Alternative Herbal Medicine

Alternative medicine is any treatment that is not considered conventional medicine. Herbal alternative medicine that is used in place of conventional medicine is alternative medicine. Herbal treatments that are used alongside other traditional medicine are complementary herbal medicine. Treating conditions with herbal remedies can be successful when handled by a trained herbalist.

Benefits of Herbal Alternative Medicine

• Those who advocate using herbal alternative medicine believe that the natural approach to conditions and disease uses the healing power of the body with the enhancement of herbal medications to cure and relieve symptoms.
  Herbal medicine is available in most health-food stores and can be made with herbs grown in the home. The costs of these medicines are usually much lower than prescription medications in conventional medicine.

  This type of medicine or treatment is easy to prepare in your own home and contains only natural ingredients. For centuries, this type of alternative medicine has been used in many cultures around the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) has estimated that more than four billion people around the world use herbal medicine in some form for health benefits.

Disadvantages

• Herbal alternative medicine should be used with care. The herbal formulas that are available to treat a variety of illnesses and conditions have not been tested for their safety or effectiveness. Herbal products are often sold with claims that have not been proved with any fact-based research. For some conditions, herbal medications are ineffective and may prevent exploration of conventional treatment approaches.
  There are also some dangers in using herbal alternative medicine. Some herbs can be poisonous and harmful if they are not used correctly. Patients who diagnose their own condition and treat with herbal preparations are in danger of harming themselves with these herbs.
  Herbal medications can also make prescription medications ineffective. It is always recommended that your doctor be consulted before using any herbal treatment. The medications that are prescribed to treat another condition may not be working because of herbal preparations that are used at the same time.

Herbalist

• An herbalist should be consulted before using any herbal alternative medicine. The herbalist will be able to provide the correct dosage of the herbal remedy and offer information on how to administer the herbs. Discuss other medications that you may be taking when consulting with the herbalist so that the proper herb can be used.
  Alternative-medicine practitioners have a place in medicine and can offer treatment when conventional medicine has failed. A reputable herbalist will discuss all of the options including conventional treatment for your illness. It is best to explore all options when looking for a solution to a medical condition.