Several oriental herbs are marketed today with claims of the vast health benefits they provide. While many of these herbs haven?t yet been studied fully and none are approved by the FDA for public use, herbal specialist still boast that improved health can be obtained through the use of certain oriental herbs. Four such herbs including Dong Quai, Echinacea, ginger, and Kava Kava are discussed in greater depth in the article that follows.

Dong Quai

Dong Quai is related to the celery plant and grows between May and August. The plant is comprised of jagged-edged leaves and greenish-white flowers. Dong Quai is sometimes referred to as ?Women?s Ginseng? and often recommended to women as a treatment for menstrual pain in America. In China, Dong Quai is often recommended to both males and females to help control blood pressure and prevent cardiovascular disorders.

This oriental herb is known to affect the central nervous system and can be used for many reasons, including insomnia, nervousness, migraines, and constipation. The main side effect linked to Dong Quai is sensitivity to sunlight in patients with fair skin. Therefore anyone taking this oriental herb should avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.

Echinacea

Echinacea is a common and very popular herbal supplement used to boost an individual?s natural immunity by stimulating white blood cell growth. The full benefits possible from this oriental herb haven?t been determined yet but possibilities include helping patients with AIDS fight off infections, as well as boosting the immune system of patients who undergo immunosuppressant treatments. Currently many people take Echinacea daily to prevent colds and other illnesses.

Ginger

Ginger is an oriental herb frequently recommended for the treatment of vomiting, diarrhea, bloating and rheumatism. Ginger is also taken to prevent or treat motion sickness. When compared to products sold over-the-counter to treat these ailments, little difference could be found. In fact ginger seemed to have similar results. Other rumored uses for ginger include everything from headaches and arthritis to toothaches and heartburn. Little scientific proof exists to back up the various claims made by fans of the oriental herb. There are also very few complaints of side effects occurring from ginger so if faced with a discomfort or pain that doesn?t seem to be getting better with OTC remedies, a little ginger may just save the day.

Kava Kava

Kava Kava is a tall tropical plant. Actually it is the root of the kava kava plant that is typically used to treat anxiety and stress. While small doses of the kava root seemingly improve awareness, large doses have the opposite effect and result in drowsiness. Kava root is often recommended by health care workers to treat patients who are at risk for cardiac or blood pressure problems from other treatments. The FDA discovered a potential link between kava root and liver failure, so anyone with a weak or compromised liver should avoid taking Kava Kava.

Filed under: Arthritis Advice

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