Heart disease, diabetes, cancer, chronic inflammation and anxiety are all incredibly commonplace in the modern world. Many are dissatisfied with modern medicine, and they are looking elsewhere for remedies for their health issues. Recently, the public has become enamored with the many available alternatives to traditional pharmaceutical medication. Stores, both online and brick and mortar, are saturated with bottle after bottle of various herbs. How do consumers know which herbal remedies will be effective? A good rule of thumb is to look for reputable research studies on the herbs in question. Many herbal medications have been studied at length, and research points to their effectiveness in relieving common conditions.

Cannabis

The cannabis plant has been used throughout much of human history for both health and spiritual purposes. As controversial as this plant is, there is also a good deal of research supporting its use in managing pain, relieving inflammation and treating anxiety. Cannabidiol, a cannabinoid which is commonly known as CBD, has been shown to improve symptoms of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. Another form of cannabinoid is tetrahydrocannabinol, generally referred to as THC. Research has shown that THC alien og can relieve insomnia, calm anxiety, decrease pain and relieve nausea.

Turmeric

Turmeric is a yellow spice native to India that has traditionally been used for both its flavor and its medicinal properties. There is a compound found in turmeric called curcumin. Research on curcumin has shown that it can be extremely effective in relieving inflammation. Turmeric was used long before the advent of modern medicine, particularly to rid the body of infection.

Studies have indicated that curcumin may also help in the treatment and prevention of cancer as well as decreasing the risk of heart disease.

Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo biloba fans claim that this Chinese tree can help with the symptoms of multiple sclerosis, sexual dysfunction, anxiety, diabetes and many other ailments. There has not been research conducted on all of these claims, but there have been studies showing the tree's effectiveness in  reducing blood pressure, slowing down dementia and treating glaucoma, all thanks to ginkgo biloba's ability to increase blood flow in the body.

Echinacea

Echinacea is a flowering plant that contains an assortment of compounds that have been shown to increase immunity and shorten the duration of the cold and flu. This flower has also commonly been used to aid in reducing blood sugar, inflammation and anxiety. There is even some evidence that echinacea might help in the treatment of cancer.

Elderberry

The flowers and fruit of the elderberry plant have been used for thousands of years. The first documented use of elderberry was around 400 BC. Recently, this plant's popularity has sharply risen in large part due to published research surrounding elderberry's effectiveness as a cold and flu treatment. Many people take elderberry on a regular basis in order to strengthen their immune systems.

Thanks to the powerful antioxidants in elderberry, this plant has been shown to aid in reducing the symptoms of diabetes, lowering the risk of cancer and decreasing LDL cholesterol.

Ginger

Ginger is well known for its ability to relieve nausea, but it has been researched widely for other healing properties. Ginger contains gingerol, which is what gives the plant its characteristic scent and taste. Gingerol is also the primary substance in ginger that gives it so many health benefits.

Recent studies have shown that ginger may have the ability to lower the risk of heart disease, decrease blood sugar and reduce pain associated with osteoarthritis. Some research has also been completed showing that ginger is believed to preserve brain function and reduce cognitive function related to the aging process.

Most of these herbal remedies, with the exception of cannabis, are commonly found in drugstores and can usually be purchased over the counter in capsule, powder, gummy, liquid or tablet form. As with any medicine, consulting a healthcare professional before beginning a regimen is recommended.