Antioxidants protect cells from damage caused by free radicals and are found in certain foods and herbs like St. John’s wort, blueberry, milk thistle, olive leaf, and valerian. Side effects and precautions vary for each herb.
Antioxidants are natural components that are believed to have numerous health benefits. One of the most important benefits of antioxidants is that they help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Antioxidants are produced by the body and are found in certain foods, such as herbs. St. John’s wort, milk thistle, and olive leaf are examples of antioxidant herbs.
St. John’s wort is a herb that is formally known as Hypercium perforatum. In general, it is the yellow flowers of this plant that are used for medicinal purposes. St. John’s wort is commonly recommended and used for mood disorders such as depression. However, it is also one of the antioxidant herbs. It has been found that there are some side effects associated with this herb. These include sexual dysfunction, headaches, and interference with certain other medications.
The blueberry is an herb that grows in North America and Europe. These plants produce fruits that are eaten and used to treat medical conditions such as cataracts, diabetes, and atherosclerosis. This herb is also a great source of antioxidants like vitamin C. The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) warns against consuming large amounts of cranberry for long periods of time. UMMC says that the tannins contained in this plant can cause muscle spasms, severe weight loss, and death.
Milk thistle is another antioxidant herb that has a long history of medicinal use. Originally from the Mediterranean, milk thistle is believed to be a protective and repairing agent for the liver. As such, it has even been suggested as a treatment for the damage of alcoholism. This herb is generally considered safe and will only produce mild side effects, if any. However, it is not recommended for pregnant women.
The use of olive leaf for medicinal purposes is believed to date back to ancient Egypt, when it was used for ailments such as fever and malaria. In modern times, this herb has been used for problems such as achy joints, the flu, and hemorrhoids. In addition to its antioxidant properties, it is also believed to have antibacterial properties. Additionally, olive leaf is believed to lower blood pressure. As such, it is not recommended for people with diabetes.
Valerian is another of Europe’s native antioxidant herbs. It also commonly grows in Asia. Valerian medicines are often derived from the roots of plants, even though the plants do flower. This herb is commonly used for anxiety and sleep problems. Due to its calming effects, its use with antidepressants is not recommended.
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