The Herbal Alternative

Plants are nature's remedies. The use of plants forthe glamorous models and endorsers.
healing purposes predates human history and formsHistory of herbal medicines
the origin of much modern medicine. Herbal traditionsIn any way, do not fail to recognize that usage of
have been passed down and refined with scientificherbal medicines and natural remedies dates back
understanding, providing information to assist in healthmillions of years ago. Archaeological remains from
maintenance.early civilizations have revealed that plants were used
Today, our diet mainly consists of foods rich in fats,in burials and other rituals. The earliest written
oils, and complex carbohydrates. This is a hugeaccount of herbal remedies comes from China and
problem in today's society, leading to certain chronicdates back to 2800BC.
diseases. Many dietary and herbal approachesHerbal medicines have had a chequered history ever
attempt to balance the body's nutritional well-being.since, in and out of favor with the great and the
This includes dietary supplements and herbal medicine.common man. But throughout the last 5000 or so
What are herbal products?years, they have continued to develop until today,
Herbal products (medicines/dietary supplements) fallwhen in the light of growing concern about the
under the complementary and alternative medicineefficacy and side effects of many synthetic drugs,
(CAM) which refers to the practices that aren'therbal medicines are once again providing a safe and
integral parts of conventional medicine according tonatural alternative treatment for many everyday
the National Center for Complementary andcomplaints.
Alternative Medicine.Among the listed advantages of herbal medicines and
Herbs are valuable sources of natural medicine,natural alternatives are as follows:
vitamins and minerals that have a remarkable history1. Cost - Herbs cost less than prescription drugs.
of curative effects, when used in the proper way. InThey are certainly much more convenient. Without a
fact, the World Health Organization estimates thatprescription, you can go to the health food store and
there are 4 billion people or 80 percent of the worldbuy whatever you want. However, it is always wise
population who are presently using herbal medicineto consult with your doctor first before taking ANY
for some aspect of primary healthcare.medications. Natural does not necessarily mean safe
Herbal treatments may come in different forms.for you. Many natural substances can be harmful.
Forms of Herbal treatments:However, it is also important to note that medicines
Teas made by pouring boiling water over fresh orare not categorized as drugs. Alternative medications
dried herbsare treated as food, not medicines, because they are
Liquids made by boiling herbs in water, then using theconsidered "natural".
concoction to make oils or syrupsThey can be sold as dietary supplements without a
Solids such as powders, tablets and capsulesprescription. Supplement claims are not subject to the
Although herbs have both nutritive and medicinalsame scientific scrutiny as prescription medications.
values and perceived as generally safe, care must beUnlike prescription medicines, herbal products do not
practiced with regard to their use and dosage.have to be tested to prove that they work well and
Always consult with your health care providerare safe before they are sold. In addition, herbal
concerning the use of herbals, especially whenproducts may not be pure--they might have other
pregnant, breastfeeding, or suffering from chronicthings in them, like plant pollen or contaminants that
illnesses.could make you sick. At the present time, testing
Advantages of Herbal treatmentsand standardized manufacturing of herbal and other
Nowadays is the era of everything that is herbal andsupplements is needed.
natural. Millions of "all natural," "all herbal" health and2. Effectiveness and Potency - Reasons for seeking
dietary supplements are swamping the marketsalternative treatments include dissatisfaction with
today. Some of us are puzzled as to where and howtraditional healthcare, although the efficacy of herbal
the sudden exaggeration for those things started.medicines is mostly subjective to the patient.
Maybe it was because we became suddenlyPotency may vary, depending on genetic variation of
concerned and watchful of our health and well-being.different strains of herbs, growing conditions, timing
On the other hand, maybe the media has so muchand method of harvesting, exposure to air, light and
influence over us that we often fail to see beyondmoisture over time and type of preservation.