Herbal medicine has been popular and effective for centuries, and there are some remedies which are well suited to the older adult. It is important to discuss any remedy you take with all practitioners, as both traditional and herbal medicine can have side effects, or cause reactions with other medications.
Simply because something is ‘natural’ does not mean it is free of potential risks or doesn’t need to be professionally prescribed.
However if you are interested in alternative remedies, a report by Professor E. Ernst of the Department of Complementary Medicine, School of Postgraduate Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Exeter, England, reviewed available published research and makes the following recommendations on some popular herbs and preparations.
Hypericum Perforatum (St John’s Wort):
This is a well tolerated and effective herbal remedy for mild to moderate depression.
Valeriana Officinalis (Valerian):
Although this herb is widely used, Valeriana Officinalis (valerian) still has not been shown beyond reasonable doubt to be completely effective for insomnia.
Ginkgo Biloba (Ginkgo):
There is compelling evidence that Ginkgo Biloba (ginkgo) is effective in delaying the clinical course of dementias.
Horse Chestnut:
It is well documented that Aesculus Hippocastanum (horse chestnut) seed extracts alleviate the subjective symptoms and reduce the objective signs of chronic venous insufficiency.
Saw Palmetto:
Research papers indicate that Serenoa repens (saw palmetto) is effective in improving the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Yohimbine:
Finally, yohimbine has been shown to be effective for erectile dysfunction.
The report concludes that several plant-based medicines can be useful additions to the conventional medicines commonly used to help treat health problems in seniors. However, more controlled research is needed to find out more about how and why the herbal extracts work and potential long term side effects.
Source: Drugs Aging 1999 Dec;15(6):423-8. Herbal medications for common ailments in the elderly. Ernst E
bonnie1 - 8 years ago
Try before you plant