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| or nonwoody, come from a cold climate or a tropical one. An herb can be a weed, culinary spice or whatever. It may not even be green, and roots, bark and other plant parts can be medicinal. That's why some individuals refer to herbs as botanicals. And there are also medicinal mushrooms that offer health benefits similar to herbs. |
| A number of herbs have been found to be as effective or more effective than vitamins, enzymes and minerals as antioxidants in fighting free radicals, stimulating the immune system and thereby boosting energy and preventing fatigue. Most herbs found in the marketplace are quite safe; they have withstood the test of hundreds of years of usage, many as food products. It is this long history of use combined with the current scientific validation that has spurred the increase in popularity of herbs. But, as with any nutritional supplement, always buy a brand having a good reputation. Purchase your herbs in standardized form when possible, and from a reputable store. |
| Current scientific research supports much of what we already know: That ginseng is a potent tonic; that green tea is a natural antibiotic; that echinacea supports the immune system. In addition, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has recently established an Office of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (OCAM) to investigate a wide range of treatments, including the use of botanicals. Along with the NIH, The American Western Life Insurance Co., a $60 million insurer in California with 300,000 clients, recently started a "wellness and preventative care plan." It reimburses patients for such alternative therapies as homeopathy, herbal medication, acupuncture and biofeedback. Several other large insurance companies and HMOs have followed suit. |
| Lastly, herbs have been used for centuries in the preservation of foods. The reaction of free radicals with oxygen is what causes butter and vegetable oil to turn rancid and fruit to turn brown and even causes metal to rust. Herbs such as turmeric and garlic have been used as antioxidants in food preparation for hundreds of years. |
| Occasionally, you may have heard criticism of athletes for using herbal supplements, but this seems to be a step toward helping the body instead of abusing it. Compared to taking amphetamines, steroids or other drugs, herbs (many of which |
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