Introduction:

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is a flowering plant of the Asteraceae family. Its name comes from the Latin word febrifugia, meaning “fever reducer.”   Feverfew contains a variety of active compounds, such as flavonoids and volatile oils. However, its main compound of interest is parthenolide, found in the plant’s leaves.

Useful in Migraines:

For centuries, people have been taking feverfew to treat migraines.  In test-tube studies, compounds in feverfew — such as parthenolide and tanetin — helped stop the production of prostaglandins, which are molecules that promote inflammation. Thus Feverfew is useful in controlling migraines and works better than placebos.

Other possible uses:

• Anticancer effects: Test-tube studies show that compounds in feverfew may inhibit certain cancer cells.
• Pain relief: The anti-inflammatory action may help alleviate pain.
• Elevated mood: In some studies in mice, feverfew helped reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
• Treating rosacea: Topical creams containing parthenolide-free feverfew extract may help treat acne rosacea by reducing inflammation.

Conclusion:

Feverfew is a medicinal plant traditionally used for the treatment of fevers, migraine headaches, rheumatoid arthritis, stomach aches, toothaches, insect bites, infertility, and problems with menstruation and labor during childbirth.

Introduction:

Goldenrod is a yellow-gold wildflower often viewed as a common weed. Over 50 species of it are native to the Americas, and it grows widely in Europe and Asia as well.  Many of the benefits of goldenrod come from its astringent and anti-inflammatory nature. It also has antimicrobial and diuretic properties and has been used for everything from fevers to snakebites to urinary tract infections.

Benefits of Goldenrod:

Full of antioxidants:

Antioxidants are key to staying healthy as you age. They protect your cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals, which has been linked to many chronic diseases, including cancer.

Eases inflammation and pain:

One of the most powerful benefits of goldenrod is its ability to reduce inflammation and pain. It’s frequently infused into oil and used topically in salves and creams for sore muscles, injuries, arthritis, etc.

Useful in Kidney health:

Goldenrod has a long history of use for the urinary system and bladder health. It’s an astringent, which means it tones and tightens tissues, and an antiseptic, which means it, fights certain infections. Both of these properties explain its regular use for urinary tract infections (UTIs).   Goldenrod also has diuretic properties. It can increase urine flow, which helps to flush out toxins, potentially preventing kidney stones from forming

Useful in colds and fevers:

Goldenrod can be supportive during a cold or the flu, it helps to break up mucus in your lungs, allowing you to expel it and breathe better. It’s also a mild diaphoretic that will support your body during a fever.

Useful in seasonal allergies:

It is beneficial in helping with the seasonal allergies. Because it’s an astringent (drying) herb, goldenrod is most helpful for symptoms like runny nose, runny eyes, and sneezing.

It is used in wound healing:

Native Americans once used it frequently for wounds, burns, and sores. They would use it as a poultice applied to damaged skin or as a skin wash.

Useful in diarrhea:

Goldenrod has been used as a remedy for diarrhea in the past. Its astringent, drying nature helps to tone tissues in the digestive tract. It likely also helps with inflammation caused by digestive upset and diarrhea.  The bitter nature of goldenrod helps overall to stimulate digestion and improve absorption of nutrients

Conclusion:

Goldenrod is used by Native tribes in North America for centuries.  Goldenrod has also been used to treat tuberculosis, diabetes, enlargement of the liver, gout, hemorrhoids, internal bleeding, asthma, and arthritis. In folk medicine, it is used as a mouth rinse to treat inflammation of the mouth and throat.

Introduction:

Red clover (Trifolium pratense) is a wild flowering plant belonging to the same family as peas and beans.  It’s widely used in traditional medicine as a remedy for menopause symptoms, asthma, whooping cough, arthritis, and even cancer.

Potential benefits:

Red clover contains isoflavones, which are a type of phytoestrogen. These help in prevent osteoporosis.

Menopausal symptoms

Red clover’s high isoflavone content is believed to lower menopausal symptoms like hot flushes and night sweats.

Skin and hair health:

Red clover extract has been used in traditional medicine to promote skin and hair health.

Improves heart health:

Red clover reduces the bad cholesterol and helps in improving the heart function.

Other health claims:

Red clover is said to help weight loss, fight cancers, and help in asthmas and whooping cough and arthritis.

Conclusion:

Red clover is an herb used in traditional medicine to treat a wide range of health issues, such as hot flashes, osteoporosis, arthritis, and skin and hair disorders.

Some research has found taking 40–80 mg of red clover daily may help reduce severe menopausal hot flashes. However, beyond this, little evidence supports using red clover to treat other health conditions.

Though it has a good safety profile, some side effects include nausea, vomiting, headache, and vaginal spotting.

Furthermore, due to its minor estrogenic properties, those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, as well as people with hormone-sensitive conditions or bleeding disorders, should avoid its use.

Introduction:

Marshmallow root, or Althaea officinalis, is a flowering plant that has played a role in herbal medicine for centuries.  Many people use marshmallow root for various ailments, including coughs, skin irritation, and digestive problems, such as ulcers. It comes in the forms of a powder, capsule, tea, and cough syrup.

Medical uses of Marshmallow:

Relieves coughs

Some natural and herbal cough syrups and cough drops contain marshmallow root. The mucilage may have a soothing effect on the esophagus by coating.

Improves the dry mouth:

Chronic dry mouth also called as xerostomia can cause an increase in cavities, gum disease, and dental infections. Dry mouth usually means that a person has too little saliva in their mouth. To treat dry mouth, people can use marshmallow root lozenges. It is important to allow the lozenge to dissolve slowly in the mouth and to avoid chewing it.

Protects against ulcers:

Marshmallow has the ability to prevent gastric ulcers.  Based on these results, the authors suggest that the mucilage and flavonoids in the marshmallow plant may cover and protect the mucous lining of the stomach, which may reduce the risk of certain ulcers, including NSAID-associated ulcers.

Soothes skin inflammation:

Marshmallow root may help with skin irritation and inflammation.  Although marshmallow root may have a healing effect on sun-damaged skin, people should not use it in place of proper sun protection. UV radiation as it can cause premature aging of the skin.

Healing wounds:

The soothing effect of marshmallow plant extracts may also help speed wound healing.  Marshmallow extract was effective in killing specific types of bacteria, which could help prevent skin infection.

 

Protecting the throat from gastric reflux:

Marshmallow prevents gastric reflux which can cause damage to the esophagus from acid reflux. The demulcent effect, whereby the mucilage coats a person’s esophagus, can protect it from the stomach’s damaging acids.

Conclusion:

Due to its low risk of side effects and long history of medicinal use, marshmallow root is a good natural option for treating minor ailments. As with any herbal remedy, ask a doctor before using it, and do not use herbs in place of a doctor’s recommended treatment.

Introduction:

Maca is a Peruvian plant that may have various health benefits, such as boosting libido, increasing energy, and improving mood. It may also help manage menopause symptoms and blood pressure.

Maca grows in the Andes Mountains. It is a cruciferous vegetable, meaning that it is related to broccoli, cabbage, and kale.  Maca is a common ingredient in Peruvian cooking that gives dishes an earthy flavor. Maca root plant can be ground up into a powder and added to meals or smoothies.

Benefits of Maca root:

Increases libido:

The most well-known benefit of maca root is its potential to increase libido. There is some scientific evidence to support this claim.

Reduces erectile dysfunction:

In one study it was seen that where males were studied with mild ED. Those taking maca roots experienced a more significant increase in sexual well-being than those taking a placebo.

Increases energy and endurance:

Some athletes and bodybuilders use maca root as a supplement to increase energy and performance.

Increases fertility in males:

Another widespread use of maca root is to increase fertility, particularly in men.

Improves mood:

Maca contains flavonoids, which are thought to improve mood and reduce anxiety. . A study in 14 postmenopausal women found that maca may reduce feelings of anxiety and depression.

Reduces blood pressure:

It was found that 3.3g of maca per day for 12 weeks lowered blood pressure in Chinese postmenopausal women.

Reduces sun damage:

Extracts from Maca leaves protect the skin from UV rays and thus prevent sunburn injuries.

Protects from free radical damage:

Maca leaves and root contain free radical scavengers such as glutathione and superoxide dismutase. These can help prevent cardiovascular diseases and even prevent cancers.

Prevents menopausal symptoms:

The Maca root has the ability to balance estrogen hormones and prevent the uncomfortable menopausal symptoms in menopausal women.

Maca root helps in improving learning and memory:

There is some evidence to suggest that maca can improve learning and memory.

Conclusion:

Maca has a range of potential health benefits, particularly for sexual health. Researchers need to carry out more large-scale studies in humans to determine if maca is effective. Although there are few health risks associated with taking maca, most people can try maca without experiencing any adverse side effects.