Dear Lifeline,

'Precious' is a 36-year-old woman who lives in Portmore, St Catherine. She is interested in the use of herbal supplements and treatments instead of always using conventional medicines and pills and asks Lifeline not only to give an opinion, but to indicate some of these herbal remedies.

When one addresses the issue of traditional medical treatment versus herbal treatments in the year 2008, it is Lifeline's opinion that physicians need to be broad-minded and receptive to new ideas. Herbal medicines are here to stay and actually predate conventional medicines by thousands of years.

Modern medications

Newer, conventional methods of treatment have been extensively tested and, therefore, many physicians trust them, know their uses and limits and are comfortable with them. Also, the onset of each action of modern medication is often more rapid than herbal remedies. Traditional or conventional medicine, as we practice it today, is less than 200 years old. Medical knowledge gained in this short time has been formidable and has saved millions of lives.

However, for me, a multitude of centuries before this, civilisation was served in many different societies by its natural healers who used herbal remedies successfully. Several other civilisations, such as Eastern civilisation, practised other healing methods like acupuncture, which have been accepted by most conventional Western physicians as holding a legitimate place in the practice of medicine.

Most modern physicians are receptive to some aspects of herbal medicine and in practice will often combine both herbal and conventional methods to better treat a patient. There are also several conventionally trained physicians who now practise only herbal medicine and coexist credibly in our communities alongside conventional physicians. As requested by Precious, Lifeline lists below some commonly available herbs and their medicinal uses.

Aloe vera - This is an excellent topical treatment for sunburn and burns in general. It soothes pain when applied to the skin. Taken internally, it is good for constipation and gastric upsets.

Ginseng - This is used to relieve fatigue and weakness associated with illness and is useful in stress management.

Evening primrose - This is used in the balancing of female hormones and in menopausal women to reduce the occurrence of hot flashes. It can also be used in the treatment of the pre-menstrual syndrome. It is also said to benefit skin disorders and is helpful in the control of mild diabetes.

Black cohosh - Also used to balance female hormones and to reduce hot flashes in menopausal women. Used also to lower blood sugar and aids in the treatment of arthritis and ringing in the ears.

Chamomile - This calms and relaxes the nerves and soothes upset stomach. It is usually available as a tea.

Dandelion - Has a diuretic effect and promotes the excretion of fluids. It is usually taken as a tea.

Echinacea - This has an anti-bacterial effect and boosts the immune system.

Garlic - This is used to help lower both high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol. It also has antibacterial and antiworm effects and helps in the treatment of colds.

Ganga (cannabis) - This is used in the treatment of eye diseases (glaucoma), asthma and pain associated with cancer.

Ginger - This soothes upset stomach and aids in digestion. It also helps to reduce fever.

Ginkgo biloba - This is used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease to help restore memory. It is said to increase blood flow to the brain. It is also used to treat asthma and ringing in the ears.

Green tea - This is an antioxidant with anti-cancer properties.

Pine bark - This is a strong antioxidant which helps to boost the immune system.

Licorice - This is a strong antioxidant which helps to boost the immune system.

Parsley - Useful in treating bladder infections.

Tomatoes - Useful in treating prostate disease.

Peppermint - Helps to relieve gastric disturbances. Relieves nausea, gas, heartburn and diarrhoea.

Saw palmetto - This is useful in treating prostate enlargement.

St John's wart - This herbal remedy is helpful in treating mild depression.

Thyme - This is useful in treating diarrhoea, colic and flatulence. It also helps to promote and improve appetite.

Turmeric - This is a useful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent which helps in treating arthritis.

These and many other herbal preparations are available at pharmacies as well as at herbal outlets across the country. Their use contributes to a healthy lifestyle. However, for the lay person, persistent symptoms of any form will require the intervention of a physician.

Write Lifeline:

P.O. Box 1731

Kingston 8