Melbourne (PTI): Aloe Vera, garlic and green tea are the most popular herbal medicines used by Australians, according to a new study.

A report by Charlie Xue of RMIT university on the first study of its kind surveyed 2526 people in Victorian state of Australia on the use of 24 most common herbal medicine.

Previous studies have shown a sharp increase in the use of herbal medicines by Australians, Xue said.

The study revealed that 22.6 per cent of participants had used at least one of the herbs in the past 12 months, with the highest use among 35 to 54 year-olds who were University trained, and those who earned between 60,000 Australian dollars and 80,000 Australian dollars per year.

Aloe Vera, garlic and green tea were the most popular herbs, each used by about 10 per cent of participants. Other popular herbs included echinancea, ginger, peppermint, ginseng, gingko biloba, evening primrose, dandelion and St John's wort.

The study found that more than 90 per cent of people felt their herbal medicine had been helpful in enhancing their general health and wellbeing, or providing relief from specific medical conditions, ABC report said.

Xue said many people sought herbal help for chronic conditions, with the most common being skin problems, sleep disorder, anxiety, stomach, cold, flu and fever.

Xue also said 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 per cent were taking herbs while they were pregnant, and 10 per cent while breast feeding.

More than 50 per cent of participants had also used drugs at the same times as herbs for the same medical condition.