Nature has been so benevolent to us from the time we exist. Every nook and corner of our Earth is replete with life saving and energy enhancing herbs. Its tragic that we are yet to utilize even 5% of the natural herbal treasure. Every civilization found its own natural penicillin and placebo – Chinese, Indian, and African regions are particularly very rich in natural herbs.

Some of the herbs which are mentioned even in mythologies and ancient epics and are used as part of our daily lives are:

Garlic

Garlic contains a chemical called Allicin, which has already proved to have numerous health benefits. A team of Israeli scientists recently used this chemical to successfully kill cancer cells as well as malignant tumors in mice. A proper use of Garlic prevents heart disease including atherosclerosis, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and cancer.

Turmeric

Turmeric is one of the most popular spices of India. It is also popular as medicine popularly used as part of home remedy. Almost in every dish prepared in India Turmeric is added. Further, it is also regarded by the Hindus as something “sacred″ for use in ceremonial and religious functions. The spice Turmeric or Haldi consists of the dried, boiled, cleaned and polished rhizomes (the underground swollen stem of the plant) of Turmeric plant.

Under the genus Curcuma, to which turmeric belongs, the botanists have so far recognized 30 varieties. Of these, Curcuma longa is economically the most important accounting for about 96.4% of the total area under turmeric and the remaining 3.6% of the total area are cultivated under Curcuma aromatica, which is mostly grown in small areas in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

In Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric is thought to have many medicinal properties and many in India use it as a readily available antiseptic for cuts, burns and bruises. Practitioners of Ayurvedic medicine say it has fluoride which is thought to be essential for teeth. It is also used as an antibacterial agent.

It is taken in some Asian countries as a dietary supplement, which allegedly helps with stomach problems and other ailments. It is popular as a tea in Okinawa, Japan. It is currently being investigated for possible benefits in Alzheimer’s disease, cancer and liver disorders.

Green Tea

The Chinese have known about the medicinal benefits of green tea since ancient times, using it to treat everything from headaches to depression. In 1994 the Journal of the National Cancer Institute published the results of an epidemiological study indicating that drinking green tea reduced the risk of esophageal cancer in Chinese men and women by nearly sixty percent.

The following ailments are particularly being targeted by Green tea:

- cancer
- rheumatoid arthritis
- high cholesterol levels
- cariovascular disease
- infection
- impaired immune function

Hoodia

Deep inside the African Kalahari desert, grows an ugly cactus-like plant called the Hoodia. It thrives in extremely high temperatures, and takes years to mature. The San Bushmen of the Kalahari, one of the world’s oldest and most primitive tribes, had been eating the Hoodia for thousands of years, to stave off hunger during long hunting trips.

- Hoodia will curb your appetite almost immediately after taking only a few milligrams;
- Hoodia gives you control over your appetite – being the most effective natural appetite suppressant ever found
- Hoodia will make you feel great- its a natural mood enhancer;
- Hoodia will help you to lose weight by not over-eating
- Hoodia is 100% Natural with Proven results that will work for you
- Hoodia will not give you the shakes like so many other appetite suppressants;

fter some research, some diet supplement manufacturers started adding Hoodia &amp Green tea as their major ingredients. Hydroxycut &amp Thermodrenix supplements use Green tea as their major ingredient. Phenocal utilizes Hoodia, Green tea &amp some other natural supplements. Apart from Phenocal, Some other diet supplements have started using these two supplements.

Ginseng

Ginseng is one of the most widely studied herbs, having been the subject of more than 3,000 scientific studies to investigate how ginseng helps improve a person’s physical and/or mental performance, notes McCaleb. Studies have shown ginseng helps increase memory and learning by improving circulation. It’s also been shown to reduce cholesterol and protect the liver from toxins. Ginseng, according to Tierra, is known to strengthen the lungs, nourish body fluids and calm the spirit. It may be used for shock, collapse and heart weakness, as well as for promoting longevity and increasing resistance to disease.

A Japanese study showed cancerous liver cells could be reverted to normal cells in a Petri dish culture when treated with Panax ginseng extract. Siberian ginseng has also been shown to stimulate the immune system.

In addition to the above mentioned herbs , diet also plays a big role in your well being. You should adopt a diet which suits your body &amp mind and not just because some dietitian is broadcasting it.