Herbal Medicine Provides Alternatives in Health Care
When most of think of medicine, we imagine a prescription from our doctor or a trip to the neighborhood pharmacy. But there are many medicinal products available that do not require a prescription, and that have been available for centuries. These natural medications are called herbal medicine, and they have a long history of use and success. This is undoubtedly why herbal remedies are still such a popular choice today, and even the primary choice in some regions and cultures. Herbal medicine is the oldest form of medication, and was discovered in primitive cultures primarily through observing animals in the wild and through trial and error.
Herbs and Modern Medicine
For those who are skeptical of the effectiveness of herbal medicine, it is important to note that most of our modern, synthetic medications originated in plants. For example, salicylic acid from white willow bark was the early "aspirin" remedy for many. Today, many still use this herbal medicine as an effective means to managing chronic pain, when conventional medications might not be as effective or could be dangerous. Another type of herbal medicine that is still widely used today is Echinacea, which has been proven to be a powerful infection fighter as well as an immune booster.
Using Herbal Medicine
Although herbal medicines are derived from plants, they can still be potent substances that should be used with some care. First, it is important to understand that the herbal market is seen as a line of dietary supplements. This means that they are not subject to the same standards and regulations by the federal government as other types of medication are. You need to exercise caution when purchasing herbs to ensure that you are getting the ingredients that are actually advertised inside the container. This can be done by only purchasing your herbal medications through reputable retailers and manufacturers.
Herbal medicines can also interact with other types of medications, and can be harmful when used while a person is suffering from certain types of conditions or illnesses. Because of this, it is important to only use herbal medicines under a doctor or herbalist's supervision. It is also imperative that you only take the recommended dosage of any herb. Just like other medications, more is not necessarily better, and will most likely be harmful. If you are pregnant or nursing, use extra caution before taking any medicine, herbal or otherwise and always talk to your doctor first. This will ensure that the herbal medication that you take will be the safest and most effective for you.
