Herbal Combinations

Herbs are often combined with other herbs when treating a particular illness.  This is done to get the maximum benefit for the body. Some herbs increase the effects of other herbs when combined. Others complement each other and give more potent health benefits. 

It is important to think of herbal combinations as medicines and should be treated as such.  Therefore refrain from taking medicines for extended period of time on a daily basis.  Your body could build immunity against the herbal combinations and they will be less effective. Or, continuous use could lead to side effects.  It is also best to start with small amounts when using herbal combinations. Wait for a few hours to see if there are any adverse effects on you. Then continue the therapy using herbal combinations and gradually increase the dosage daily. 

You should remember that herbal combinations work when supported by a number of other factors that could influence the outcome of the treatment such as the patient’s diet, exercise, mental attitude, physical environment, prescription drugs taken and others.  So, you should take these factors into consideration before taking herbal combinations. Also, herbal combinations could have adverse drugs or nutrients interactions.  Better consult your doctor and informed her/him about any herbal combinations and prescription drugs you are taking to prevent side effects.

These popular herbal combinations can be in any formulations such as teas, tinctures, capsules, etc. You can use equal parts of each herb or use more of the herb if necessary. Some herbal combinations being used include:

To treat allergies, colds, hay fever and upper respiratory infections: blessed thistle, skullcap, goldenseal, cayenne, marshmallow, lobelia and burdock.

To treat arthritis, rheumatism, gout: yucca, comfrey, alfalfa, yarrow, cayenne, lobelia, burdock, chaparral, black cohosh, cat’s claw and lemon grass.

To treat drug withdrawal: chamomile, ginseng, licorice, cayenne and gotu kola

Energy herbal combinations: cayenne, ginseng and gotu kola

Herbal combinations to reduce weight: chickweed, licorice, safflower, Echinacea, black walnut, hawthorn, papaya, fennel and dandelion.

Herbal combinations to treat ulcers: cayenne, goldenseal, myrrh, marshmallow and calendula.

Herbal combinations to be effective they must be prepared properly.  The best methods of extracting the herbs powerful properties differ from herbs to herbs.  And it is best to remember that one formulation could be a better option to treat a particular condition than the other. For instance, aloe vera lotion is more effective in treating burns than aloe vera salve preparations. So find the best herbal combinations that work for you. Refer to herbalists and your doctor before using herbal combinations to prevent possible side effects.