"Medicinal Herbs - A List of
20 of the Best"

Here is a list that I think are 20 of the best medicinal herbs:

Alfalfa - Alfalfa is an excellent blood cleaner as well as promoting a healthy circulatory system. It is also a rich source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins B1, B6, C, E and K and the minerals calcium, iron, potassium and zinc. It is a useful treatment for arthritis, can help to lower cholesterol levels, and lower blood sugar levels in diabetics.

Apple Cider Vinegar - Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has been known for its health benefits for many years. It is an effective treatment for many conditions, including diabetes, lowering cholesterol levels, preventing cancer and even weight loss. It is also beneficial for improved circulation and improved liver function, helping the liver to clear out toxins.

Astragalus - This medicinal herb has been used for 4000 years in China to boost the immune system. It also has strong antiviral and antibacterial qualities. It helps to increase the number of white blood cells, which helps the body defend itself against foreign bacteria.

Bilberry - Bilberry benefits your circulatory system by helping to strengthen coronary arteries while helping prevent conditions such as atherosclerosis and venous insufficiency. It can also help your eyes function better by improving their ability to focus, enhancing blurred vision and improving the sharpness of images.

Black Cohosh - The next on my list of medicinal herbs, Black Cohosh, is often recommended as a treatment for the symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic qualities and is a mild pain reliever.

Blue Vervain - This herb is listed in the Physicians Desk Reference. It's uses range from asthma, sore throat and cough relief, digestive problems, nervous system complaints and whooping cough.

Cat's Claw - Cat's claw is considered to be an anti-inflammatory and immune system stimulator. One of the most versatile medicinal herbs, it has been found useful for conditions such as arthritis and rheumatism, chronic infections, duodenal ulcers and gastritis. It may also prove helpful for conditions such as AIDS, allergies, cancer, chronic fatigue and lupus.

Dandelion - Although considered by most to be a common weed, its roots and tops have medicinal qualities. It can help to lower elevated cholesterol levels, normalize blood sugar levels in diabetics, and may help individuals with gout, as it helps the body eliminate excess uric acid, which is the cause of gout.

Dong Quai - Dong quai, also known as the "female ginseng" in the Orient, has been used for thousands of years to treat female disorders such as dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), amenorrhea (a lack of menstruation) and menorrhagia (abnormal menstruation). It may also help with other feminine complaints such as menstrual cramps, premenstrual syndrome, and to relieve symptoms associated with menopause.

Echinacea - One of the most popular medicinal herbs, Echinacea is a powerful immune system booster, as it stimulates production of white blood cells, which are your body's first line of defense against infections. It is also an excellent blood purifier that has antibacterial qualities. It also helps the body eliminate excess mucus and phlegm associated with certain respiratory conditions.

Garlic - While considered one of the best medicinal herbs, Garlic is actually a food. It is considered to be a natural antibiotic that can also be useful in lowering high blood pressure. It is also effective in increasing levels of the good, HDL cholesterol, while decreasing levels of the bad, LDL cholesterol. It may also help to prevent cancer, as it raises the body's level of glutathione transferase, which is a liver enzyme that helps the body remove carcinogens.

Ginger - Ginger should be a part of any herbal medicine cabinet as it is a useful treatment for diarrhea, nausea and upset stomach. It may also prove beneficial as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. Plus, it may also lower elevated LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels in individuals whose levels of these two substances are high.

Ginkgo Biloba - Although Ginkgo Biloba is primarily known for its ability to improve memory; it may also help to prevent the growth of cancerous tumors. It may also help individuals suffering with senile macular degeneration by improving circulation to the eyes. It may also help with conditions such as vertigo, anxiety and depression.

Ginseng - Ginseng may help to minimize the likelihood of developing a cold. In clinical studies, it was also shown to be an effective herb for relieving stress. It can also help to lower blood sugar levels in those that are diabetic. There have been some studies indicating that chemicals in Ginseng may help to slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease.

Goldenseal - Goldenseal has been traditionally used as a treatment for respiratory conditions such as colds, the flu and sinus infections. Known to be a bitter herb, it can help with conditions of the digestive system such as acid reflux disease. It also helps the liver to remove toxins from the body.

Hawthorn - The berries from this medicinal herb are best used as a treatment for many heart conditions. In fact, physicians in Europe and China use it to treat early-stage congestive heart failure. It has also shown to be useful for lowering cholesterol and blood pressure levels, making it a beneficial treatment for arteriosclerosis.

Licorice - Licorice is considered an excellent expectorant, and helps to eliminate excess mucus and phlegm in many respiratory conditions. It is found as an ingredient in many cough syrups and sore throat lozenges. It may help lower elevated cholesterol levels, making it an excellent herb for individuals with heart conditions.

Milk Thistle - Milk Thistle can help the liver eliminate toxins from the body. It is also a powerful antioxidant, helping the body destroy cancer-causing free radicals. Preliminary research on Milk Thistle indicates that it may prevent cancer cells from dividing and proliferating, shortening their lifespan and reducing blood supply to tumors.

Nettle - Nettle is a powerful diuretic herb, eliminating excess fluids from the body. It can be used externally as a treatment for cuts and wounds to stop the bleeding. It can also prove useful in relieving the symptoms associated with various allergies such as hay fever. Plus, it can also help to lower blood sugar levels in diabetics.

Schisandra - Schisandra is a herb that has been used for thousands of years as part of traditional Chinese medicine. The Chinese think that it is an excellent tonic, capable of boosting metabolism and overall vitality. It can also help the circulatory system by lowering blood pressure and improving heart function. Shisandra also helps to normalize blood sugar levels in diabetics.

Before the advent of prescription medications, medicinal herbs were frequently used to treat whatever ailed you. Herbs have seen a long tradition of usage, many having been used for thousands of years.

Even herbs we use today for seasonings in cooking were originally prized for their medicinal qualities. I think that this list of the 20 medicinal herbs mentioned above are some of the best, and hope they may be useful for your particular circumstances.