Alternative health treatments have been around for centuries, and in most cases far longer than modern medicines. That doesn’t mean they’re any better than traditional laboratory medicines.
It is always recommended to seek advice from a qualified healthcare practitioner. Prescribed drugs and pharmaceutical drugs are well tried and tested clinically before they are placed on the market.
Despite this, a large percentage of the population uses alternative health treatments, herbal supplements, and remedies on a regular basis.
Taking supplements can provide benefits for certain medical conditions and promote good health. It really depends on what herbal supplements you take, for what purpose, and in what amounts. Your medical condition is also a serious consideration as herbal remedies have side effects and can interact with other medicines.
Before using any alternative health treatment or taking any medicinal herbs, learn about the likely benefits or potential side effects.
You’ll need to do your own research as alternative treatments and herbal supplements are not generally considered part of mainstream Western medicine. Read package labels, reference books, and surf the Internet for reputable health-related websites. Talk to your doctor or nurse.
Some of the most commonly used herbal remedies are: garlic to lower blood cholesterol levels, echinacea to fight winter colds and stimulate white blood cells, and St. John’s wort to relieve mild depression. Other health conditions and associated herbal supplements include –
1. Circulation
Cayenne pepper, horseradish, ginger, chickweed and rosemary
2. Colds
Garlic, Ginger, Bay Leaf, Cayenne Pepper, Catnip, Echinacea, Chickweed, Eyebright, Fenugreek, Hyssop, Peppermint, Goldenrod, Yarrow, Oregano and Wild Als.
3. Constipation
Linseed, barberry, aloe, basil, chickweed, boldo, yellow sorrel and rhubarb root.
4. Diarrhea
Basil, coltsfoot, coriander, columbine, comfrey, black cohosh, marigold, cumin, garlic, carrot, cinnamon, daisy, eyebright, heartwort, horse chestnut, hyssop, reindeer moss, kola, pomegranate, knotweed, motherwort, peppermint, rhubarb, sage, witch hazel, Red elm, tormentil, thyme, wild strawberry.
5. Depression
Celery, lavender, St. John’s wort, chamomile, lemon balm, cola, mugwort, rosemary, skullcap, valerian and wormwood.
6. Headache
Basil, Valerian, Wild Als, Chamomile, Oregano, Feverfew, Peppermint, Rosemary, Rue, Skullcap, St. John’s Wort.
With an aging baby boomer population, the demand for alternative health treatments and herbal supplements is increasing. People want to stay healthy and not just rely on medicines prescribed by doctors. There is good evidence that herbal supplements can be beneficial when used in conjunction with a healthy diet and active lifestyle. However, do your own research to make sure of the pros and cons of taking each supplement. Talk to your doctor or nurse.
Thanks to Mike S Williams
