The good, and bad, on herbal remedies available on the market

By Maria Kegel

JAKARTA (JP): Many diverse cultures throughout the ages have utilized the medicinal properties of plants, flowers and herbs, and their healing traditions are still being applied today.

In many cases, clinical studies have confirmed herbal remedies are effective treatment for a variety of ailments.

Below is a short sampling of the most common and popular herbal remedies available on the market.

However, as with any new health program, a doctor should be consulted before embarking on a course of treatment.

Valerian: Proven effective for insomnia and nervousness. Other uses include relieving discomfort from pregnancy, premenstrual syndrome, colic, uterine spasms, fainting, epilepsy, stomach cramps, stress, hysteria, headaches, anxiety, mental strain, lack of concentration and excitability, although this has yet to be confirmed.

This plant dates back to ancient Greece, and during medieval times it was called "all-heal" because of its numerous healing properties, both when taken internally and externally.

Valerian comes in a loose form or sometimes in capsules and is commonly taken as a tea, but can also be used in your bath.

Before bathing in it or using its oil, consult your physician if you suffer from an acute skin disorder, infection, any heart problems, muscle tension or a sizable skin injury.

St. John's wort: Relieves anxiety, depression, bruises, skin inflammations, wounds and burns. Other unproven uses for it include gallbladder disorders, hemorrhoids, muscle pain, gastritis, bronchitis, asthma, diarrhea, bed-wetting, sleep disturbances, rheumatism and gout.

Commercially available in a variety of forms, including tea, oil, tablet and powder.

Apart from its medicinal values, this plant was used as a repellent for evil spirits by the ancient Greeks. Its oil was honored by Christians for its believed association with St. John the Baptist.

Sensitivity to sunlight increases with dosage, and medical experts recommend users limit their exposure to sun. Constipation and bloating can also occur.

Devil's claw: Proven effective by researchers to aid in appetite loss, indigestion, rheumatism, and liver and gallbladder disorders.

Indigenous to South and Central Africa, this herb's medicinal properties lie in its roots, which are dried after they are cut.

Devil's claw is prepared for use in teas and other preparations that are taken internally.

It is known to cause allergic reactions, and it should be avoided if you are have stomach ulcers.

Kava Kava: A proven remedy for tension and sleeplessness, with physicians saying it rates as effective as a prescription tranquilizer.

It should not be taken if you are pregnant or nursing or suffer from depression. It can increase the effects of alcohol, barbiturates and other narcotics.

Extreme caution should be exercised for use with certain medications such as the tranquilizer Xanax or levodopa-based medication for Parkinson's disease.

Unpleasant side effects include weight loss and a scaly rash with prolonged use, and high doses may trigger hepatitis. Consult a physician if you continue using it for more than three months.

Echinacea: Commercially available as a remedy for fighting colds, cough, fever, sore throat and bronchitis. Research has also proven it effective for treating urinary tract infections, skin ulcers, burns and poorly healing injuries.

There are three types of this plant, each with different medicinal properties. It was first used by the Sioux tribe in North America for snakebites, and as a general antiseptic by other native Indians.

Research has proven echinacea stimulates the immune system, and for this reason it should not be used if you suffer from AIDS, tuberculosis, leukemia, multiple sclerosis, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. It is available in a liquid, tablet or capsule form.

Although there are no side effects when it is taken orally, its use should not be prolonged after eight weeks.

Ginseng: Used for combating fatigue, this herb has also been proven to aid in resistance to viral infections. Chinese medicine has long considered its medicinal values effective for treating vomiting and digestive problems, among other things.

Ginseng's active ingredients are a set of compounds called ginsenosides that stimulate the nervous system, thin the blood and reduce blood sugar levels.

People with diabetes, heart and circulation problems should exercise care when taking it. Overuse of ginseng has been linked to an increase in blood pressure, as well as symptoms of sleeplessness, water retention and tight muscles, in which case a physician should be called.

Garlic: Used as a remedy for bronchitis, colds, sore throat, fever, cough and hardening of the arteries.

The Chinese dynasties and Egyptian pharaohs were the first users of garlic for both medicine and food. Garlic's active ingredient is allicin, which is released when it is crushed, and as such, commercial preparations must smell of it in order to be effective.

Consuming a large quantity of garlic causes bad breath, body odor and in some cases stomach problems.

A doctor should be consulted if you are planning to have an operation or are taking anticlotting drugs.