Trusted Health Products
Written By Emma Johnson / Reviewed By Ray Spotts
Herbal medicine is becoming extremely popular today as people are becoming dissatisfied with the current medicine modalities. Synthetic drugs tend to have many side effects and can, at times, exacerbate the problems. There are chances of even becoming dependent on some of them.
Although modern medicine is an incredible boon in so many ways, people still want to go for natural alternatives. They want to live happy, healthy lives. They don’t want to live in quiet desperation and be constantly anxious about their health. In this article, we will go into why people are becoming more interested in herbal medicine.
Importance of Herbal Medicine
Modern medicine doesn’t really offer a holistic solution. They just manage or reduce the symptoms, and a person may even have to go for more medication to deal with the side effects. These medicines can also stop working after a certain time as the person develops a tolerance for them.
Herbal medicine is basically a holistic solution. It is more preventive in nature than curative. It also has an incredible therapeutic value. It can help the person manage their mood and emotions much better. This is one of the reasons why plant-based medicines have been so popular in smart, indigenous and spiritual cultures.
Modern-day medicine focuses only on symptoms and not the deeper underlying issues such as emotional distress and attitudinal problems. The indigenous cultures have always placed a great emphasis on addressing the root cause of the problem and not merely the problem itself. People nowadays are beginning to recognize the simplicity of this ancient wisdom and want to incorporate some of these practices into their lives.
Herbal medicine has been around for quite a long time. Ancient Chinese, Arabic and Indian medicine systems are now again entering into the mainstream as people realize the value of ancient medicines. These medicines are made using seeds, leaves, flowers, fruits and berries. Parts of animals, insects and minerals are also used.
These medicines are purely natural solutions. In indigenous tribes, the elders pass on this knowledge to the next generation. This is how this valuable knowledge has mostly survived so far. Climate change and globalization pose a risk to the indigenous way of living and herbal medicine.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found in its study that most people nowadays are more likely to use herbal treatments and supplements rather than go for allopathic solutions. This is because the active ingredients in these herbs are good at working on various ailments and diseases in the body in a natural way.
Some Herbal Supplements That You Can Try
Elderberry
It is a black fruit that grows on the Sambucus nigra plant which is commonly found in Europe and North America. Flowers and berries of this plant are normally used in cooking and wine preparation. You can consider buying elderberry syrups or tea as they can be an enjoyable addition to your lifestyle.
Elderberry supplements are well known for their effectiveness when it comes to the common cold and respiratory infections. They can be quite helpful for people who frequently have digestive issues. They can also help with epilepsy, headaches, migraines and nerve pain. Elderberry tea is rich in antioxidants as it contains flavonols like kaempferol, isorhamnetin and quercetin.
Echinacea
It is also known as coneflower. Cornflowers belong to the daisy family. The climatic conditions of eastern and central North America are favorable for their growth. Normally, plants with narrow petals, pale petals and purple petals are used to make herbal supplements.
Echinacea has been an important part of the native American system of medicine. It is good for the treatment of wounds and burns. It can also help with digestive issues. It can be used as a topical application or be consumed as a tea.
Turmeric
Turmeric has been an integral part of Indian cooking. It contains bioactive compounds, which make it very effective. The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin which is well known to boost brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).
Turmeric is one of the best alternatives to anti-inflammatory medication. It is safe to use and very helpful for wounds, burns and boils. It helps greatly to reduce skin irritation. It is also known to be anti-carcinogenic.
Ginseng
Ginseng occupies an important place in ancient Chinese medicine. The roots of Ginseng are dried, and a powder is made. This powder can help increase energy levels, sex drive and brain function. It is incredibly beneficial for the immune system.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera is well known by all skin-care enthusiasts. It is great for the skin and can help treat skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. It effectively prevents aging and wrinkles. It can repair the skin affected by UV damage and reduce face lines.
Aloe vera juice can also be used as a great natural mouthwash, and it can help reduce dental plaque considerably. The juice has excellent nutritional value, and it can help lower cholesterol and blood sugar. It can also relieve heartburn and increase liver function.
Flaxseed
Flaxseed is an excellent source of protein. It is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, making it a popular choice among vegetarians and vegans who can consume flax seeds as an alternative to fish. It helps reduce cholesterol and increase cardiovascular health. It is available in the form of oil and capsules.
Flaxseed can also be a great addition to breakfast, and it can also be used in making bread and cookies. It can help with weight management. It is also a natural laxative.
Ginkgo Biloba
This is a rare plant that is native to China. It is also known as the maidenhair tree. Ginkgo Biloba can help people with depression and anxiety immensely. It can support the production of brain chemicals like dopamine and serotonin, which create feelings of well-being.
It is also helpful for those with glaucoma, Alzheimer's and tinnitus. It can also provide symptomatic relief for women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It is important not to use Ginkgo Biloba tablets if you are on anticoagulant medication.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is basically extracted from the leaves of melaleuca, more commonly known as the tea tree. Tea tree oil was an important part of the Aborigine culture in Australia. It is well known for its anti-fungal and antiviral properties. It can be used for cuts, scrapes, septic wounds and abrasions.
Tea tree oil can help eliminate unpleasant body odor and is a great alternative to commercial deodorants. The oil also serves as a great hand sanitizer. Tea tree oil can be used as a mouthwash and can keep the teeth and gums healthy.
Chamomile
This herb typically comes from a daisy-like plant, and it is considered highly valuable in folk medicine. In fact, medicine men refer to it as the “star among medicinal species.” Chamomile tea can be incredibly relaxing and rejuvenating. It can help trauma patients to relax and feel safe in their bodies. It also helps with sleep disorders.
It is also a great digestive relaxant and can effectively treat gastrointestinal issues like nausea, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and diarrhea. Chamomile is also used in cosmetic products like lotions, soaps, shampoos, eye creams and much more. It will help maintain the moisture levels in the skin effectively. The use of chamomile ointments can help with skin conditions like eczema.
Valerian
The use of this perennial flowering plant has been around for centuries, going back to ancient Greece and Rome. Hippocrates himself described its therapeutic value. It was used in the 16th century to soothe the nerves, reduce tremors and heart palpitations.
It is most beneficial to treat sleep disorders and reduce anxiety. Valerian can also be very useful for relieving muscle and joint pain. It is now even available as a bath oil to help relax and open up the skin pores.
St. John’s Wort
This herb has been around for from quite a long time. It is useful as a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), which means that it can help with depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Although it is useful, it is vital to use this carefully as it is known to interact with drugs like antibiotics, sedatives, immunosuppressants and antidepressants. You can buy it in your local health food store.
Here are a Few Reasons Why Herbal Medicine is Popular
Good results
People found that regular and responsible usage of these herbal products created an overall sense of well-being. This holistic sense of wellness is difficult to bring about by using synthetic drugs. As most of these products are derived from botanicals, they are natural and authentic.
Even modern-day medical practitioners are now becoming more eager and open-minded. There is a whole new world of alternative healing to now explore where plant-based formulations are revered. People also go for reiki, aromatherapy, acupuncture and oil massage.
This sort of integrative medicine is also known to be effective in improving brain function, preventing Alzheimer's, infectious diseases and complex chronic diseases.
Variety
There are so many plant species and families to explore. They naturally grow in the forests of India, Nepal and in China as well. However, you can easily grow some of them in your backyard garden. You can even develop herbal gardening as a hobby.
Herbal products are available in many ways, such as extracts, capsules and tablets, teas, bath salts, ointments and oils. Among these, tea is a popular choice for most people as it can be very relaxing. People also use some of these products in their baths and use them as external applications in the form of salves, wraps, compresses and poultices.
You can even use many of these herbs like basil, bay leaf, cilantro, lemongrass, oregano, parsley, sage and thyme in your cooking. Herbal cooking is also becoming very popular. You can find herbal cookbooks and try interesting and healthy recipes.
These herbs can greatly help to enhance the taste of the food and are an integral part of many cuisines around the world. You can use them in your salads and smoothies as well.
Safety
Herbal products are safe to use. However, like with any product, you will want to exercise some basic caution. For instance, you have to make sure you don’t have any allergies. You will want to consult your physician and discuss this through.
Be sure to go for reputed brands and use certified products. Don’t go for the products that have extravagant or too-good-to-be-true claims. Make a proper inquiry to ensure whether the products are pure and authentic. When shopping online, always go to trusted sites like People’s Herbs to buy good products.
Also, exercise some prudence in the way you use these products. Store them in cool and dry places. Be careful how much you take. It is best if you follow the instructions and use them accordingly. It would be best if you were cautious because some of these products tend to interact with the other medication that you might be on, such as aspirins, diuretics, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Also, avoid using these products if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have any menstruation issues. Use these products before their expiration date. It is also wise to consult a herbalist or a naturopath as they can make good recommendations based on your body type, gender, health condition and other factors. They will help you tap into the healing ability of your body.
Affordability
Herbal products can be quite inexpensive compared to some of the over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medications that people normally use. However, keep in mind that herbal products are mainly preventive and work best when you make the necessary lifestyle changes. They are usually not the full solution in and of themselves.
In Conclusion
Despite the advancements and leaps made in modern-day medicine, people yearn to go back to simpler times and explore alternative ways of healing and recovery. Herbs can provide great symptomatic relief. They are cost-effective and easily accessible in various forms as well. Make sure to do your research and go for the right herbal products that can meet all your health needs.
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Written By:
My name is Emma Johnson and I am a supermom, an entrepreneur and a fitness freak. I live my days trying to enlighten people about how important it is to stay healthy especially at a time when the wrath of Mother Nature is upon us. Our bodies are our humble abode, and we must know how to rightfully belong to ourselves first, before anyone else, in all senses of the term. Therefore, if it is health and body positivity that you are looking for, feel free to check what my pieces have in store for you.
Reviewed By:
Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.
Photo by Andrea Leon on Unsplash
