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November 2009 That Reminds Me
Natural remedies
 by Emily Schilling
Editor
I’ve been flipping through a vitamin and supplement catalog that reader Gabby Miles recently sent me, and I’ve been amazed by all the herbal and natural supplements that are available.
Miles is a proponent of strengthening her body’s immune system through vitamins and supplements — something I do as well. Though I drink vitamin C-rich orange juice every day, when cold and flu season hits, I get out my echinacea capsules and replenish my stock of echinacea and green tea cough drops.
Immune system-boosting echinacea capsules and zinc tablets are mainstays in my medicine cabinet. I figure it can’t hurt, and it just might help me. I’m prone to marathon bouts of coughing and sniffles so I’m diligent about keeping my body as resilient as possible.
Nowadays, natural supplements and herbal medicines are, in some cases, as commonplace as over-the-counter medications. St. John’s Wort is on the next shelf down from multivitamins in the grocery store. (Once upon a time, I would have steered clear from something called “wort.” But, I must confess, I’ve actually tried St. John’s Wort — a herbal antidepressant.) Even those who don’t frequent health food stores have probably heard about glucosamine (which supports joint health), probiotics (which are good for the GI tract), and sleep-inducing herbs like melatonin and valerian.
Though I’m not a natural remedies newbie, that supplement catalog was nonetheless educational. For instance, I learned how marshmallow could be treat inflammatory skin conditions. Naturally, I immediately wondered how my favorite hot cocoa topping could do such wondrous things. I had no idea marshmallow was also a plant (also called Althaea officinalis). Confectionery marshmallows — which, alas, aren’t medicinal — in fact, were once made from the Althaea officinalis plant.
I also didn’t realize pine bark extract was an antioxidant that could actually be eaten! How will I ever look at a Christmas tree again without thinking about its health benefits? (Disclaimer: don’t eat your Christmas tree. I’m sure pine bark extract comes from a specific species and has been processed for more pleasant ingestion!)
When I saw the mushroom pills, featuring shiitake extract, I realized the stir fry I planned to have for lunch may do more than satisfy my craving for Chinese food. It may be therapeutic, too! Bon appetit!
Written By: eceditor
Date Posted: 10/29/2009
Number of Views: 260
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