Have you ever tried a natural or herbal remedy to cure a condition or possibly for daily use? Some people think that herbal remedies are a ruse to attract people to buy products. However, nowadays even doctors are realizing the benefits of natural herbal remedies. Herbs have been used for over 5,000 years in several different cultures, including Sumerian, Greek, Egyptian, Arabic, Roman, German, Swiss, and English.
Western culture has been using herbal medicine for thousands of years, making herbalism one of the oldest forms of medicine. In addition, it is possibly one of the most widespread medicines, with around 80% of the world’s population still using herbal medicine. Herbal medicine, unlike conventional medicine, is not only used for the treatment of symptoms or conditions. Herbal medicine prevents disease and illness, maintains proper daily bodily function, and improves mental attitude, appearance, and performance. Herbal remedies can be used to help in areas such as digestion, respiratory tract, circulation, immune, endocrine, nervous system, detoxification, and externally for the skin, hair, and nails. Herbal experimentation has been the basis of both the Indian herbal medicine known as Ayurvedic and Chinese herbal medicine.
Chinese herbal medicine reflects the Chinese belief that the universe is made up of energy called chi. Furthermore, human beings have an innate relationship with the world and the environment around them through chi; The human body is a small universe unto itself made up of complex systems of energy and matter that work to maintain the health of the body and mind. Chinese herbal medicine is the main therapeutic modality of internal medicine in China. This is used in conjunction with external modalities such as acupuncture, acupressure, massage, tai chi, meditation, dermabrasion, and food therapy. With over 500 Chinese herbs, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) combines herbs to create specific formulas that are tailored to the individual patient.
Indian herbal medicine, also known as Ayurvedic medicine, is the oldest organized system of medicine. Today we classify it as a complementary and alternative medicine but for the Indians it is known as divine medicine due to its long history. Ayurveda is based on the understanding that the universe and the body are made up of five great elements: earth, water, fire, air and ether. Additionally, Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of balance through three elemental energies. Everyone possesses these energies or doshas as they are known. These doshas are important because when they are balanced within the body, then you are healthy, but when they are out of balance, the body has diseases. Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of a healthy metabolic system, proper digestion, and proper excretion to lead to vitality. Also, exercise, yoga, meditation, and massage maintain the external body. Therefore, Ayurvedic medicine addresses the body, mind and spirit as a whole to achieve perfect health.
Herbal medicine, no matter where it is used, is derived from the plants of the earth. A natural remedy can use any part of that plant, the root, the stem, the flower, the seeds, even the liquid inside the plant. That is why there are so many herbs because from each plant several different herbs can be extracted and also several different uses. Herbal remedies come in all kinds of forms, such as pills, capsules, gel, ointment, cream, liquid, oil, or tea. Many common herbal remedies can be found right under our noses in our own kitchens. Like garlic, cinnamon, ginger, mint, turmeric and chamomile tea. Herbal supplements can be taken alone or mixed to achieve a specific result. Common conditions that have found relief through herbal remedies include angina, arthritis, skin care, thyroid, urinary tract infections, and many more. New products are coming out that help with additional problems like quitting smoking, removing unwanted hair, and removing wrinkles.
The shift to herbal and natural medicine has been a long and slow process, however the population as a whole has shown a shift from traditional medicine with prescriptions and unpleasant side effects to natural and organic products. With more and more health professionals promoting more natural ways to relieve symptoms, herbal medicine is making its official debut in modern medicine. Why wait to go see a doctor to get a prescription that costs outrageous amounts of money and could cause them additional symptoms? Natural herbal remedies can be purchased at the local store or you may already have them in your kitchen cabinet. So why not try a natural herbal remedy to treat your problem? It can change the way you live your life.