People have used herbs for thousands of years, and many of them are part of our culture. A cup of mint or chamomile tea can be a pleasant ritual. But when we are looking for a specific effect on health, it is good to separate tradition from what has been tested.
What research shows about four well-known herbs- Echinacea. The 2014 Cochrane review covers 24 studies with more than 4,600 participants. The individual studies on preventing colds found no significant difference, and the overall analysis suggests only a small effect of unclear practical importance. In addition, the products on the market vary a lot.
- Ginger. It may ease nausea in pregnancy, but the US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health points out that it is not certain whether it is always safe during this period, so pregnant women should talk to a doctor first. There is no strong evidence that it helps with seasickness.
- Peppermint oil. Some evidence suggests that peppermint oil capsules reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome in the short term, but the quality of the evidence is low. Long-term benefit has not been proven, and people with a hiatal hernia or reflux should not take it.
- Valerian. The results for sleep are contradictory. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends that it should not be used for chronic insomnia.
Why “natural” does not mean “harmless”St John’s wort is a good example: it interacts with many medicines, including contraceptives, blood thinners and antidepressants. This can reduce their effect or lead to serious side effects.
Turmeric is also telling. In food it is a common spice, but a US network that tracks liver injury reports cases of severe liver damage linked to turmeric supplements. The authors suggest that their frequent combination with black pepper may also play a role. A concentrated supplement is not the same as a spice in a dish.
A few rules for peace of mind- Tell your doctor and pharmacist which herbs and supplements you take, especially if you take medicines.
- Be especially careful during pregnancy and breastfeeding, with children and before surgery.
- Do not stop prescribed treatment because of a herb.
- Choose products with a clear composition and be sceptical of promises of a “miracle” and a “complete cure”.
- If you notice unusual symptoms, stop and see a doctor.
We can value plants and tradition without attributing more to them than we know. This article gives general information and is not medical advice.
Another way to connect with plantsIn the online course
Reiki Module 1 · €150 there is a separate lesson “How to nourish the plant world with Reiki”. It is about giving Reiki to plants, from the seed onwards, not about treatment with herbs. The course comes with a certificate and 12 months of access.