Herbal remedies are typically disregarded at best and mocked at worst due to the relatively recent rise of contemporary, so-called “scientific” medical practices. This is an unusual viewpoint to hold, given that for so many years, herbal cures and other natural treatments were the standard for healthcare. This practice persists in many societies today.

Herbal remedies may not be as effective as modern medication, but they can help with minor symptoms and make you feel better in general. In light of this, we’ve compiled a list of simple herbal medicines you can try right now to see how good they can make you feel. 

Photo by Tara Winstead

Medical Marijuana 

The term “medical marijuana” refers to any product derived from the cannabis Sativa plant that is used to treat medical ailments. Medical cannabis and medical marijuana are both terms for the same thing.

Laws governing the use of medical marijuana exist in every state; however, more than two-thirds of states in the United States and the District of Columbia have actually approved it for medicinal treatments, and others are exploring proposals to do the same.

Medical cannabis from registered outlets such as Harvest has shown promise in studies for a variety of diseases. You may be eligible for medical marijuana treatment in your state if you meet the necessary standards and have a qualifying illness, such as:

Dementia associated with Alzheimer’s Disease

ALS

HIV/AIDS

Crohn’s disease

Epilepsy and convulsions 

Glaucoma

Muscle spasms and multiple sclerosis

Severe chronic pain

Treatment-related nausea and vomiting 

Echinacea 

Coneflower, or echinacea, is a well-liked herb used for various therapeutic purposes. It’s applied to everything from a sore throat to a burn to an upset stomach. To put it simply, this plant can be used in many different ways.

While the leaves and flowers can be used, the optimum usage of the plant is its roots because this is where the majority of the plant’s medicinal ingredients are found. Echinacea can be enjoyed as a tea or taken as a capsule, for instance.

Ginkgo Biloba

Not many people know that the herbal medicine ginkgo Biloba comes from the maidenhair tree, but that is exactly where it is taken from. This tree comes from China, and the extract from it has been used in Chinese medicine for hundreds of years. It is now one of the most widely used herbal supplements.

Ginkgo biloba can be taken in a number of ways, but capsules are the most common. But you can also drink it as tea or eat the raw seeds (although some individuals prefer to toast them). If you choose this option, be careful because too many seeds can be poisonous. Don’t have too many at once.

St John’s Wort 

St. John’s Wort, derived from the hypericum perforatum plant, is widely available. First utilized in ancient Greece, its purported therapeutic benefits have propelled it to global prominence.

St. John’s Wort has been shown to be as beneficial as antidepressants in certain trials, at least in the short term. However, studies are still ongoing, and you should always take any prescription prescribed by your doctor until they say otherwise.