This article is another alternative health option. It is the many 100's of herbs that we have been blessed with. Before the advent of modern medicine, all people had to rely on was herbs. Modern medicine has come so far in fighting off illnesses and diseases and research continues to work tirelessly to find cures for some of our dreaded diseases such as cancer, MS, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and the list gets longer. I don't think that we could survive in this day and age without our modern medicine and vaccines.

Even though herbs have taken a back seat to modern medicine in healing illnesses they are still with us as they have been with us for centuries to cure 100's of health conditions successfully, and will stay with us for centuries to come. It is my opinion that herbs continue to play an important part in keeping us healthy. If herbs have not been successful in 100's of health conditons why do many people continue to swear by the usefulness of specific herbs?

Many of these herbs we have in our own kitchens, such as cinnamon, thyme, cayenne pepper, chamomile, parsley, Mint and the list is way too long for this article. We just have to be educated enough to know when to use them.

I think that it is helpful to have a primary doctor to consult about specific herbs for specific ills. However, we can read to learn how to apply herbs as they are needed for specific complaints. We can glean information from our local health food stores or whole food stores. Generally clerks are knowledgeable enough to head us in the direction we are looking for. Herb therapy, like anything else does take time to learn. You cannot do this overnight. If you find that this would be of interest to you then start reading and gathering all the information that you can and become an informed expert.

If we are having a complaint of constipation then Cascara Segrada would be an option to correct the problem. The nursing profession still uses this herb, but under a different manufacture's name.

If you know you have poor circulation then possibly cayenne pepper would help. Got a common cold coming on? Echinacea is a natural antibiotic. If I feel symptoms of a cold or bronchitis I might try some Echinacea and Vitamin C. Sometimes I have to resort to a traditional antibiotic, but, at least I feel that the herbs started their healing process.

Feeling a little restless at night and having a hard time sleeping? Why not try a cup of hot tea? That is Chamomile Tea. This tea is supposed to sooth and relax a tired body. Is that upset stomach getting the best of you? Then maybe some mint would help to settle you.

I have had patients in the past with a new diagnosis of dementia and they are taking Ginkgo Biloba to help sharpen their memory. Does it work? I don't know. If they feel it is then that is good enough for me. Who knows, maybe it is helping to slow the dementia process.

It has been a known fact that the herb St. John's Wort helps to ease symptoms of depression. You can also find this in your favorite grocery store. I have had co-workers and patients alike that swear on the positive effects from this herb on their depression symptoms. If you are taking a prescribed antidepressant then you really do need to consult your doctor before taking St. John's Wort.

We have all heard about Aloe Vera. We see it everywhere in the stores. This herb is good for many things. It is especially good for the skin.

There are 100's of useful herbs and along with them 100's of health conditions that they are and continue to be helpful in resolving. No one can know all of these, this is why it is good to study and become informed on the usefulness of herb therapy.

As helpful as herbs can be for us, nothing should take the place of good advice from your personal primary doctor. Talk to them about herb therapy and see if they are open to this alternative for some of your health issues. However, become educated on herbs first so that he will know that you know what you are talking about and that you are serious in giving this alternative health route a try.

Here's to your health and wellbeing.