Earlier studies showed that use of herbal medicines for treatment for various aliments has sharply increased among Australians. Recent study showed that Aloe Vera, garlic and green tea scored topmost positions on the popularity charts of herbal medicines. The study was done by Charlie Xue of RMIT University.  

Recent findings were based on data, collected from 2526 people in Victorian state of Australia. The study subjects were surveyed on the use of 24 commonly used herbal medicines.  

Analysis of data showed that 22.6 percent of study subjects had used at least one of the herbs in the past 12 months. Maximum use of these herbs was found among university trained study subjects in the age group of 35 to 54 year, earning between 60,000 Australian dollars and 80,000 Australian dollars per year.  

10 percent of the study subjects have used Aloe Vera, garlic and green tea. Other popular herbs included echinancea, ginger, peppermint, ginseng, ginkgo biloba, evening primrose, dandelion and St John's wort.  

According to ABC report, more than 90 percent of people claim that their herbal medicine had been helpful in enhancing their general health and wellbeing, or providing relief from specific medical conditions. 

Charlie Xue said that less than half of the study participants were aware of the potential harms arising from herbal medicine. More women than men use herbal medicines, with 14.4 percent taking herbs while they were pregnant, and 10 percent while breast feeding. He added that more than 50 percent of participants had also used drugs at the same times as herbs for the same medical condition.