Herbs that can benefit your health

With the proliferation of information that has occurred around the globe via the internet, it has become much easier to learn about herbs in different cultures and how they are used.  Here is a list of a few herbs that have been used in different cultures for various purposes and are now being used in the US.

• Jiaogulan - Gynostemma Pentaphyllum, or jiaogulan, is a wild vining herb that is often used to make a tea.  It is also known as "Southern Ginseng", or "Poor Man's Ginseng" because chemically it bears some similarity to ginseng, the popular root tonic in Traditional Chinese Medicine.  Jiaogulan is currently being used by long-distance runners to increase endurance and for treating horses suffering from laminitis.
• Moringa Oleifera - Leaves from the moringa tree contain a high density of nutrients such as calcium, iron, vitamin C etc.  and have proven effective as an organic nutritional supplement around the world in impoverished tropical areas, where it is being grown to help improve the health of children and nursing mothers.
• Gynura Procumbens - Also known as Sabungai or Longevity Spinach, Gynura is a plant that high levels of saponins, and when included in a healthy diet, it can help to moderate blood sugar levels and improve the cleanliness of the digestive system.  Also, studies have shown that it does have some anti-inflammatory properties.
• Wild Yam - Traditionally used as an anti-inflammatory and to sooth cramps, there is very little scientific evidence that it has any actual benefits.  Scientific research into this plant may one day produce some reason for it's traditional use since it is well known for it's traditional ability to reduce rheumatism and sooth muscles and cramps.

Herbs are used for various purposes around the world in different cultures and have been utilized for centuries in some cases to help people to live healthier lives.  In some cases, plants such as these are being studied at Universities around the world to discover why they are so effective at helping to improve people's health in various ways.