The Efficacy of Herbal Remedies: Combining Folk Wisdom with Scientific Research

For centuries, herbal doctors in many different cultures worldwide have recommended herbs for treating various health conditions. While these remedies carry the authority of folk wisdom, only recently have herbs been tested using conventional scientific methods to assess their efficacy in treating illness and promoting good health.

Uses of Herbs

The uses of each herb are based on existing scientific research and medical evidence. When you look at all the evidence, both traditional and scientific, a single herb can have many uses. The following chart should help you find the most appropriate chapter for any specific condition. A more complete listing of herbs and their respective indications can be found in the Index.

Example: Ma Huang

For example, while ma huang is listed as a possible treatment for asthma, reading the article you will learn that this herb has potentially serious side effects requiring caution in its use.

Importance of Consulting Healthcare Providers

Irrespective of the amount of evidence for a particular herbal medicine, many conditions can only be treated safely and effectively after consulting with an appropriately trained healthcare provider.