Herbal Medicine: An Ounce Of Prevention


In recent years the issue of Alternative Healing has taken the medical world by storm.

A 2004 government survey concluded that more than one third of adults use some form of alternative medicine and healing. Many of those using alternative therapies do not even discuss them with their traditional healthcare practitioners.

One facet of this burgeoning interest is Herbal Medicine. While it may seem "trendy" to some, Herbal Medicine has been around for thousands of years.In fact, many of the familiar pharmaceutical medications we use today were originally created from "natural" ingredients. Drugs like opium (from poppies), aspirin (from willow bark), digitalis (from foxglove) and quinine (from the cinchona tree.)

What is Herbal Medicine?

Herbal Medicine is the use of botanicals (plants) either singularly or in combination to prevent and treat certain ailments and illnesses.

People native to different geographical locations have long used plants and plant extracts to cure specific maladies.Sometimes referred to as "folk" medicine, it is generally recognized that there are three schools of research one can follow with regard to the history of these treatments.

There is the study of medicines based on Greek, Roman and medieval sources, which is largely used by Western schools of thought, Ayurveda which comes from India, and the Eastern tradition of Chinese Herbal Medicine. Rather than separation, these different schools of thought provide more commonality than division.

It stands to reason that most ancient peoples used plants that were native to their geographical location, which provides sound reasoning as to why different schools of thought exist.All three of these modalities at one time included both philosophical and spiritual aspects along with the scientific knowledge that existed within a specific time frame.In the study that determined one third of Americans used alternative therapies, the same number surveyed showed a dramatic increase in positive results to more than 60% when "prayer" was included in the mix.

Ayurveda, loosely translated to "knowledge of life," is the ancient Indian system of medicine. Dating back to more than 6,000 years ago, Ayurvedic Medicine practiced not just Herbal Medicine, but some of the earliest surgical procedures as well as inoculation.

Over the years Ayurvedic Medicine became increasingly symptomatic as opposed to treating the root cause of disease, which originally was steeped in strengthening the immune system

With all our so-called advancements in the medical field, it's interesting that physicians are still treating "effect" rather than "cause."

The old adage that, "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" could not be more true. This is especially true when it comes to natural remedies.

Nothing in the makeup of a plant tells us in what way it would be used the best. There are over a half million known herbs that could be used as possible remedies.

Chinese Herbalist practitioners have over 2,000 herbs that are readily available in their pharmacies.

Herbal remedies around the globe very in strength from the very mild and gentle remedies that are use even as food, to those that are potential poisons when taken at the wrong dose.

Folk use of herbal remedies is familiar to all of us in some form or another. This is because herbal remedies are learned by being passed down from generation to generation.

Unfortunately this hearsay is what fuels the ire of the scientific community and their disdain.

But by dismissing generations of experience and observation, it is really the traditional scientific community which is losing out on this wisdom.

In recent times, attitudes toward traditional and herbal remedies have changed for the better. Many medical schools now offer studies in complementary medicine alongside traditional medical courses.

It's only a matter of time before herbal medicine becomes part of a more holistic practice of healthcare.


More Resources

Reversing Macular Degeneration: Without Drugs Or Surgery
I would like to report some anecdotal research findings that suggest how our beliefs and our traumatic life history can be directly linked to some of the physical illnesses that we experience during our lives. Additionally, I would like to report that there is now a modality that can permanently release the beliefs and the memories of trauma from consciousness, or as I think of it from the human bio-field, and effectively begin to eliminate the illness at the physical level.
Therapeutic Massage Goes Main Stream
Have you ever bumped your knee or elbow? What was the response? Well, of course, you rub them in order to ease the pain and make them feel better. As the ancient art of therapeutic massage is enjoying a modern-day revival it is interesting to note that as far back as the fifthth century BC, Hippocrates, wrote: "The physician must be experienced in many things, but assuredly in rubbing?for rubbing can bind a joint that is too loose and loosen a joint that is too rigid"Therapeutic massage is becoming increasingly popular among people of all ages.
Mental Health Maintenance Is Made Simple
Your mental health is often drastically improved when you use the techniques Dr. Kuhn teaches in this article.
Three Steps to Get Rid of Hemorrhoids
Constipation, Hemorrhoids or Piles, and inactivity go hand in hand. If you have been constipated for quite a while, chances are you have hemorrhoids.
Which to Use When: Ice or Heat?
Knee pain after running? Wake up with a backache? Twist an ankle?When aches, pain, strains or swelling take place due to an injury or chronic condition, what is the best course of action: ice or heat? Many people automatically assume heat will ease their discomfort. Think again!Ice and heat have opposite effects when dealing with inflammation and pain.
Benefits of Wheatgrass Juice - What, How, and Why!
Since the late 1960's, wheatgrass has become frequently discussed in health and medical circles as one of natures greatest gifts. Classified as one of the most abundant superfoods known to man, wheat (and more recently barley) grass has been celebrated for its nutritional content, cleansing and cell regeneration capabilities as well as being in a form that is easily and effortlessly assimilated and digested by our bodies.
Nerve Pain: Try Using Visualizations And You May Get Some Relief
"Neuropathic" means nerve damage and refers to nerve pain. So far there's very little that science can do about it.
The Causes Of Stuttering In Childhood
Stuttering is a problem that affects approximately one in every hundred people. It is mainly men who stutter, seven out of ten people who stutter are male.
Hidden Benefits of Reflexology
The holistic therapy of reflexology has been used over the years to promote physical health and wellbeing in many thousands of people from all walks of life, but there is also a subtler aspect to its benefits that can be applied to the more vulnerable amongst us, to expand awareness and enhance everyday living.When a client asked if she could bring her sister, who had learning disabilities, for a reflexology treatment with me, I was only too glad to concur.
The Honeybush Miracle
Perhaps a little eclipsed by the world-wide success of Rooibos, another natural South African health tea, Honeybush; is finally getting the attention it deserves.Honeybush tea ( botanical name: Cyclopia intermedia ) grows along mountain slopes in the Cedarberg and Langkloof area, and has a naturally sweet, almost honey-like taste.
Fitness-related Benefits of Massage
Ask someone their reason for getting a massage and you're likely to hear "because it feels good". We all know that a massage can relieve stress, help to make sore muscles feel better and even reduce anxiety, but can it help us achieve our fitness goals? Research shows that the massage you get to relieve stress can also have a positive effect on your muscle-building capabilities and fitness level.
Holistic Methods: Hemp Seed Oil and Aromatherapy in Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Aromatherapy is a well known holistic method for healing, but when boosted by the quickly penetrating carrier hemp seed oil, the healing potential is magnified exponentially. No other carrier oil can take the beneficial medicinal qualities of aromatic essential oils as quickly through the epidermis as hemp seed oil, so if your lotions and salves are missing it, you're not doing your body justice, but it's not too late?.
Aromatherapy Oils
Aromatherapy is a method of using the aromatic oils which have been distilled from plant sources to engender a feeling of well being both physically and psychologically. Safe and correct use has been shown to benefit the physical and mental well being.
Substance P - A Pain Amplifier You May Be Able To Restrict Using Your Subconscious
Substance P is a key neurotransmitter required to produce moderate to intense pain. Here's a natural method you may be able to use to help neutralize this pain-transmitting chemical.
Human Health Modification Using Sun Light and Frequency
Human behavior could be modified using light preferably real sunlight. A person could rest in a hammock while a large fan would rotate at a prescribed speed.
Tips for Staying Young Eternally
What is something that goes up but never comes down? Your age!Aging is something that humans would love to conquer. Everyone seems to be obsessed in staying young.
The Major Risk Factors of Heart Disease
You should always keep in mind that whatever actions you do today can either help to prevent, delay or minimize the effect of heart disease or worsen it. The key is to control risk factors.
Make Your Own HGH - While You Sleep!
Human Growth Hormone (HGH) has long been viewed as a remedy for aging and the diseases associated with the aging process. Research published in the AMA Journal of August 16, 2000 links sleep disorders to a lack of HGH.
Evening Primrose Oil Benefits
The evening primrose oil which we use is extracted from the seeds of Oenthera biennis, a plant native to North America. The evening primrose plant resembles a primrose but is related to the willow herb group.
Basilic : A Priceless Uplifter
"The smell of basil is good for the heart, it taketh away sorrowfulness, which commeth of melancholy and maketh a man merry and glad". (John Gerard)History of BasilThe history of basil is shrouded in a kaleidoscope of age-old stories and legends.

More Alternative Information:

Related Articles

Home Spa and Bodys Adaptation. The More the Better?
The More The Faster The Better?Or Some Words About The Body's Adaptation."Change your mindand you will changeyour life"Today we will talk about the tendency in our busy world to make more activity and procedures in one spa day to get fast results.
Aromatherapy Candles
Nothing turns a commonplace, ho-hum room into a radiant, inviting setting faster than the flicker of a few ordinary candles scattered strategically throughout the room. Add scented candles and you can quickly evoke childhood memories, transport your imagination to a tropical island, or infuse the room with the crisp scent of a pine forest.
Classical Music Therapy
Music, more than entertainment, has played an instrumental role in healing and harmonizing the mind, body and spirit. For thousands of years, the Vedic culture has used sound and music for body and mind balancing, health enhancement, healing promotion and encouragement of heightened awareness.
Watch Out for Alternative Medicine Charlatans!
Forget those CrystalsAs an integrative medical practitioner, I keep an open mind to new modalities of evaluating illness and treating disease. My interest and pursuit of complementary or alternative medical therapies has led me to selectively incorporate some of what I have come across.
Quit Smoking
Consider this:Already since 1972, over 60 million people in the USA alone have successfully quit smoking!At one stage over 60% of the adult population was addicted to this drug. Today it is 28% and dropping.
Application Methods For Aromatherapys Essential Oils
BATH:Add 10-12 drops of a single oil or a blend to 1/2 Cup Epsom Salts or baking soda - or 5 drops to 1 TBSP of Epsom Salts or baking soda. Pour it into a hot bath while it is filling.
Got a Headache? Painkillers Are NOT the Solution!
Say you had a stressful day at work, didn't get enough sleep the night before and as a result you've got a bad headache. What do you do? It's easy! You take good old Tylenol or other over-the-counter medicine.
Serotonin Kills Pain - And May Be Available From Your Subconscious
Serotonin is not just for depression--it's potent for pain relief as well. Here's a drug-free way you may be able to increase your supply of this natural painkiller.
Low Back Pain - Ayurvedic Management
Low back pain is one of the most common pain disorders today .It is a chronic condition characterized by a persistent dull or sharp pain per the lower back.
Frankincense in Aromatherapy - Trees, Pearls, and Essential Oil
The Mysterious FrankincenseUsed for many thousands of years, the Frankincense tree has perhaps the greatest association with spiritualpractice of any plant on earth. In most of the great ancient cultures,including the Egyptian, Babylonian, Persian, Hebrew, Greek and Roman civilizations, it has played a role inreligious and domestic life.
Health Benefits of Tea
Tea: It Does the Body GoodStudies that support the health benefits of tea drinking keep filling the headlines. There's simply no denying that a daily spot of tea does the body good.
Does A Compulsive Gambler Really Want To Stop Gambling?
This question most gamblers ask themselves when they begin to realize gambling has affected their lives.Most gamblers intent is not to lose all their money, but rather to win big and buy all those materialist items they have always dreamed of.
Flu Vaccine Hysteria
Last week the media circus surrounding the flu vaccine reached a crescendo.Half of all the flu vaccine supply is not available this year!Why? Because the British company that supplies half of the U.
Your Home is a Toxic Waste Dump!
Did you know that the household and beauty products that you purchase at your local store are unhealthy for your family? You probably don't know this because the chemical and manufacturing industries don't have to provide us with this information. Of course, many of these chemicals were originally intended to enhance our lifestyles.
10 Essential Food Safety Tips For AIDS Sufferers
Persons with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) areespecially susceptible to illness from food-borne pathogens.Because they're at higher risk for severe illness or death,affected persons must be vigilant when handling and cookingfoods.
Benefits of Human Growth Hormone - HGH Enhancing Products
Human Growth Hormone has often been referred to as the "fountain of youth hormone". So, have we stumbled upon the proverbial "fountain of youth" with these new HGH enhancement supplements that claim to reduce fat, relieve "aging symptoms" such as wrinkles, increase energy and sex drive, promote sounder and deeper sleep cycles, and rejuvenate the body? Well, there are several faithful users of products in this arena (and I'm one of them) that will swear that since they have started taking HGH enhancing products, they've experienced a wide range of pleasing and desirable benefits, and it's not placebo.
The History of Reflexology
It is important to be aware of the great archetypal history manifested by the practitioners which dates back over 6,000 years.Our study of the ancient Egyptian doctors starts 4,500 years ago.
Hypertension, An Alternative Approach
For many years high blood pressure has been defined based upon actuarial tables prepared by life insurance companies. By that definition, blood pressure of 140/90 is borderline hypertension in a person 40 years of age.
Healing and Transformation
Every symptom has a certain way of being with which it is associated. In order to release a symptom, one must release the way of being associated with it.
The Benefits of Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is the most common form of relaxation massage offering many relaxing as well as healing properties to your body. Swedish massage combines the use of long strokes, kneading and friction techniques to manipulate the soft tissues of the body causing a variety of benefits to your body to help it to heal itself.