Ten Recently Researched Options 
By susan mardele

Herbs have been used throughout human history for healing. More recently scientific research has begun to affirm their effectiveness LIVING offers ten recently researched herbs the show great promise for human healing keep in mind that even natural herbs can interaction with pharmaceutical medicines and other herbs or have side effects. Consult a qualified practitioner before changing or mixing therapies and for appropriate dosag

ASTRAGALUS 
With antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties, astragalus was historically used by Chinese healers to prevent colds, lower blood pressure, treat diabetes and care for the liver. US scientists have found that astragalus boosts immune systems impacted by chemotherapy, and Chinese studies indicate that astragalus may help fight heart disease,

ECHINACEA 
Echinacea has been heavily researched. A meta-­analysis including 14 unique studies on Echinacea concluded that the herb decreased the odds of developing the common cold by 58 percent and the duration by 1-4 days.

GARLIC 
More than 1,000 recent scientific studies have explored garlic's benefits. Various studies have shown it to lower cholesterol, prevent blood clots, reduce blood pressure, prevent cancer and protect against bacterial and fungal infections.

KAVA EXTRACT 
In a comparison of clinical trials, researchers found that kava extract is effective in treating anxiety. Conventional anxiety treatment with pharmaceutical drugs can have serious side effects like dependence, daytime drowsiness and memory impairment. Kava reportedly caused significantly fewer and milder side effects.

LICORICE ROOT 
Licorice root has historically been used to prevent and treat stomach ulcers. Recent research shows promise in body fat reduction, heart disease treatment and HIV treatment. Licorice also has estrogen-like qualities that can help with PMS and menopausal symptoms. Glycyrrhizin, an element of licorice root, can raise blood pressure, so many health cine providers prescribe a form of licorice with that component removed,

NETTLE 
Topical application of stinging nettle reduced osteoarthritis pain and disability significantly more than a placebo. It is generally considered safe.

RED CLOVER 
Recent research on red clover found heart-protective effects in postmenopausal women equivalent to those of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with no side effects. HRT's side effects include an increased risk of depression, high blood pressure and breast cancer

SAINT JOHN'S WORT 
A recent German study compared St. John's Worth 1c Prozac® in treating depression, Researchers function virtually no difference in the results between the two therapies. Seventy-two percent of the Prozac group. Reported side effects versus 28 percent of the Sain John's Wort group, and Prozac's were more severe,

SAW PALMETTO 
In a recent American study, saw palmetto combine with nettle root was proven effective in shrinking~ prostate tissue in those with benign prostatic hyper plasia. Saw palmetto has been widely used in Europe< and is considered very safe. Unlike pharmaceutics treatment, saw palmetto has not been associated with sexual dysfunction,

WILLOW BARK EXTRACT 
Willow bark has been used for centuries for pair relief. It is the natural precursor to its synthetic cousin aspirin. A recent German trial tested willow bark" effectiveness against low back pain, showing significant pain relief.