15 medicinal plants that will help you without the side effects of drugs

The most common health disorders can be treated with safe therapies, such as medicinal plants. These are the most used and effective

The pharmaceutical business is a business that moves many billions. Every year, pharmaceutical companies invest huge amounts of money in advertising, financing scientific journals, congresses, gifts and well-paid conferences to get doctors to prescribe their products. The result is that many more drugs are consumed than necessary. Up to 95% is dispensable, explains the director of the Nordic Cochrane Center, Peter C. Gøtzsche, in Medicines that kill and organized crime. This excess is paid by the State and consumers, who believe they do the best for their health. In addition, medications have side effects that cause new problems, often serious (medications are the third cause of death, behind cardiovascular diseases and cancer).

The most common health disorders can be treated with safe therapies, such as medicinal plants. These are the most used and effective

-1 Mint

Analgesics are the drugs most sold by the pharmaceutical industry. Aspirin and its equivalents cause a long list of side effects, among which we can highlight the risk of digestive hemorrhage. Mint (Mentha piperita) is used to fight migraines. It is recommended to use a part of peppermint essential oil diluted in nine parts of alcohol and perform a circular massage on the temples with a few drops. It can be applied on any painful area of the body.

Other remedies:

the feverfew (Chrysanthemun parthenium) is taken to prevent migraines or reduce their intensity and acupuncture has also been shown effective in the treatment of headaches. Omega 3 fatty acids, in the form of fish oil beads or flax oil, have a potent anti-inflammatory effect, effective in rheumatoid arthritis, for which the harpagophytum tincture (Harpagophytum procumbens) is also effective.

-2 Licorice

Antacids grow in sales every year, but they have side effects. The mild side effects can be diarrhea, constipation and nausea and the most serious effects are that they weaken the bones to the point of increasing the risk of hip fracture. Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) has anti-inflammatory effects and promotes digestion. It is usually prescribed in cases of gastritis and stomach irritation. The root is taken in decoction at the rate of four cups per day for acute ailments and one cup as preventive. Do not take higher doses or for a long time because it can cause fluid retention and hypertension.

Other remedies:

eating smaller amounts, avoiding fatty foods and chewing well are measures that reduce acidity. Other plants that help control acids are angelica (Angelica archanglic), chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) and the pulp of aloe (Aloe vera). Among foods, cabbage has a great antacid effect.

-3 Gold sun

Antihistamines are the most common medical solution against allergy. It is convenient to be prudent with them because they affect the nervous system and delay effective treatment. The golden sun (Helycrysum italicum) is the plant with the most antihistamine properties, it is very soft and has almost no side effects. To treat asthma or rhinitis is taken in tincture, 50 drops three times daily, the fluid extract 30 drops one to three times or the infusion, three or four cups a day. On eczema is applied in cream, two or three times a day, can also be applied in infusions with compresses.

Other remedies:

vitamin C and the flavonoids Picnogenol and Quercetin inhibit the action of histamine-releasing cells. Other preventive remedies are feverfew and skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis).

-4 Seeds of psyllium

Laxatives are a product increasingly consumed. However, if the pharmaceutical preparations are consumed regularly, there is a risk of making the problem chronic rather than resolving it. The seeds of psyllium (Plantago afra) are rich in mucilage, which explains its action as an effective and gentle laxative. Regular consumption normalizes the intestinal rhythm and can be combined with 40% flax seeds. Let a tablespoon of crushed seeds soak in half a glass of water for half an hour and take it on an empty stomach and before going to bed if necessary. It is important to accompany the shot with plenty of liquid.

Other remedies:

against constipation, we must see if the diet is poor in fiber. In most cases, it can be solved by increasing the rations of fruits, vegetables and water. If all else fails, you can occasionally resort to the aloe pulp.

-5 Hypericum

Antidepressants are very potent drugs and their consumption has tripled in the last ten years. For mild or moderate depression, 300 milligrams of standardized extract of St. John's wort or Hypericum (Hypericum perforatum) are taken three times a day, although larger amounts - up to 1,800 mg per day - may be used under medical supervision. The results begin to be noticed after two weeks. In some people it can cause gastrointestinal discomfort, dry mouth, nervousness and hives and, on the other hand, people with clear skin or eyes should avoid the sun while taking it. St John's wort should not be combined with antidepressant medications or contraceptives. It is not indicated in case of bipolar disorder (manic-depressive) or hypomania.

Other remedies:

mild depression can be corrected by adding to the diet foods that provide vitamin B1 such as egg yolk, whole grains and soy which improves and stabilizes the mood, also the selenium present in wholemeal bread, Brazil nuts or dairy. Physical exercise, technical

-7 Valeriana

The sleeping pills manufactured and marketed by the pharmaceutical industry cause addiction and produce an artificial sleep of poor quality. Insomnia is related to fatigue, irritability and low performance, as well as a general decrease in defenses. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is the most effective natural remedy against insomnia and does not cause addiction or confusing awakening. It is necessary to take valerian between one hour and a half and two hours before going to bed. It can be taken in the form of infusion or pills at the rate of two 300 mg pills. of the dry extract.

Other remedies:

it is very important to establish good sleep habits, take a light and digestive dinner and a progressive reduction of activity. In addition, psychological counseling may be indicated at times.

-8 Ginseng

Stress is one of the typical disorders of a society saturated with work, excess responsibilities and information, and the worst thing is that for 6% of the population it becomes a problem. Each year about 57,000,000 packages of benzodiazepines are consumed, causing addiction and severe liver and nervous disorders. Ginseng (Panax ginseng) is an adoptive plant that helps maintain the sensation of control in situations of stress and favors the functioning of the immune system. The root is used, whose components increase brain activity, but not nervous excitement. On the other hand, it improves the performance and the physical resistance. It is recommended to take one to three 500 mg tablets. in the morning, after having breakfast for four or six weeks, after which you must rest for two months.

Other remedies:

learning psychological techniques of stress management -especially biofeedback- and relaxation is essential. It is also important to recognize the cause of stress with the help of self-analysis or psychotherapy.

-9 Cimifuge

The black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) fights hot flashes, sweating, palpitations, depression and other alterations associated with menopause. It increases the effectiveness of estrogen produced by the body itself and, in addition, it has no side effects. Three to six capsules a day, or two or three teaspoons are recommended if it is a fluid extract.

Other remedies: soy has a regulatory effect on estrogen. Other plants traditionally used in the climacteric are chasteberry (Vitex agnuscastus), evening primrose oil (Oenothera biennis) and sage (Salvia officinalis). Relaxation techniques and psychotherapy are indicated in women who live negatively their maturity.

-10 Garlic

High blood cholesterol levels are related to risk of heart attacks and cardiovascular diseases, the leading cause of death in Spain. Doctors prescribe statins to lower cholesterol, but they also have side effects, such as muscle aches, fatigue, insomnia and memory disturbances. Garlic (Allium sativum) does not cause a drop as large as synthetic drugs, but reduces cholesterol, promotes blood pressure control, is anticoagulant and has antioxidant properties. The recommended daily dose is 6-10 mg of alliin -its most important active ingredient-, roughly one clove of raw garlic or one gram of dried garlic powder.

Other remedies:

the most useful medicinal plants are the ispágula (Plantago ovata) and the olive leaf (Olea europaea). Dietary measures are essential: reduce the intake of saturated and trans fats present in dairy products, meats, pastries, prepared dishes and margarines, increase the consumption of extra virgin olive oil -one tablespoon or two per day in salads-, especially raw, and increase the rations of whole grains, vegetables and fruits. Equally mandatory is physical exercise. A long walk at a brisk pace is one of the most effective remedies to fight against cholesterol.

-11 Nettle

The infusion of nettle (Urtica dioica) serves to stimulate circulation and improve arthritis, allergy and eczema. Ten milliliters of liquefied whole fresh plant is taken three times a day. For joints affected by arthritis, as well as for neuralgia, tendonitis and sciatica, it is advisable to apply dyeing pads.

-12 Dandelion

Fresh dandelion leaves (Taraxacum officinale) can be added to salads during winter as a laxative. Liquefied, they are administered in doses of up to 20 milliliters, three times a day, as a diuretic. Dandelion root tincture is prescribed for disorders related to the liver and to recover from a large intake of alcohol or animal fat.

-13 Lavender

The infusion of aerial parts of Lavandula spp. it is used in case of exhaustion, headache, colic and indigestion. The sore muscles should be massaged with a milliliter of lavender oil diluted in 25 milliliters of base oil. To alleviate the headache of nervous origin spread in the temples and the base of the neck ten drops in 25 milliliters of oil.

-14 Ginkgo biloba

In the form of pills it is used as a reinforcement of the circulation in the cerebral capillaries, which maintains and improves the memory. It is also prepared in the form of infusion with 50 grams of dried leaves in 500 milliliters of water and drink about three cups per day against atherosclerosis and varicose veins. It can also be used as a bath for varicose ulcers and hemorrhoids. Keep in mind that its excess can cause skin problems and headaches.

-15 Elderberry

The infusion of the flowers or the tincture of Sambucus nigra is used for the catarrh of the upper respiratory tract, the chills and the allergic rhinitis. It is anti-inflammatory and expectorant. Gargles or rinses are also done with the infusion to treat mouth ulcers, throat irritation and tonsillitis. It should not be administered in case the patient can get worse if he loses more fluids, or during pregnancy.