Popular herbs have benefits, side effects.(Originated from Knight-Ridder Newspapers)

We venture into the herbal garden once again. Last week we looked at herbs in general, emphasizing that, in store-bought herbal products, there is no official assurance of quality control and for making sure you get the dose and ingredients promised on the label.

Following are popular herbs considered generally safe by herbal specialists if taken properly:

_Garlic (Allium Sativum). May reduce cholesterol levels moderately. It may be beneficial for digestive ailments, infections and high blood pressure, and may provide protection against stroke and blood clots in the heart, although these assertions are controversial. Garlic thins the blood and acts as …