What are some common herbal plants and their health benefits?

BPOM introduces several herbs with health benefits: ginseng (contains ginsenosides, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, boosts immunity and improves brain function); ginkgo biloba (may improve memory and brain function); turmeric (contains curcumin, improves digestion, regulates cholesterol and blood sugar); chamomile (relieves diarrhea, constipation, bladder infections and wounds); ginger (rich in nutrients, aids digestion); aloe vera (improves digestion, clears acne); peppermint (soothes the respiratory tract, relieves muscle pain); rosemary (boosts immunity, improves circulation); sambiloto (stimulates the immune system); and cat's whiskers / kumis kucing (helps treat cystitis, gout and diabetes). Precautions before using herbal materials include: understand the relevant information and instructions; use herbs only as supplementary care, not as the main treatment; follow the dosage or method of use; watch for possible allergic reactions; and know the producer to ensure product safety and hygiene.

BPOM: Health Benefits of Common Herbal Plants

Herbal plants are generally considered to contain various vitamins and minerals and can help relieve some health complaints, with different parts of a plant (leaves, roots, flowers, etc.) used as herbal medicine. However, even though these plants have been used for generations, improper use can still cause health problems, so herbs should not be taken casually and must be used according to instructions or expert guidance. This article, from BPOM, introduces herbs with multiple health benefits — such as ginseng, ginkgo biloba, turmeric, chamomile, galangal, ginger, aloe vera, peppermint, rosemary and cat's whiskers — and the precautions to observe before using herbal materials.

Hi, friends of BPOM. Herbal plants are generally considered to contain various vitamins and minerals and can be used to help relieve some health complaints. Different parts of a plant can be used as herbal medicine, such as leaves, roots and flowers. However, even though these plants have been used for generations, improper use can still cause health problems. Therefore, do not take herbs casually; always use them according to the instructions or under expert guidance. Herbal plants with multiple health benefits Ginseng : contains ginsenosides with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, helping to boost immunity, improve brain function and increase energy. Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) : ginkgo-leaf extract may improve memory and brain function in ischemic-stroke patients, though more research is needed to confirm this. Turmeric : contains curcumin with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, helping to improve digestive health, regulate cholesterol and blood sugar, and lower cancer risk. Chamomile : often used to relieve diarrhea, constipation, bladder infections and wounds, mostly taken as a tea or dried flowers. Galangal (Lengkuas / Laos) : contains galangin, flavonoids and beta-sitosterol with antioxidant properties; it can relieve inflammatory pain, improve male fertility, fight infection and has anti-cancer effects. Ginger : rich in carbohydrates, fiber, protein, iron, potassium and vitamin C, helping to keep the digestive system running smoothly. Aromatic ginger (Kencur) : often used in traditional herbal drinks (jamu), slightly sweet in taste with a mild spicy sensation in the throat. Java turmeric (Temulawak) : helps relieve bloating, irritable bowel syndrome and stomach ache; but overuse may irritate the stomach lining and cause vomiting. Aloe vera : contains magnesium, potassium, calcium and manganese, and vitamins A, C and E, helping to improve digestive health and clear acne. Peppermint leaves : can soothe the respiratory tract and throat, and help relieve muscle pain, indigestion and severe nausea. Lemon basil (Kemangi) : often served as a raw-vegetable accompaniment; it can relieve bloating, increase appetite and treat small skin wounds. Rosemary : contains iron, calcium and vitamin B6 and is rich in antioxidants; it can boost immunity, promote blood circulation and improve mood. Coriander leaves : contain protein, sodium, calcium, iron and vitamin C, helping to maintain a healthy digestive system. King of bitters (Sambiloto) : contains andrographolide and other components that stimulate the immune system, helping to guard against viral exposure and used for pharyngitis, tonsillitis and the like. Cat's whiskers (Kumis Kucing) : contains volatile oils, polyphenols, alkaloids, saponins and others, often used to help treat cystitis, gout, diabetes and kidney disease. Precautions before using herbal materials Make sure you understand the information and instructions for the herbal material. If using herbs as a treatment, do not use them as the main treatment — only as supplementary care. Follow the dosage or method of use in the instructions. Watch for possible allergic reactions after taking them. In addition, it is advisable to know the producer or manufacturer of the herbal medicine, to ensure product safety and hygiene. References Johns Hopkins Medicine. Herbal Medicine . (accessed 2023) NHS. Herbal Medicine . (accessed 2023) Healthline. 9 of the World's Most Popular Herbal Medicines . (accessed 2023) JAMA Network. Herbal Medications . (accessed 2023)

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What are some common herbal plants and their health benefits?: BPOM introduces several herbs with health benefits: ginseng (contains ginsenosides, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, boosts immunity and improves brain function); ginkgo biloba (may improve memory and brain function); turmeric (contains curcumin, improves digestion, regulates cholesterol and blood sugar); chamomile (relieves diarrhea, constipation, bladder infections and wounds); ginger (rich in nutrients, aids digestion); aloe vera (improves digestion, clears acne); peppermint (soothes the respiratory tract, relieves muscle pain); rosemary (boosts immunity, improves circulation); sambiloto (stimulates the immune system); and cat's whiskers / kumis kucing (helps treat cystitis, gout and diabetes). Precautions before using herbal materials include: understand the relevant information and instructions; use herbs only as supplementary care, not as the main treatment; follow the dosage or method of use; watch for possible allergic reactions; and know the producer to ensure product safety and hygiene.

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