It is widely believed that herbal remedies are capable of treating many health problems. The most attractive aspect of herbs is the belief that they can work as well as conventional medicines, with little to no side effects. To many “cure all herbal remedies” simply sound too good to be true. However, and while herbs may not be a cure for every type of ailment in existence, there are plenty of documented testimonials of first hand positive experiences, resulting from their use. Whether you’re skeptical or not, dedicating some time to the learning of some of these natural alternatives, can only be of potential benefit to your health.
You might be wondering what, specifically, are herbal remedies, and how exactly do they work? To put it in simple terms, herbal remedies have been around for centuries, and are the “original” form of medicine. You have to ask yourself, if people have been benefiting from something for thousands of years, isn’t logical to think that there is some amount of credibility to what they’ve been using? Herbal remedies consist of ingredients that are readily available in nature, from a variety of plants and animal life. When taken on a regular basis, they promote overall health, and when taken occasionally, for a specific purpose, are quite effective in the treatment of a number of common ailments, or illnesses. As in conventional medicine, each herb can have multiple uses, and many applications. Many best selling books have been published providing details describing what cures are possible through the use of herbal remedies.
Because of the fact that they contain inherent chemical properties that positively affect the bodies health, plants are the main source of most herbal remedies. Plant products are also often listed among the ingredients in commercial pharmaceuticals, such as in Saponin. Saponin is a chemical compound which is commonly used in the treatment of certain cancers, as well as heart conditions. Because it has cleansing or detergent like characteristics, this is one herb that can be toxic if misused. Other plant based compounds, known as Tannins, are helpful in slowing the hemorrhaging of wounds. Some types Tannins also have strong antimicrobial properties. Tannins, like Saponin, must be administered properly in order to use safely.
Before choosing a herbal remedy, it is advisable to discuss your needs with both your doctor, and an herbal expert. You will find that two of the best ways to administer herbal remedies are often as tinctures or teas. For those who do not yet know, a tincture is a concentrated liquid extract of an herb. Many types of herbs can be grown at home, and eaten fresh from the garden, used as seasonings on meals, or ingested as a simple tea. There are herbs that are processed and used as creams, essential oils, and compresses. Herbal remedies gain in popularity year after year, and you can find them at any health food store, in capsule or tablet form for convenient use and assimilation. Some of what you can gain by using an herbal remedy, is a boost of immunity and overall health. They are used to help treat chronic conditions such as memory problems, arthritis, digestive problems, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, amongst others. If you’re already on medication for a particular condition, it is important that I mention again, that you discuss any herbal remedy treatment options with your doctor, prior to trying something out. Some herbal remedies can interact negatively with medication, or have a negative impact with their effectiveness. Although herbs are natural, they’re not necessarily always safe. Keep that in mind.
