Herbal remedies have been
used by humans for thousands of years, before recorded history. The modern
human population has revitalized the use of herbs as medicine as many people
seek alternative, safer and more natural treatment for a wide variety of heath
disorders.
What are Herbal Remedies?
Using a plant’s berries,
seeds, bark, flower, leaves, or roots for medicinal purposes is considered
herbal medicine. Herbal therapies were used by indigenous cultures and were
also developed into medical systems such as Traditional Chinese Medicine and
Ayurveda. Advancements in clinical research concerning herbal medicine have
resulted in this form of medicine becoming more widely accepted by people in
the modern world.
Safely Using Herbal Remedies
While clinical research has
created much greater quality control and analysis of herbal
remedies, it’s important to understand how to correctly use herbal medicine
in order to avoid any potential side effects. In general, herbal medications
result in far fewer and less harmful side effects than conventional
pharmaceutical drugs. However, the effects of herbal remedies should not be disregarded.
It’s the powerful nature of many herbal medications that allows them to provide
so many healing benefits. At the same time, some herbs can cause side effects
when ingested. Be sure to do your research to thoroughly understand how a
particular herb should be used.
There are herbs—such as peppermint,
ginger, and chamomile—that do not produce any side effects at all. Peppermint
is an effective remedy for alleviating nausea and for soothing an upset
stomach. Ginger also works to soothe stomach upset, and can be beneficial in
reducing car sickness or morning sickness (in pregnant women). Chamomile is an
ideal remedy for anxiety and for relaxing the digestive system.
Other herbs—such as comfrey,
sassafras, and senna—must be used with a greater amount of caution since these
herbs can cause serious side effects if used incorrectly. It is important to
consult with your doctor before taking herbs that are known to cause severe
adverse side effects if taken with certain medications or if taken improperly.
What Can Herbal Medicine Be
Used to Treat?
The list of health disorders
that herbal medicine can treat is extensive. Herbal remedies can be used to
treat chronic fatigue, asthma, migraines, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer,
premenstrual syndrome (PMS), eczema, irritable bowel syndrome, depression,
anxiety, insomnia, and much more. If you have a particular health disorder that
you’d like to address, chances are that you will find a number of herbs that
will help you treat the disorder.
The following herbs are just
a few examples of common herbs used to treat health disorders. You’ll notice
that most herbs can be used to treat more than one problem.
- Ginkgo Biloba offers
numerous benefits, which is why it is among the most popularly used herbal
medicines used in the United States. Ginkgo Biloba is believed to improve
memory and overall brain function. The herb is also an antioxidant that assists
in the fight against free radicals in the body.
- Valerian root is useful for
treating sleep disorders and mild forms of anxiety. It has also been used to
ease physical tension and pain.
- Echinacea enhances the
body’s natural autoimmune response. By using this herb on a regular basis
during cold and flu season, many people are able to avoid cold and flu symptoms
all season long.
- Goldenseal works to ward off
bacteria, and, therefore, helps in the fight against respiratory infections,
colds, and sinusitis. This herbal remedy has also been used to treat ulcers,
sore throats, sore gums, and some types of vaginal infections. It is recommended
that goldenseal only be used short term, since side effects, such as nausea and
vomiting, may occur with extended use.
- Ginseng is used as a popular
herbal remedy that is believed to assist the immune system response. There are
herbal remedies that combine ginseng and Gingko Biloba, and this combination is
thought to improve brain function.
There are many benefits to
using herbal remedies as long as you learn to use herbs correctly. Herbal
medicine is much less expensive that conventional medication, tends to produce
less adverse side effects, and does not require a doctor’s prescription. When
used correctly, herbal remedies can resolve a number of medical disorders and
improve your overall health.
Valerie Johnston is a health and fitness writer located in East Texas.
With ambitions of one day running a marathon and writing for Healthline.com ensures she keeps
up-to-date on all of the latest health and fitness news.
