Herbal medicine has been used for centuries to promote wellness and healing, and today, it is increasingly being integrated into conventional medical care.
At Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK), evidence-based herbal medicine is an important component of integrative oncology. MSK's experts use the best available scientific evidence to guide the safe and effective use of herbs for cancer prevention, treatment, and symptom management.
This article provides an overview of the top herbs used at MSK for wellness and healing. These herbs have been selected based on their potential health benefits, safety profile, and strength of available research. By incorporating these herbs into a comprehensive cancer care plan, MSK aims to improve the quality of life of cancer patients and survivors.
It is important to note that not all herbal remedies are safe or effective, and that herbal medicine should always be used under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider. MSK's approach to herbal medicine is evidence-based, ensuring that patients receive the most appropriate and effective treatment.
Ginseng: Benefits and Uses
Ginseng is a well-known plant that has been used in traditional medicine for a long time. It is believed to have a range of health benefits, including boosting the immune system, reducing inflammation, and improving cognitive function. There are several types of ginseng, including American ginseng, Asian ginseng, and Siberian ginseng, each with its own unique properties.
Types of Ginseng and Their Benefits
American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) is native to North America and has a mild, cooling effect on the body. It is believed to have a calming effect on the nervous system, and may also help reduce stress and anxiety.
Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) is native to China, Korea, and Russia, and is known for its stimulating effect on the body. It is believed to help improve mental clarity and physical endurance, and may also help regulate blood sugar levels.
Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) is native to Russia and is sometimes referred to as "eleuthero." It is believed to help boost the immune system and improve energy levels, and may also decrease stress levels and enhance brain function.
Uses of Ginseng for Wellness and Healing
Ginseng is used for a variety of wellness and healing purposes, including:
- Boosting the immune system
- Reducing inflammation
- Improving mental clarity and cognitive function
- Reducing stress and anxiety
- Improving physical endurance
- Regulating blood sugar levels
Ginseng is often used as a natural remedy for fatigue, and may also be used to help manage the symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes.
Safety Considerations and Potential Side Effects
While ginseng is generally considered safe when used as directed, it can cause side effects in some people. Common side effects of ginseng include headaches, digestive upset, and difficulty sleeping. Turmeric can have effects on some medications, like blood thinners and diabetes drugs, and may interact with them.
It is important to talk to a healthcare provider before taking ginseng, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking medications. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also avoid ginseng, as its effects on fetal development and breast milk production are not fully understood.
In summary, ginseng is a popular herb with a range of potential health benefits. However, it is important to use ginseng under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider and to be aware of potential side effects and interactions with other medications.
Turmeric: Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects
Turmeric is a bright yellow spice commonly used in Asian cuisine, and it is also known for its potential health benefits. Turmeric contains a substance called curcumin, which has abilities to reduce inflammation and act as an antioxidant. Curcumin works by blocking the activation of inflammatory molecules in the body, which can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.
How Turmeric Works in the Body
Curcumin is the part of turmeric that makes it an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. When curcumin enters the body, it is metabolized into compounds that have a range of potential health benefits. These compounds have been shown to block the activation of inflammatory molecules, reduce oxidative stress, and improve cellular function.
Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties of Turmeric
Studies have indicated that turmeric may offer various health advantages, such as:
- Reducing inflammation in the body
- Protecting against oxidative stress
- Supporting brain function and cognitive health
- Supporting cardiovascular health
- Supporting healthy joint function
Curcumin is believed to be the key compound responsible for these benefits, as it has been shown to have potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
Uses of Turmeric for Wellness and Healing
Turmeric is often used as a natural remedy for a range of health conditions, including:
Inflammation-related conditions such as arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and Crohn's disease
- Skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema
- Cardiovascular disease
- Cognitive decline and memory loss
- Mood disorders such as depression and anxiety
Turmeric can be consumed in various forms, such as a spice in cooking, as a supplement in pill or capsule form, or as a topical ointment or cream for skin conditions.
In summary, turmeric is a popular spice with a range of potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Its active compound, curcumin, is believed to be responsible for these benefits, and turmeric is often used as a natural remedy for a variety of health conditions.
Milk Thistle: Liver Protective Properties
Milk thistle is a plant that people have been using for hundreds of years due to its potential health advantages. It is often used to support liver health and is sometimes referred to as a "liver tonic." The active ingredient in milk thistle is silymarin, which has been shown to have liver-protective properties.
Overview of Milk Thistle
Milk thistle is a plant that is native to Europe and parts of Asia, but it is now commonly found throughout the world. It has been used for centuries for its potential health benefits, particularly for liver health. The active ingredient in milk thistle is silymarin, which is a complex of flavonoids that are believed to have liver-protective properties.
Research Findings on the Liver Protective Properties of Milk Thistle
Milk thistle has been extensively studied for its potential liver protective properties, and research has shown that it may have several benefits for liver health.
Some of the potential benefits of milk thistle for liver health include:
- Protecting against liver damage caused by toxins such as alcohol and acetaminophen
- Reducing inflammation in the liver
- Supporting the growth of new liver cells
- Improving liver function in people with liver diseases such as hepatitis and cirrhosis
While more research is needed to fully understand the effects of milk thistle on liver health, the existing studies suggest that it may be a promising natural remedy for supporting liver health.
Uses of Milk Thistle for Wellness and Healing
Milk thistle is often used as a natural remedy for a range of health conditions, particularly those related to liver health. Some of the uses of milk thistle for wellness and healing include:
- Supporting liver health and function
- Protecting against liver damage caused by toxins such as alcohol and acetaminophen
- Reducing inflammation in the liver
- Supporting the growth of new liver cells
- Improving liver function in people with liver diseases such as hepatitis and cirrhosis
Milk thistle can be consumed in various forms, such as in tea, tinctures, or as a supplement in pill or capsule form.
In summary, milk thistle is a plant that has been used for centuries for its potential health benefits, particularly for liver health. Its active ingredient, silymarin, has been extensively studied for its liver protective properties, and it may have several potential benefits for supporting liver health and function. Milk thistle is often used as a natural remedy for a range of health conditions related to liver health.
Green Tea: Antioxidant and Anti-cancer Properties
Green tea is made from the leaves and buds of the Camellia sinensis plant, but they don't go through the same process as oolong tea, which involves withering and oxidation. teas and black teas. It is a popular beverage worldwide, and it has been used for centuries for its potential health benefits. Green tea contains several compounds that have been shown to have antioxidant and anti-cancer properties.
Overview of Green Tea
Green tea has been used for centuries for its potential health benefits, and it is a popular beverage worldwide. It is made from the leaves and buds of Camellia sinensis, a plant native to China and India. Green tea is different from other types of tea because it is not fermented during the production process, which allows it to retain more of its natural compounds.
Antioxidant and Anti-cancer Properties of Green Tea
Green tea contains several compounds that have been shown to have antioxidant and anti-cancer properties. The main active compounds in green tea are polyphenols, which are a type of antioxidant. The most abundant polyphenol in green tea is epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which has been shown to have potent antioxidant and anti-cancer properties.
Studies have found that green tea consumption may be associated with a reduced risk of several types of cancer, including breast cancer, prostate cancer, and colorectal cancer. Green tea has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.
Uses of Green Tea for Wellness and Healing
Green tea is often used as a natural remedy for a range of health conditions, particularly those related to its antioxidant and anti-cancer properties. Some of the uses of green tea for wellness and healing include:
- Supporting cardiovascular health
- Lowering the chance of particular kinds of cancer.
- Supporting immune function
- Reducing inflammation in the body
- Supporting weight loss efforts
Green tea can be consumed in various forms, such as in tea bags, loose leaf tea, or as a supplement in pill or capsule form.
In summary, green tea is a popular beverage that has been used for centuries for its potential health benefits. It contains several compounds that have been shown to have antioxidant and anti-cancer properties, particularly the polyphenol EGCG.
Green tea may be beneficial for supporting cardiovascular health, Lowering the chance of particular kinds of cancer. supporting immune function and reducing inflammation in the body.
Green tea can be consumed in various forms as a natural remedy for a range of health conditions.
Ginger: Uses for Nausea and Vomiting
Ginger is a flowering plant that originated in Southeast Asia and is now widely cultivated in other parts of the world.
The root of the ginger plant is used as a spice and as a natural remedy for a range of health conditions.
Studies have demonstrated that ginger can help lower feelings of sickness and throwing up, specifically in those having chemotherapy or surgery.
Overview of Ginger
Ginger has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years, particularly in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. The root of the ginger plant contains several active compounds, including gingerol and shogaol, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Uses of Ginger for Nausea and Vomiting
Ginger has been proven to help decrease feelings of sickness and throwing up, particularly in individuals going through chemotherapy or surgery.
A review of several studies found that ginger can reduce nausea and vomiting in people undergoing chemotherapy by up to 40%.
Ginger has also been shown to be effective in reducing nausea and vomiting after surgery and in pregnant women with morning sickness.
Ginger can be consumed in various forms, including fresh or dried ginger, ginger tea, ginger capsules, or ginger candy. It is generally considered safe when used in moderation for short periods of time.
Safety Considerations and Potential Side Effects
Ginger is generally considered safe when used in moderation. However, high doses of ginger can cause side effects such as heartburn, diarrhea, and stomach upset.
Ginger may also interact with certain medications, including blood thinners and diabetes medications, so it is important to talk to your doctor before using ginger as a natural remedy.
In summary, ginger is a flowering plant that has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine. The root of the ginger plant contains several active compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Ginger has been proven to help decrease feelings of sickness and throwing up, particularly in individuals going through chemotherapy or surgery. Ginger can be consumed in various forms, but it is important to use it in moderation and talk to your doctor before using it as a natural remedy, especially if you are taking any medications.
Other Top Herbs at Sloan Kettering
In addition to ginseng, turmeric, milk thistle, green tea, and ginger, Sloan Kettering also recognizes the following herbs for their potential health benefits:
Echinacea: Immune-Boosting Properties
Echinacea is a group of flowering plants that are native to North America. The roots and above-ground parts of the plant are used to make herbal remedies.
Echinacea is believed to have immune-boosting properties and is commonly used to prevent and treat colds and other respiratory infections.
Some studies have also suggested that echinacea may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
St. John's Wort: Uses for Depression and Anxiety
St. John's Wort is a flowering plant that is native to Europe but is now widely cultivated in other parts of the world.
The plant's yellow flowers are used to make herbal remedies. St. John's Wort is commonly used to treat depression and anxiety, although its effectiveness for these conditions is still a matter of debate.
Some studies have suggested that St. John's Wort may be as effective as prescription antidepressants for mild to moderate depression.
Valerian: Uses for Sleep and Relaxation
Valerian is a plant that grows in Europe and Asia. People use its root to make natural remedies.
Valerian is frequently used to help individuals sleep and unwind, and a few studies propose it may help treat insomnia. Valerian is thought to work by increasing the levels of a chemical called GABA that helps relax the nervous system.
Like all herbal remedies, echinacea, St. John's Wort, and valerian may have side effects and can interact with other medications. It is important to talk to your doctor before using any herbal remedy as a natural treatment for a health condition.
Conclusion and Future Directions
Sloan Kettering's top herbs for wellness and healing include ginseng, turmeric, milk thistle, green tea, ginger, echinacea, St. John's Wort, and valerian.
These herbs have been extensively researched for their potential health benefits, and many have been found to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immune-boosting, or other healing properties.
While herbal medicine has a long tradition of use in many cultures around the world, it is important to use evidence-based herbal medicine in clinical practice. This means using herbs that have been scientifically tested for safety and efficacy and incorporating them into treatment plans in a responsible and evidence-based way.
In the future, there is great potential for developing new treatments based on the active compounds found in these herbs. For example, researchers may be able to develop new drugs based on the anti-cancer properties of green tea or the liver-protective properties of milk thistle.
As our understanding of the mechanisms of action of these herbs continues to grow, so too will our ability to develop new treatments based on their healing properties. In conclusion, the use of herbs for wellness and healing is an important area of research and clinical practice.
By incorporating evidence-based herbal medicine into our treatment plans, we can help to promote better health outcomes for patients and develop new treatments based on the healing properties of these remarkable plants.
