Question

4. Describe the most commonly used herbs for the increase in immune response and for the treatment of depression. Why labeling an herbal supplement as "natural" does not mean it is safe or without any harmful effects?

Answer 1

The most commonly used herbs for the increase in immune response and treatment of depression are as follows:

1. Raw garlic - Garlic contains vital nutrients, including flavonoids, oligosaccharides, selenium, allicin and high levels of sulfur. Consuming cooked or raw garlic, by adding it to food or taking a capsule, can help treat diabetes, fight inflammation, boost the immune system, regulate blood pressure, fight cardiovascular disease, relieve allergies, fight fungal and viral infections, and improve hair loss.
2. Ginger - Ginger is the most widely used dietary condiment in the world today. The therapeutic benefits of ginger come from gingerols, the oily resin from the root that acts as a highly potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. Gingerol, among other bioactive agents present in ginger, are able to relieve indigestion and nausea, boost immune and respiratory function, fight bacterial and fungal infections, treat stomach ulcers, reduce pain, improve diabetes, prevent malabsorption, and may even inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
3. Turmeric - There are a range of turmeric benefits, including its ability to slow and prevent blood clotting, fight depression, reduce inflammation, relieve arthritis pain, manage diabetes, treat gastrointestinal issues, regulate cholesterol, and fight cancer. Several studies indicate that turmeric has potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, antimicrobial and anticancer properties.
4. Ginseng - Ginseng is used to reduce stress, help with weight loss, treat sexual dysfunction, improve lung function, lower blood sugar levels, boost the immune system and reduce inflammation.
5. St. John’s Wort- St. John’s wort has been used as a medicinal herb for its antidepressant and anti-inflammatory properties for over 2,000 years. It produces dozens of biologically active substances, but hypericin and hyperforin have the greatest medical activity. St. John’s wort uses come from its antidepressant activity, ability to relieve PMS symptoms, improve mood during menopause, fight inflammation, relieve skin irritations and improve symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder.
6. Ginkgo Biloba- Ginkgo biloba benefits include its ability to improve concentration and memory, reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, fight anxiety and depression, help maintain vision and eye health, relieve ADHD symptoms, improve libido, and fight fibromyalgia.
7. Aloe Vera- It provides 20 of the 22 human-required amino acids and all eight of the essential amino acids. Studies have proved the antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antifungal properties of aloe vera. The plant has also proved to be non-allergic and very good in building up the immune system.

Labelling an herbal supplement as "natural" does not guarantee it's safety or that it is without any harmful effects because they’re not tested to prove they’re safe and effective, unlike prescription drugs. Botanical medicine may also cause allergic reactions or interact with conventional drugs. A lot of herbs with in vitro activities have not yet been logically confirmed through testing in human disease models or herbs with good in vitro or in vivopharmacodynamic activities have not been investigated in clinical trials. This is the reason why labeling an herbal supplement as "natural" does not mean it is safe or without any harmful effects.