The past decade has seen the resurgence of herbal supplements. More and more people are looking for new and fresh ways to improve their health. With institutionalized western medicine seemingly unable to confront the most pressing health problems of the day, thousands of people are turning to alternative medicine, especially herbal supplements.

Despite what your pharmacist might tell you, herbs have proven themselves as effective alternatives to medicine over thousands of years. In fact, before the conception of today's multinational drug company, it was the common herb that reigned supreme in the world of health. Some of the oldest cultures of the world, including those of China and India, have a wide storehouse of herbal knowledge as it applies to medicine. Only very recently has the West come to appreciate the value of such knowledge.

If you feel the need to find alternative ways of improving your health, then finding the

right herbal supplement will be very important to you. Depending on your medical condition and your health problems, you might want to take different kinds of herbs.

Here are some of the most popular herbs on the market today:

Aloe Vera. Aloe vera is considered to be one of the most powerful of herbs today, and has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands or years. It is primarily used as a salve to treat wounds and burns, since it contains compounds that reduce inflammation and swelling. Aloe vera is also used to fight bacteria that may result in infection, as well as to treat various skin ailments

Gingko Biloba. Gingko biloba is another very popular herb, not only in the United States, but in the entire world. Hailing from China, Gingko biloba is considered to be "brain food", which means that it improves the functions of the brain. Recent scientific research backs up this claim. The herb does this by improving the circulation of oxygen and nutrients in the brain, thus improving levels of alertness and concentration.

Gingko biloba is also a powerful antioxidant, and can prevent the spread of free radicals inside the human body. Not only do antioxidants prevent many conditions like cancer, they also slow down the process of aging. The herb is also used to treat vertigo, Alzheimer's, and ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder).

Echinacea. Echinacea, which is a tall flower native to the Great Plains region of North America, is reputed to be a powerful immune system booster. Almost the entire plant is used for medicinal purposes, although the consensus is that the roots are the most potent part.

Echinacea is considered to be an incredible immune system booster. Like aloe vera, it is also used to fend off infection and illnesses caused by bacteria. The herb works by increasing the potency and activity of white blood cells, which are the "defenders" of the body. Echinacea has proven effective in combating both the common cold and influenza.