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The Most
Popular Herbs
March 11, 1999 - The marketing and advertising of several
popular herbs is driving soaring sales and the use of herbal
remedies. The top herbal remedies in the US, according to
Nutrition Business Journal, (based in San Diego, Calif.) are
echinacea, ginseng, ginkgo biloba, garlic, and St. John’s
Wort.
- The leader in sales, echinacea, is said to stimulate the
immune system and fight against colds and flu. From 1995 to
1997, sales of echinacea increased from $180 million to $270
million a year. People with autoimmune diseases, such as lupus
or multiple sclerosis, should avoid taking echinacea.
- Ginseng sales have increased 21 percent to $270 million in
1997. Used for centuries in Asia, ginseng is said to increase
energy, and build the body’s resistance to stress. People
with cardiovascular disease, as well as those who use
stimulants, should not take ginseng.
- Sales of ginkgo biloba have soared 47 percent. In 1997, $240
million of the substance was sold. It is said to be an
antioxidant, to increase blood circulation and oxygenation, and
improve memory. However, a review of 50 ginkgo biloba studies on
Alzheimer’s patients, published in the November 1998 issue
of Archives of Neurology, said only four studies yielded
reliable information. The other studies did not meet the
researchers criteria. The researchers wrote, "Based on a
quantitative analysis of the literature, there is a small but
significant effect of three- to six-month treatment with 120-240
mg of ginkgo biloba on objective measures of cognitive function
in Alzheimer’s disease. Further research in the area will
need to determine the functional improvements and to determine
the best dosage."
- Garlic, which contains the key ingredient allicin, an amino
acid derivative, is said to lower cholesterol, blood pressure,
and triglyceride levels. Sales of the product skyrocketed 40
percent from 1995 to 1997, netting more than $210 million.
Studies continue to debate whether it is effective.
- St. John’s Wort has taken the industry by storm. Sales
have surged nearly 2,000 percent from $10 million in 1995 to
$200 million in1997. A mild mood elevator, it is said to
alleviate mild to moderate depression.
- Another widely used herb is kava kava, said to reduce stress
and anxiety. Sales have jumped to an estimated $50 million in
1998. High doses of this herb, coupled with long-term use, can
cause muscle, eye, and skin problems. Kava should not be taken
by pregnant women, or people diagnosed with depression.
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