Phytotherapy also referred to as herbal medicine, is one of the oldest known forms of healing within the existing community. This is a method by which people address different disorders with the help of plants and different extracts from them. With the general trend of turning to natural products instead of taking medicines, herbal medicine practice has been on the rise. In this article, I’ll be distinguishing between herbal medicine, and botanical, and their advantages, some examples of the herbs, and practical use of herbal medicine.

Understanding Herbal Medicine

Herbal medicine is built around the principle that plants contain efficacious constituents that could facilitate the healing process in the body. Plant organs including leaves, roots, flowers, and seeds can be used fresh, and dried, as crushes, infusions, decoction, tinctures, capsules, and extracts.

Herbal medicine is one of the oldest forms of medicine, with people from all over the world using it in Traditional Chinese Medicine, or Ayurvedic medicine from India, or from Indigenous peoples in many countries. Nowadays, people spend a lot of time using holistic products to cure their diseases, and one among them is herbal products.

Benefits of Herbal Medicine

Natural and Holistic Approach

Herbal medicine embraces cures for individuals while considering their symptoms alone. It engages care that encompasses the health of the physical, the psychological, and the spiritual within an individual with the overall goal of helping to bring the body back to balance.

Fewer Side Effects

Most of the herbs if well administered are often observed to have mild side effects compared to the standard pharmaceutical products. That is why, even though side effects are still possible, herbal remedies tend to be less of a burden to the body and may have beneficial effects on a person’s health beyond the treatment of diseases.

Accessibility and Affordability.

Some herbal treatments can be home-grown or bought in the stores where natural food products are being sold and, hence, are within everyone’s reach. This can be very useful for those seeking replacement for prescription drugs because the materials found can be very cheap.

Complementary to Conventional Medicine

Herbal medicine may also reinforce the treatment procedures used within orthodox medicine and increase their efficiency. In fact, most people notice that using herbs in their treatment process will enhance their results.

Rich in Nutrients

A lot of these herbs contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can greatly improve the health of the body. For instance, some popular herbs such as parsley or cilantro have not only affectionate properties but are also important for the human body.

List of Most Consumed Herbs and Their Uses

Echinacea: Echinacea is sometimes taken to increase the immune system and may lessen the length and intensity of common colds and flu. This product is most useful when taken at the early stages of the flu or some other infection.

Ginger: Exclusive for its anti-inflammatory content, ginger is usually recommended for cases of digestive discomfort, nausea, and sometimes even muscular pains. It can be taken as a tea, in a food preparation, or as a supplement.

Turmeric: Curcumin is the active compound in turmeric having been accredited for properties such as an anti-inflammatory compound and as an antioxidant. It can be beneficial to all human health, including bone and joint health as well as immune system health. Turmeric can be consumed via food and as a supplement, which is a mustard-yellow color.

Peppermint: Although it’s calming in nature, peppermint is helpful in the treatment of digestion problems, and head/neck aches among others. For purposes of this post, I will highlight that peppermint tea or even the oil may help with the above specific purposes.

Chamomile: Most commonly taken as a tea, chamomile is reported to have a soothing influence which is ideal for people seeking to get to sleep. It can also be used to improve digestion in the human body.

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Safety and Consideration

It is important to understand what you are consuming and if it’s healthy for you or not, remember that not anything that others are eating would work the same way it did for them.

Know Your Herbs

Some herbs can act differently on you than it did on someone else. Herbs can also interact with prescribed medications so it’s important to inform your healthcare specialist about any herb that you are using.

Research Quality

Not all herbs are equal in quality, it’s important to do your own research and understand what company your herbs are coming from, what are the reviews, and whether the manufacturer is reputable or not. If you have a space in your backyard, I would suggest growing your own herbs.

Be Aware of Allergies

Just as with food, some individuals may be allergic to specific herbs.