information for many CAM therapies in versions for both the patient and health professional. Also see the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health's page, Cancer and Remedeis Health Ermedies What You Need to Know for more details about CAM and some of the current research.

Some CAM therapies have remmedies careful evaluation and have been found to be generally safe and effective. These include acupuncture, yoga, and meditation to name a few. However, there are others that do not work, may be harmful, or could interact negatively with your medicines.

CAM therapies include a wide variety of botanicals and nutritional products, such as herbal and dietary supplementsand vitamins. These products do not have to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration FDA before being sold to the public. Alterjative, a demedies isn't needed Alterantive buy them.

Therefore, it's up to you to decide what's best for you. Some tips to keep in mind are below. It's always important for you to have a healthy diet, but especially now. Remediew the best you can to have a well-rounded approach, eating a variety of foods that are good for you.

For advice about eating during and after cancer treatment, see the NCI booklet, Eating Hints. Cancer patients who want to use CAM should talk with their doctor or nurse. This is an important step because things that seem safe could be harmful or Alternayive interfere with your cancer treatment.

It's also a good idea to learn if the therapy you're thinking about has been proven to do what it claims to do. Examples of questions to ask are below.

Don't be afraid to ask questions. It's okay to feel hesitant when asking about using CAM. But doctors want to know what concerns you have so they can give you the best possible care. Let them know that you would like to use CAM methods and want their input. NCI and the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health NCCIH are currently sponsoring or cosponsoring clinical trials that test CAM treatments and therapies in people.

Some study the effects of complementary approaches used in addition to conventional treatments, and some compare alternative therapies with conventional treatments.

You can find a list of all cancer CAM clinical trials here. Jeffrey D. White, OCCAM Director, explains the use of complementary and alternative medicine in cancer. Patients, their families, and their health care providers can learn about CAM therapies and practitioners from the following government agencies:.

Home About Cancer Cancer Hegbal Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Credit: iStock. Trial Tests Acupuncture for Pain in Cancer Survivors Modest pain improvements were seen, although a placebo effect could not be ruled out.

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A guide to herbal remedies See also Anxiety disorders Cognitive behavioral therapy Anxiety and diet Depression and anxiety: Can I have both? It has an information service and can refer to locally qualified herbal practitioners. Herbal remedies are plants used like a medicine. Clinical Toxicology. Find a Doctor Request an Appointment.
Herbal medicine - Wikipedia Powerlifting nutrition program of Remeies. If we combine this information with your protected health information, Powerlifting nutrition program will treat all of remedles information as Remrdies health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in Awakens a sense of bliss notice of privacy practices. Rosemary may also reduce pain in people experiencing opium withdrawalreduce inflammationrelax smooth muscles, and boost memory. When a person takes traditional pain relief medication as prescribed, with guidance from a qualified healthcare professional, it is a safe and effective way to manage pain. In Indonesiaespecially among the Javanesethe jamu traditional herbal medicine may have originated in the Mataram Kingdom era, some years ago.
Potential issues with herbal medicines Does Ashwagandha Make You Fertile? Re,edies showed Hyaluronic acid skincare people having herbal Powerlifting nutrition program might remediws longer. It Metabolic health community important to purchase herbal supplements from reputable manufacturers to ensure quality. No herb has been proven to control or cure any kind of cancer. This way we can know which herbs are safe to use alongside conventional cancer treatment. This compound is found in St. This is especially when combined with conventional treatment.
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Here are some things you should know about herbals:. Many people think that using plants to treat illness is safer than taking medicine. People have been using plants in folk medicine for centuries.

So, it is easy to see the appeal. Yet "natural" does not mean safe. Unless taken as directed, some herbals can interact with other medicines or be toxic at high doses. Also, some may cause side effects. Of course, some herbals have been tested and work well for their intended purpose.

Many are also quite safe, but the word "natural" will not tell you which ones are safe and which ones are not safe. Some herbals can make you feel better and help keep you healthy.

But you need to be a smart consumer. Use these tips when choosing herbal remedies. Aronson JK. Herbal medicines. In: Aronson JK, ed. Meyler's Side Effects of Drugs. Waltham, MA: Elsevier B. Gardiner P, Filippelli AC, Low Dog T.

Prescribing botanicals. In: Rakel D, ed. Integrative Medicine. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; chap National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health website.

Using dietary supplements wisely. Updated January Accessed November 24, Information for consumers on using dietary supplements. Updated October 21, Updated by: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA.

Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A. Editorial team. A guide to herbal remedies. Herbal remedies are not regulated or tested like medicines. Herbals are not Medicines. Here are some things you should know about herbals: Herbals are not regulated like medicines.

Herbals do not need to be rigidly tested before they are sold. Herbals may not work as claimed. Labels do not need to be approved by any authority. It may not list the correct amount of an ingredient. Some herbal remedies may contain ingredients or contaminants not listed on the label.

Natural Does not Mean Safe. Here are some examples: Kava is an herb used for anxiety, insomnia, symptoms of menopause, and other ailments. Some studies show it may work for anxiety.

But kava can also cause severe liver damage. The FDA has issued a warning against its use. John's Wort may work for mild to moderate depression. However, it can interact with birth control pills, antidepressants, and other drugs. It can also cause side effects such as stomach upset and anxiety.

Yohimbe is a bark used to treat erectile dysfunction. There is not enough evidence to recommend them as an alternative to antidepressants or mood stabilisers. Choices are limited. Rauwolfia, a plant originating from India, has been used, but is not as good as antipsychotic medicines.

Reserpine, a drug developed from Rauwolfia, can cause depression and is no longer used in the UK. Omega-3s may be tried with antipsychotic treatment, but there is no good evidence that they help. Many antipsychotics can cause weight gain and lead to a higher risk of heart and blood pressure problems.

Omega-3s may reduce these changes, but success is not guaranteed. Many older antipsychotics could cause abnormal movements, known as tardive dyskinesia. If this occurs, the dose of the antipsychotic can be lowered, or an alternative antipsychotic given.

Vitamin E, may prevent the movements getting worse. However, the potential benefits need to be offset against long-term use, particularly if high doses of vitamin E are considered. Melatonin has also been tried, but the research is inconclusive.

One study found that Gingko biloba can reduce tardive dyskinesia and that the effect may last for some time, even after Ginkgo biloba has been stopped.

As mentioned above, there may be health risks because of a potentially increased bleeding risk. The choice is limited. Valerian has been suggested to improve sleep in people withdrawing from drugs like Valium. But no good research has been done.

Kudzu, or 'Japanese arroweed' flowers have a pleasant fragrance. They have been used for many medical purposes, including menopausal problems. It has also been used for alcohol problems.

One study showed reduction in alcohol use in heavy drinkers. Another study failed to show any effect on craving. Iboga is a West African shrub producing ibogaine. This causes hallucinations and has been used widely for religious rites.

It became famous as a treatment for opiate addiction in the 60s. However, it can have serious life-threatening side-effects. Until these safety concerns are clarified it cannot be recommended. Several deaths after ibogaine use have been reported. The risk of death may be as high as 1 in treatments.

It is not known how many deaths have occurred, and may have gone unreported because of the 'underground nature' of ibogaine treatment. Finding a well-trained practitioner can be difficult. You can also always ask your general practitioner GP or mental health professional. It may be useful to consult with your local drug information service, and to find a health professional with special expertise in this area, or use services recommended by your GP or hospital.

There are professional herbalists who belong to the National Institute of Medical Herbalists. They are trained and often work in a private setting. Most are not medically qualified. Food and Behaviour Research: this website has information about a wide variety of conditions where behaviour, learning and mood are linked with food and nutrition.

You can browse this information by condition. MedlinePlus: This is a website run by the US National Institute of Health. The homepage has a search option allowing you to type in different keywords so you can retrieve the information you want.

Mayo Clinic: Nutrition and healthy eating. An American website that offers a wealth of information on all aspects of eating and weight control. NHS choices: Complementary and alternative medicines.

This website is very helpful to get information on all aspects of complementary alternative medicines, ranging from individual treatment to regulation of medicine, and how to find a practitioner. It is easy to surf. Of particular interest is the clinical trial register which gives an overview of American research.

This needs to be complemented with information from other clinical trial databases, for instance the Cochrane collaboration.

Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database : A subscription-only website with extremely detailed and comprehensive information on all types of natural medicines.

It is cross-referenced with the scientific literature, and contains features such as a natural product effectiveness and drug interaction checker. It also allows condition-specific searches and offers tutorials on specific topics. Patient hand-outs can be downloaded. Quackwatch : A non-profit corporation whose purpose is to combat health-related frauds, myths, fads, fallacies, and misconduct.

This website can be helpful when unusual treatments are suggested, particularly if a lot of money is to be paid in advance. This site uses cookies: Find out more Okay, thanks. Home Mental health Support, care and treatment Complementary and alternative medicines: herbal remedies.

Print this page Share this page facebook twitter linkedin. Disclaimer This leaflet provides information, not advice. What are complementary and alternative medicines CAMs? They include: herbal medicines foods nutritional supplements, such as vitamins and minerals.

CAMS and mental health problems. If you are considering taking CAMs, you should seek specialist advice if: you are pregnant or breastfeeding you want to give CAMs to children you are competing in sports to make sure that the CAM you are considering taking is not in breach of doping regulations.

How to use CAMs safely. Do choose a qualified practitioner who is a member of a recognised society ask about their qualification and experience ask about side-effects if in doubt, ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist tell the professionals involved in your care, including your CAM practitioner, about all your treatments and medications tell them if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or breast-feed tell them about your physical health and allergies discuss your concerns about treatment seek medical advice if you experience unusual symptoms make special time for your treatment sessions find a reliable source for your information about therapies.

An introduction to herbal remedies and supplements. Do not go beyond this dose without talking to an experienced health professional. Herbal remedies and supplements for brain function and dementia. These are called 'cognitive enhancers' and can improve concentration. They include: Ginkgo ginkgo biloba Ginseng panax ginseng Hydergine Ergot claviceps purpurea Sage Salvia officinalis, salvia lavandulaefolia Vitamin E alpha-tocopheril Ginkgo Ginkgo is a tree originating in China.

How does it work? It may: act as an antioxidant to prevent cell damage increase the blood flow in the brain or increase chemical transmitters in the brain. Side-effects It may rarely cause bleeding into the brain and into the eye or prolong bleeding time during surgery.

Drug interactions with blood thinning drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, warfarin increases bleeding time trazodone one case of coma has been reported antidepressants increase the risk of going high - mania anticonvulsants reduces their effectiveness. Ginseng Ginseng grows in many parts of the world.

It may: thin the blood prevent cell damage through antioxidant activity How good is it? Drug interactions with: drugs used in diabetes lower blood sugar blood thinning agents such as aspirin, ibuprofen and warfarin changes in bleeding time MAOI antidepressants eg.

Phenelzine , may lead to agitation and sleep problems. Hydergine This comes from a fungus which lives on rye. It may affect the activity of brain transmitters. It may improve memory in dementia. Side-effects It can cause fits, confusion, hallucinations and psychosis. Drug interactions with antidepressants and some pain killers drugs for dementia drugs for migraine.

Sage Sage produces oils which are used in aromatherapy. It may: increase some brain transmitters have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and oestrogen effects How good is it? Side-effects Although safe when used in amounts commonly found in foods, some types when taken orally can cause convulsions.

Drug interactions with: drugs for diabetes drugs for epilepsy sedatives. Vitamin E alpha-tocopherol Vitamin E is found in plant oils, nuts, vegetables and, to a lesser degree, in meat and dairy products.

Antioxidant properties may prevent cell damage. Side-effects A recent study found that a daily intake of more than IU mg of alpha-tocopherol resulted in an increase of death from all causes, and an increased risk of bleeding and stroke.

Drug interactions with drugs to thin the blood anaesthetics and cocaine drugs to lower cholesterol and some cancer treatments. Herbal remedies and supplements for anxiety and sleep problems. Note Kava piper methysticum has been withdrawn in the UK due to concerns that it might cause liver damage.

It should not be used. Combinations of extracts may be less safe. There have been concerns about liver damage from combinations of valerian and other herbs. Some other species may cause liver problems How does it work?

It probably acts on GABA. It may also counteract the effects of caffeine. Side-effects drowsiness or excitability. Drug interactions with sedatives alcohol the pill HIV medicines cancer treatments epilepsy and anti-fungal treatments blood thinning medicines. Herbal remedies and supplements for depression and bipolar.

antidepressants strong painkillers oral contraceptives the pill , reduces its effectiveness some cancer drugs. some epilepsy drugs, such as carbamazepine digoxin warfarin HIV drugs some cancer drugs. S-adenosyl-methionine SAME S-adenosyl-methionine SAME is another building block of serotonin. It helps to produce serotonin and other neurotransmitters.

Some trials show that SAME has a good antidepressant effect. Side-effects : may cause mania in people with bipolar disorder. Drug interactions with:.

It is another building block of serotonin and other neurotransmitters. It may increase the effect of some antidepressants. Side-effects: It may make it more difficult to diagnose pernicious anaemia which can occur in people who do not have enough Vitamin B Large doses can cause agitation, sleep problems, confusion and fits.

Selenium Selenium is an important trace element. Selenium is an antioxidant and may prevent cell damage. It also helps produce thyroid hormone. Side effects : can lead to nausea, vomiting, nail changes, irritability, weight loss, depression, confusion, liver and skin changes.

Herbal remedies and supplements for psychosis. Herbal remedies and supplements for movement disorders. Two complementary remedies may help - vitamin E, melatonin and ginkgo biloba. Herbal remedies and supplements for addictions.

Other Remedies include:. Kudzu Kudzu, or 'Japanese arroweed' flowers have a pleasant fragrance. It may reduce anxiety caused by alcohol withdrawal. Side-effects None reported. It probably affects several chemical transmitters in the brain. It may help in withdrawal and in staying away from drugs.

Side-effects Several deaths after ibogaine use have been reported. Drug interactions with drugs which affect the same neurotransmitters. Finding a practitioner. Useful websites. General overviews Brown R. New York, London: WW Norton Company.

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Cancer-Therapy, Improving brain function and dementia Birks, J. Gingko Biloba for Cognitive Impairment and Dementia. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews , Issue 1. DOI: Bjelakovic, G. McDonald, R.

Pharmakopsychiatr Neuropsychopharmakol , 12, Olin, J. et al Hydergine for dementia Cochrane Review. In: The Cochrane Library , Issue 4, Tabet, N. Vogeler, B.

A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. European Jounral of Clinical Pharmacology , 55, No author listed Haemorrhage due to Gingki Biloba.

Prescrire Int, 93, Anxiety and sleep problems Bent, S. Padula, A. Bystritsky, A ,, Kerwin, L. J Altern Complement Med , 14, Diaper, A. A double-blind, placebo-controlled investigation of the effects of two doses of a valerian preparation on the sleep, cognitive and psychomotor function of sleep-disturbed older adults.

Phytother Res , 18, Movement disorder Dorn, M. Efficacy and tolerabilityof Baldrian versus Oxazepam in non-organic and non-psychiatric insomniacs: a randomized, double blind, clinical comparative study.

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A systematic review of the effectiveness of oral melatonin for adults 18 to 65 years with delayed sleep phase syndrome and adults 18 to 65 years with primary insomnia.

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There Alternatvie various natural ways remedues cure, manage, or relieve pain. Herbql include essential oils, herbal remedies, and Hyaluronic acid skincare complementary and Altegnative therapies. People have used essential oils, Powerlifting nutrition program, Glycogen replenishment for weight loss alternative therapies as natural Alternative herbal remedies relievers for hundreds of years. Researchers have not fully explored these options, but some evidence suggests that certain remedies can help and that many people find them useful. In this article, we discuss 12 natural pain relievers and the science behind them. Read on to learn how to manage pain naturally without relying on over-the-counter pain medication. A study found that inhaling lavender oil, or applying it topically to the skin, significantly decreases the severity of pain experienced by people having a needle inserted into their artery.

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