As we grow older we find that we are more and more affected by pollution, viruses, aches and pains.

Many herbs can help alleviate much of the distress that we may feel. On the other hand, many herbs are the cause of the distress that we feel.

So, what herbs are good for us and what are not? I am going to start by listing the herbs that are good to take for conditions and then in the next sentence tell what the drawbacks are. Here we go...

ARNICA relieves bruises, swelling and soreness.

Avoid using arnica on broken skin and mucous membranes.

(Arnica incidentally, is not the same as Arsenic, nor a derivative of it.)

ASPARAGUS ROOT used to treat urinary tract infections and prevent kidney stones.

Do not use if you have kidney or heart disease.

ASTRAGALUS use to prevent and treat infection.

Do not combine with immunosuppressant drugs used to treat cancer or autoimmune illnesses such as lupus.

ARTICHOKE LEAF used to treat digestive problems including loss of appetite, nausea, and gas.

Do not use if you have gallstones, gallbladder disease or biliary duct disease.

ALFALFA used to relieve menopausal symptoms and reduce cholesterol

Do not use if you have systemic lupus erthematosus (SLE). Many cases of food poisoning have been traced to fresh alfalfa sprouts; wash them thoroughly. (This is because of the sprays that are used on them when grown commercially. I grow my own sprouts and have never had a problem.)

ASHWAGANDHA used in Asian medicine to boost energy and immunity.

Do not use in combination with alcohol or sedative herbs, supplements, or medications.

BILBERRY to improve night vision and prevent age-related macular degeneration.

The effect of bilberry on night vision is almost immediate but lasts only for about two hours.

BUTCHER'S BROOM To support the circulatory system and relieve hemorrhoids and varicose veins.

This herb is generally well tolerated, but may cause mild nausea in sensitive individuals.

BUCKTHORN BARK used to relieve constipation

Do not use if you take cardiac glycoside medication such as digoxin.

BLACKCURRANT OIL used to treat diabetic neuropathy, skin problems including eczema, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Benefits may take several weeks or longer.

BITTER MELON used in Asian medicine to treat mild cases of Type2 diabetes.

If you have diabetes, discuss bitter melon with your physician before you try it.

BLESSED THISTLE used to treat digestive problems such as loss of appetite or bloating.

Do not use if you are allergic to plants in the daisy family such as cornflower, mugwort, or milk thistle.

BLACK COHOSH ROOT used to treat menopausal symptoms including hot flashes, headaches, irritability, vaginal dryness and insomnia.

Do not take for more than six months continuously. If you are using hormone replacement therapy; discuss black cohosh root with your physician. (Actually, I don't suggest using BLACK OR BLUE COHOSH ROOT, there are plenty of other herbs one can use that are much safer)

BUCHU is used to treat kidney and bladder problems.

This herb may cause dehydration; take with plenty of water.

BARBERRY used to treat sore throat, mouth irritation, minor digestive problems including nausea, cramps, constipation.

Use this herb very cautiously in small doses. Do not use if you have heart or liver disease or jaundice.

(AGAIN, I don't suggest using this herb at all; there are plenty of other herbs that are much safer)

BEET LEAF used to relieve digestive problems such as poor appetite, bloating, and gas.

Do not use if you have gallstones, gallbladder disease or biliary duct disease.

BORAGE OIL used to treat diabetic neuropathy, skin problems such as eczema, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Do not use if you have liver disease.

BUPLEURUM used to treat liver disease, including hepatitis.

Stop using this herb if it causes a stomach upset or diarrhea.

BROMELAIN used to treat digestive problems and pain from shingles and arthritis.

Do not use if you have gastritis, ulcers, or esophagitis, or take blood thinning drugs. If you have high blood pressure or heart disease, consult your physician first before taking bromelain.

BURDOCK ROOT used to treat urinary tract infections, skin infections, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis.

This herb may act as a diuretic and cause dehydration.

I'll post some more in the next few days.

Enjoy your day everyone!