There are many natural herbs and plants with healing powers. But natural does not necessarily mean safe, or effective for that matter.

Many synthetic drugs originate directly or indirectly from plants. Plants have been extremely important in the development of pharmaceutical drugs. But synthetic production of pharmaceuticals has been increasingly employed to speed production, reduce cost, and quality control. In theory synthetic manufacture can ensure the safety and effectiveness of the drug, but that has always been questioned. Although natural herbs and plants have not been comprehensively tested, there are many who trust the time tested safety and effectiveness of naturally healing plants. Plants and natural products continue to be an important model for chemical design of treatments.

Generally the plant based compounds are found to be better tolerated by patients, and have become vital to improving health. And many people are turning to herbs and natural alternatives as a seemingly harmless way to improve not just general health but specific conditions. It is important to remember that natural does not mean safe or effective. As demand continues to grow for natural healing practices, more and more clinical research is being done to determine not only the true medicinal value of medicinal plants and herbs, but also the effect of interaction with other herbs, synthetic medicines, supplements and even foods.

Certain plants have been well established as good natural choices to improve health, heal certain ailments or offer mental well being. It is important that your physician be involved in most decisions to consume medicinal herbs to be sure there will be no negative effects with your specific situation and physical condition. Research can reveal to you which herbs, supplements, poultice and teas are harmless but can improve a condition or your health. Knowing, for example, that foxglove produces a natural product to treat heart conditions does not give you any critical information to treat yourself and in fact could be fatally dangerous. It is imperative that you fully understand the safety and proper use of any medicinal plant and discuss it with your doctor.

There are of course many plants and herbs that can be safely used to promote better health, and some you may find growing in your own back yard garden!

• ALOE VERA This easy to grow houseplant is widely accepted as a safe and effective treatment for the skin. Recently aloe vera juice has been promoted as a super food, but beware of the side effects and use extreme caution.

• ASHWAGANDHA The root of this shrub is used to make extracts, tea or a powder. It has become more widely used in recent years but effectiveness and safety are largely untested. Generally it seems to be safe for most people to relieve fatigue, stress and anxiety but often produces side effects.

• CALENDULA, MARIGOLD The essential oils from the English Marigold, or Calendula Gel, are touted to repel insects and calm the itch and inflammation of insect bites. Although perfectly safe, effectiveness is questionable.

• CHAMOMILE The flowers can be used to make a tea used for many ailments. It is considered very safe but effectiveness has not been widely studied. Nonetheless it is consumed to relieve anxiety, reduce inflammation, induce drowsiness, relieve cold symptoms or can be used as a poultice for skin conditions.

• ECHINACEA Used widely to improve cold symptoms, Echinacea is quite safe if not conclusively effective. Overuse could cause stomach upset.

• EVENING PRIMROSE OIL It is important to stress first the need to consult with your physician. Evening primrose oil interacts negatively with many medications and create issues with certain medical conditions. With that said, taken orally it is relatively safe and can treat a host of conditions that many women suffer with. Used topically it is perfectly safe and seems effective in treating skin conditions.

• FEVERFEW Used fresh, dried or as an extract, Feverfew has been used traditionally for fever relief, arthritis relief, stomachaches and migraine relief. Research is showing that it may very well help to prevent migraines.

• GARLIC Used commonly to control cholestrol and blood pressure, with few studies it is not proven to be effective. To avoid overuse side effects introduce garlic to your diet but perhaps avoid capsules.

• GINGER Fortunately a ginger tea and cooking with ginger is perfectly safe as it has long been used for many ailments including nausea, morning sickness, motion sickness, relieve sore throats and fight off a cold. As with all natural remedies, overuse will have side effects.

• GINGKO An important herb in Chinese medicines, Gingko leaves are dried for tea or used to createextracts or capsules. Studies do support effectiveness Alzheimers and dementia in early stages. It is also used for inflammation, diabetes, and depression but caution is required when using other prescribed drugs.

• GINSENG Root of ginseng sold as capsules is extremely unpredictable as far as quality is concerned. Generally considered as safe and a cure all for a long list of ails, effectiveness is very uncertain. Extreme caution is required if blood and heart issues are present.

• GRAPESEED EXTRACT Safely consumed as a liquid, tablet or capsule may have some value in improving circulation and perhaps lowering LDL. Grapeseed extract has the same antioxidants that are present in wine that could help fight cancer.

• KAVA As a tea or a tincture (dissolved in a cocktail), Kava in small doses can relieve anxiety and induce sleepiness. It is safe to drink if not overused but can lead to negative effects.

• PASSIONFLOWER Often found in a cocktail or as a tea, Passionflower has a mild sedative effect. A cup of passionflower tea in the evening may help you sleep better.

• ST. JOHN’S WORT For hundreds of years St. John’s wort has been effectively used to treat depression, SADS and anxiety. Consult your physician, as it can create dangerous interactions with other medications.

• SAW PALMETTO A lot of buzz in recent years about Saw Palmetto improving prostrate health, sexual vigor, just for starters. No studies have yet found it to be effective, but fortunately it is safe since many are consuming it.

• TEA TREE OIL A common additive to skin care products, Tea Tree oil research seems to validate its’ power to treat skin conditions and infections, wounds and acne. Safe to use topically diluted with a carrier oil.

• TURMERIC The colorful, delicious and aromatic Indian herb Turmeric is completely safe to consume as an herb, and apparently used moderately as a supplement. There is some evidence that it may be of help in preventing cancer as it is antioxidant rich. More recent research indicates Turmeric may be effective in treating symptoms of arthritis.

Any plant or herb you decide to dabble with should be thoroughly researched to determine proper preparation and dosage. The list of herbs and plants currently being studied for severe conditions and cancers is long, but recommended use and effectiveness are at best uncertain until further studied. For general health you might also consider growing houseplants that improve air quality.