Natural Healing Remedies

Poll

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Author:
Fiona Shearer-Hann

Alternative Medicine (also known as "complementary medicine" because people often use it alongside traditional Western medicine) is becoming more and more popular, as people have begun rejecting the idea that they need to take particular drugs or medications for the rest of their lives (particularly synthetic ones). Instead, the focus has turned to ancient remedies and those which have been passed from generation to generation.

One form of alternative medicine which is increasing in popularity involves the use of herbal remedies. As herbs are "natural" products, many people are more comfortable taking a herbal mixture rather than something prescribed by their doctor that comes in shiny white (and obviously synthetic) pills. Unfortunately, too many people have the idea that "natural" equals "safe" although we should all know better! Marijuana is natural; is it safe? Tobacco is natural; is it safe? In fact, most of the deadliest poisons known today come from nature!

Should this put you off using herbal remedies? No. But it should make you a little bit more wary about what you're putting into your system. Fortunately, most herbal products that you can purchase from your pharmacy or health food store have been designed to comply with current regulations. Nevertheless, it's important to be aware that some herbal products can have side effects (and shouldn't be taken by people with particular conditions as a result) and some can be toxic in large quantities. Just because something is herbal doesn't mean it isn't "chemical" (all herbs are composed of different chemical constituents, some of which have been used and modified to create many of the medicines we're prescribed by our doctors).

Before choosing a herbal remedy over your prescribed medication, it's important to do your research, and it's also a good idea to visit an alternative practitioner who has expertise in the area of herbal medicine. Most medicinal herbs have been studied extensively by scientists in recent years, so it's often not difficult to find out whether or not a particular herb has been shown to be efficacious for a particular condition, or whether or not a particular herb has any detrimental or toxic side effects. It's also very important to see your doctor if you plan to take any herbal medication if you're already on prescription medication, as combining the two can sometimes be deadly.

Alternative medicine can be just as effective (sometimes even more so) than traditional medicine, but it's still important to be aware that all medicines (whether synthetically or naturally derived) contain chemical compounds which possess certain physiological effects. The wrong amount of these chemicals, or the wrong combinations of these chemicals, can spell disaster. Always visit a qualified health practitioner (whether traditional or alternative) before taking any medication (especially if you're already taking particular drugs), and remember to do your research.

Fiona Shearer-Hann has been interested in herbal remedies and alternative medicine for many years. She currently owns the website The Herbal Healing Guide and enjoys learning as much about herbs and other alternative medicines as she can.

A Quick Note From The Publisher... If you like the article above, you may be interested in the following article which is also related to Herbal Remedies... Herbal Remedies & Supplements For people who suffer from arthritis, dependable pain relief is a vital concern. The agonizing sensations of simply walking up the stairs are discouraging and can drive patients into depression. When someone cannot function properly, their body is not in balance and will often become victims of their pain, forcing them to seek alternatives. These people may have tried traditional medications without success. They are often not eligible for surgery and as a result, they will seek relief through natural herbal remedies or supplements, because of the increasing cost of prescription medication. Before discontinuing a prescription medication, consult a physician. However, with a doctor’s approval, there are many natural solutions, which may aid in managing arthritis. A popular alternative to medication for pain relief is acupuncture. Although the pain-relieving effects may be temporary, these sessions can be very beneficial for those who find that drugs or supplements are insufficient or have unacceptable side effects. Cayenne Cream - apply the cayenne cream to painful areas. Cayenne peppers contain an substance called capsaicin which is responsible for their spicy effect. This also causes a burning sensation when it comes in contact with skin, and inhibits the body’s production of substance P which is heavily involved the relaying signals of pain to the brain. Apply the cream two to three times per day for at least one week before making a decision as to whether or not the cream is helping to reduce arthritis pain. It's understandable that many people experiencing pain and aching in a joint because of osteoarthritis reach for the aspirin or another conventional pain reliever. The problem is, these medications can be rough on your stomach, and...