Medical Herbalism  Research

Herbal remedies for common ailments in the elderly

The popularity of herbal medicine is at an all time peak and herbal remedies are being used to help treat diseases affecting all age groups. However, a review of available research shows that a number of herbal remedies are particularly beneficial for the elderly.

A report by Professor E Ernst of the Department of Complementary Medicine, School of Postgraduate Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Exeter, England, reviewed the available published research and makes the following recommendations:

Hypericum perforatum (St John's Wort)
This is a well tolerated and effective herbal remedy for mild to moderate depression.

Valeriana officinalis (valerian)
Although this herb is widely used, Valeriana officinalis (valerian) still has not been shown beyond reasonable doubt to be completely effective for insomnia.

Ginkgo biloba (ginkgo)
There is compelling evidence that Ginkgo biloba (ginkgo) is effective in delaying the clinical course of dementias.

Horse Chestnut
It is well documented that Aesculus hippocastanum (horse chestnut) seed extracts alleviate the subjective symptoms and reduce the objective signs of chronic venous insufficiency.

Saw palmetto
Research papers indicate that Serenoa repens (saw palmetto) is effective in improving the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Yohimbine
Finally, yohimbine has been shown to be effective forerectile dysfunction.

The report concludes that several plant-based medicines can be useful additions to the conventional medicines commonly used to help treat health problems in the elderly. However, more controlled research is needed to to find out more about how and why the herbal extracts work and potential longterm side effects.

Source: Drugs Aging 1999 Dec;15(6):423-8 . Herbal medications for common ailments in the elderly.Ernst E

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