Herbal remedies have been used by cultures around the world for centuries and are now available in a variety of forms such as tinctures, tablets, fluid extracts, loose herbs and herb teas. A health store will offer the widest selection.

Herbal remedies can play a significant part in the prevention and treatment of many conditions, both chronic and acute and offer a mild form of treatment with very beneficial effects.

Many Herbal remedies can work as fast as any modern synthetic drug to bring relief for minor ailments, but in the treatment of chronic disorders such as rheumatism or bronchitis, the action of Herbal remedies is slow, gentle and cumulative. Herbal remedies work to strengthen and stimulate the various systems of the body over a long period of time.

Before making the transition from drug remedies to Herbal remedies , consult your health care practitioner, as many drugs cause unpleasant side effects when combined with other substances including Herbal remedies. The body can become hooked on many drugs including painkillers and tranquillisers  If you are not taking any prescription or over-the-counter drugs, Herbal remedies will provide safe, effective health care.

How long should you go on taking herbal remedies? Most herbal remedies are fairly mild, and can be safely taken over a long period without risk, in the doses suggested by the herbal remedy supplier. However, herbal remedies should not be seen as a substitute for the efficient working of your body's own natural defence system. The best herbal remedies in the world cannot do much in the long term for somebody who is undermining his or her health by inadequate diet, too little exercise and excessive stress. Once you feel that the condition for which you are taking a herbal remedy is much improved, you should try tapering off the dose gradually.

At Country Living health Store you will find herbal remedies from manufacturers who use only the finest ingredients to produce premium quality supplements. Some of the most commonly sold herbal remedies are:

• Agnus Castus: mainly used for gynaecological disorders such as menstrual problems and infertility. Also, due to its hormonal link, it may maintain a healthy menopause.
• Artichoke: Artichoke leaf  extract possesses choleretic  (stimulates liver to increase bile production) and a mild diuretic action.
• Bilberry: Bilberry fruit extract is included in many of the eye health herbal remedies on sale. It promotes good vision and is mainly used for day and night blindness, retinitis and visual acuity. Bilberry may also be used for blood vessel problems (including varicose veins) and also in the management of gastrointestinal disorders and diarrhoea.
• Butterbur: Primarily used in the treatment of migraines, and as an anti-spasmodic agent for chronic cough and asthma.
• Cranberry: Cranberry fruit extract is mainly used in herbal remedies to help defeat urinary tract infections.
• Devils Claw: Devils Claw root extract is used for arthritis, gout, muscle pain, and forms of muscular rheumatism, lower back pain and rheumatic disease in general.
• Dandelion: This herb is commonly recommended to help with liver and gall bladder complaints and as a diuretic for fluid retention.
• Echinacea: Has been shown to be a potent immune stimulant and as such can be taken to help prevent or speed recovery from colds, influenza and general infections.
• Ginkgo Biloba: Has been shown to improve circulation to all parts of the body including the brain, hands and feet. Ginkgo Biloba is one of the oldest medicinal herbs known to man and an excellent herbal remedy for the health of older people. Ginkgo improves arterial circulation and cold hands and feet. Ginkgo is also known as the memory tree. However, do not take this herbal remedy if you are using Warfarin or Aspirin regularly without consulting a healthcare professional.
• Milk Thistle: Its active ingredient, silymarin is a strong antioxidant and is a potent liver protector. One of the most popular herbal remedies sold during the festive season.
• Rhodiola: is particularly useful during prolonged periods of stress.
• Saw Palmetto: Is effective at reducing the size of an enlarged prostate and the related symptoms such as frequent urination, and urinary discomfort.
• St Johns Wort: St Johns Wort herb extract possesses sedative and astringent properties. It is most widely used for the treatment of depression but also has antibacterial and antiviral properties.
• Valerian: Possesses sedative, nerve relaxant properties. Valerian is included in almost all herbal remedies for insomnia.

You will find all of the above herbal remedies, along with many more at our Poynton store, as well as from our online shop, healthstore.uk.com.