by Dr. Lizbeth Rawlinson
What to include in my alternative medicine kit? Don´t forget these three famous herbs!
Garlic (Allium sativum) is perhaps the most successful herbal remedy worldwide. Daily intake of 1 chopped raw clove or 600-900 mg of Garlic in form of pills results in a mild decrease in cholesterol blood levels; such effect is attributable to Allicin (among other several active components) which blocks the activity of a key molecule involved in cholesterol biosynthesis. Garlic also produces some decrease in blood pressure. Populations with diets rich in garlic have shown a low incidence of gastric cancer. Caution!: Garlic pills or high garlic intake should be avoided when taking anticoagulants drugs like warfarin, aspirin or ibuprofen, and diabetics should keep in mind that garlic lowers blood glucose levels.
One of the most popular Chinese herbal remedies is the extract of Ginkgo tree leafs (Gingko biloba). Intake of 120-240 mg/day divided in 2-3 doses will help to improve memory in people with mild to moderate dementia; it also might be useful as antioxidant, to treat depression in elderly people as well as for circulatory system problems (possibly as efficacious as pentoxifyllin). Caution!: Large doses cause diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, weakness, lack of muscle tone and restlessness; as with garlic, Gingko should not be used when taking anticoagulant drugs (i.e. warfarin, aspirin or ibuprofen).
Sabila (Aloe vera) grows widely in the Caribbean (as you have already noticed), but it’s origins are Mediterranean, particularly from África. Sabila leaf juice stimulates healing of wounds, burns and ulcers both external and internal (oral or gastric ulcers) and it also stimulates hair growth; for these purposes you can find several preparations -gel, balm, ointment, cream, lotion, shampoo and dried extract. Other uses are as laxative and digestive. In Quintana Roo is also used for cough, cold, and other respiratory conditions. Caution!: It should not be ingested in the presence of conditions such as pregnancy, hemorrhoids, prostate and bladder inflammation. In high doses it can be toxic and produce hemorrhagic diarrhea.
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