Herbal medicines come from various plants. Depending on the remedy, the leaf, seed, stem, flower, root, bark or the whole plant may be used.

A herbal medicine usually contains several constituents of each herb. This is different to conventional medicines, which tend to be based on one active ingredient chosen for its specific action.

Like conventional medicines, herbal medicines come in a range of formulations, including oral and topical products.

Popular herbal remedies

• Arnica – helps to soothe muscles, joints and bruising
• Echinacea – helps to support the immune system, which helps fight colds, flu and other viral infections
• Garlic – helps with the symptoms of the common cold, including a runny nose and catarrh
• Ginkgo biloba – has stimulating and antioxidant properties
• Nettle – has a soothing effect on the skin
• Raspberry leaf – for painful menstrual cramps
• Sage – for hot flushes and night sweats associated with menopause
• Saw palmetto – helps maintain a healthy prostate; may relieve symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
• Slippery elm – for indigestion, heartburn and flatulence
• St John’s wort – has sedative and mood lifting actions.