About Herbal Remedies

Herbal remedies use herbs and common plant products to treat various ailments. Today the use of herbal remedies is an alternative medicine practice but at one time it was the mainstream. In fact, current-day pharmaceuticals have roots in the use of herbs and plant properties which have long been used for their healing qualities.

History

• Some societies may associate herbal remedies with witches, dungeons and unsafe medical procedures. But the truth is that herbal remedies are actually the basis for both modern-day medicine and pharmaceuticals. Early men and women knew that plants had the capacity to alter the way we feel and act. Many herbal remedies have become part of conventional knowledge, such as the fact that peppermint soothes the stomach or clove oil will relieve a toothache. Documentation of herbal medicine goes back more than 5,000 years. Ancient Sumerians used thyme to cure coughs and Egyptians used cumin, onion, garlic and other plants to address a variety of ailments. The Greeks and Romans also used herbs as part of their medical regimen.

Philosophy

• All plants have chemical properties. Many of these properties can be duplicated by scientists into pharmaceuticals. Pharmaceutical companies extract or make a synthetic version of the property and administer it alone. However, various plants utilize complex chemical compounds that work together. According to www.emaxhealth.com, a health and fitness-related ezine, some plants contain more than 170 different chemical compounds. Although scientists assert that synthetic properties may work as effectively as their natural counterpart, herbalists (those who study herbs and their medicinal use) claim that scientist have yet to uncover how the plants' natural dynamics work to enhance their medicinal qualities. Herbs in their natural state are host to various chemicals that create a working relationship. This relationship can not be duplicated with synthetic drugs.

Administration

• When it comes to herbal remedies, it must be noted that it often takes slightly longer for the medicinal properties to take affect. Thus administration is important. How the herbs are extracted and prepared will have a significant impact of the strength of the remedy as well as its properties. For example, water, alcohol and oil are common solvents used to absorb the chemical properties of a plant. Plants properties are generally made into tinctures, elixirs, tisanes, decoctions, extracts, syrups and vinegars. Topical treatments include creams, lotions, balms, poultices and compresses.

Common Remedies

• There are many different plants that have medical benefits. However, some are known for their effectiveness, availability or multipurpose function. Green tea is one of the most multifaceted herbal remedies. It fights free radicals, which are known to cause cancer, and has been shown to increase energy levels. Dandelions, a common lawn weed, are powerful antioxidants. The roots can be used as a tea or chopped up and added to a salad. Dandelion leaves are an excellent diuretic and the plant as a whole can be ingested safely. Another antioxidant and body-cleaning food is artichoke. The artichoke will clean the liver and help push bile from the body. Oregano is both antibacterial and effective against resistant bacteria strains. Peppermint is soothing for stomach ailments including flatulence and indigestion and can be used as a topical treatment for dry and itchy skin. Other herbs well known for medicinal properties include echinacea, used to shorten the severity or protect against the common cold; ginger, a treatment for nausea, upset stomach and flatulence; and chamomile or valerian root, used to treat anxiety and insomnia.

Risks

• When it comes to "risks" associated with herbal remedies there are two implications, to the health of the patient and to the health of the plant species. In terms of the patient most herbal remedies are safe for consumption; especially when the origin of the plant is known. Because there are no laws in place establishing quality standards for herbs and herbal remedies there is a large margin for ineffective products. However, there are instances when herbal remedies can cause harm. For example, some of the herbal remedies for menstrual problems, specifically black cohosh, are likely to cause miscarriage.

  Other concerns are associated with over harvesting of plants. Herbal remedy usage has put a high demand on many plants as herbalists seek them in the wild. Common plants that are in danger of over harvesting include ginger, ginseng and wild mushrooms