There has been a lot of discussion about Natural and Medicine recently and the demand for Herbal remedies is on the rise. So what is it all about and how effective are they? This post will discuss not just what they are but also the benefits of natural and herbal medicine.

What is Natural and Herbal Medicine?

Herbal medicine focuses on treating the whole person, both physical, spiritual and emotional health, instead of focusing on the disease. There are many different kinds of Herbal and Plant-based medicines. From Herbalism, Homeopathy and Ayurveda.

Herbal medicine is one of the oldest forms of medicine in the world and has been practised for centuries. It is a plant-based medicine that comes from different parts of the plant, like the root, leaves or flowers. They can be used fresh or dried, used as powders, tinctures or capsules and also brewed as a tea.

How amazing is the human body? If we listen to our bodies instead of ignoring it, it has the power and ability to heal itself. Medications can take away the symptoms, but do they get to the root of the problem or do they just mask the problem without solving it. There really are so many benefits to Natural and Herbal Medicine and we’ll be looking at some of the forms below.

Homeopathy

Homeopathy is a form of holistic medicine used by over 200 million people, that uses highly diluted substances, in minute doses, that aim to trigger and stimulate the body’s own natural healing power. It aims to cure the causes rather than the symptoms and heal from within.

Homeopathic remedies are suitable for everyone. There is no risk of toxicity or side effects. They won’t lower your immune system or cause allergic reactions and are safe to use long term. Homoeopathy can be used to treat allergic reactions and allergies, migraines, depression and Chronic fatigue syndrome, and even reduce anxiety.

It has the ability to balance what is underlying the state of our health, bringing about a sense of well being. Remedies can be taken with conventional medicines.

Herbalism

Quite possibly the oldest form of medicine and is still used around the world. Also known as Phytotherapy. Using a wide variety of plants used to prevent and treat disease and promote wellbeing.

You will have probably heard of some herbal remedies, these are some of the most popular ones:

• Echinacea – used to strengthen the body’s immune system and can aid against cold and flu symptoms.
• Ginseng – an energising remedy to elevate energy levels. Can help to boost the immune system and brain function.
• St Johns Wort – used to treat mild to moderate depression (but can interact with anti-depressants)
• Turmeric – anti-inflammatory properties, can be used for chronic inflammations, pain and anxiety.
• Valerian – a calming remedy, used as a natural way to combat sleep disorder, and for stress.
• Chamomile – used for nausea and stomach pain, menstrual problems, and insomnia.

You should always consult a professional as some herbal remedies can interact with prescription medicine.

Ayurveda

Ayurveda means “The Science of Life” in Sanskrit, and is often called the mother of all healing. It is considered to be the oldest form of healing. It identifies three types of principals or energy that are in everything and everyone. The principles are Vata, pitta and Kapha and are the basic biology of the body. Each individual person has a particular combination of energy, a combination of the physical, mental and emotional. A balance of body & mind, spirit and consciousness with the aim to prevent disease rather than treat it.

Vata…

…is the energy associated with movement, made of space and air. It controls breathing, blinking and tissue and muscle movement. It promotes creativity and flexibility.

Pitta…

…is the energy linked to the body’s metabolic system. Made up of fire and water, it governs digestion, nutrition, metabolism and body temperature. It promotes understanding, when out of balance anger and hatred.

Kapha…

…is the body’s structure. Covers the muscle, bones and tendons, formed from earth and water, and maintains immunity. In balance, it is forgiveness, love and calm. Out of balance it is greed and envy.

These are just a couple of Natural medicines that are practised worldwide with huge benefits. While there are thousands of people who swear by herbal and homoeopathic remedies, there is still a huge dispute as to whether they do actually help. The claim that natural medicine allows the body to heal through its own natural process, and other advantages such as very few side effects and can actually help boost the immune system.

The Benefits of Natural and Herbal Medicine

Natural medicine doesn’t just claim to eliminate illness, it can strengthen your body overall. It promotes being healthy in a body that is able to better fight illness.

Treat the cause, not the symptoms – it identifies and eliminates the illness and doesn’t suppress the symptoms.

Reduce side effects – it has fewer side effects and aims to reduce prescription medicine.

Strengthen’s the immune system – by promoting digestive health it creates an environment for where microbes can thrive.

Enhances mood and energy – as it aims to eliminate sickness and improve how you feel overall.

I am a great believer in natural health medicine. But I do also believe in science and the amazing discoveries that have been made in conventional medicine. I like to try and have a balance of both. Of course, you should always seek medical attention, and if you have been advised to take prescription medication then you should.

I love how natural medicine treats the cause and not the symptoms. This is the one thing that irritates me about conventional medicine is they never seem to want to get to the bottom of what is causing it and mask the problem with pain killers. Surely that doesn’t help, it’s just a temporary solution. Doesn’t the discovery help to treat the illness? But the development and advances of science also can’t be denied. If you learn to listen to your body you will learn to know what it wants, and the sooner you can do this you will discover the source of your problem and be able to get on the path to recovery sooner rather than later.