By Danna Schneider

Herbal and natural medicine has gained so much more attention than it ever had in the past seven to ten years. So, why is that? There must be something to it other than a consumer trend or a fleeting fad. And there is – a whole lot more.
Consumers are finding that herbal medicines are helping them in many of the same ways as traditional medications prescribed by physicians – without the high cost, sometimes adverse side effects, and over-prescribing and combining of too many meds at once.

Herbal medicine is one of the oldest forms of healing and aiding the human body and mind and eliminating or alleviating human suffering. Hippocrates, one of the most famous
philosophers and earliest proponents of natural medicine and herbal healing, believed that humans were meant to live in harmony with nature, and that nature itself prescribed cures and antidotes for human ailments – we just had to find out through trial and error which of nature’s plants were the best choices to heal various human illnesses of the mind and body.

Hippocrates notoriously believed that we should “let food be our medicine and medicine be our food”, meaning we only had to look as far as our environment and natural surroundings for cures and remedies to heal and mend ourselves, as well as to keep our bodies in optimal condition for as long as possible in order that a productive and meaningful life may be lead.

Herbs, natural compounds and botanicals were discovered to have dramatic healing capabilities as well as therapeutic properties for health maintenance and prevention centuries ago, before modern medicine evolved into what it is today. The most interesting part of the history of herbal medicine is that herbalism simultaneously occurred in vastly different areas of the globe.

What we know today as Indian herbal medicine, or Ayurvedic, Chinese herbal medicine and western herbal medicine, all have deep roots of ancestry going back as far as 202 BC. The fact that so many cultures came up with their own version of natural medicine is pretty staggering. What’s even more fascinating is the culmination of all of these cultural medicines paved the way for modern, man-made medications that we all know today.

What are the Most Popular and Effective Alternative Remedies Today?

Remedies for lack of sleep, stress relief and relaxation, depression, anxiety, pain, weight loss, hair loss, skin problems and more are some of the most popular and in-demand herbal products currently on the market today. Along with these, there are more obscure remedies for illnesses and physical conditions, such as hemorrhoids, smoking cessation aids for withdrawal symptoms, cold remedies, and even herbal medicines purported to help people with cancer and even to help prevent cancer cells from forming.

While herbal medicine may be regarded by some with skepticism, especially those in the medical and pharmaceutical profession (go figure), its long standing usage and history of effectiveness is nothing to be scoffed at by any stretch of the imagination.

If you really examine what herbal medicines are and how they are discovered, is it really all that different from modern medicine? Not only that, but most modern medications have been derived from nature, albeit they are in an altered and corrupted form in the final stages of manufacture. Still, they have largely begun in a naturally biochemical state.

Herbal medicines have come a long way since their ancient origins, and are making new strides every day, just like modern medicine. Not only that, pharmaceutical engineering and medicine have actually helped to make more powerful and effective herbal remedies. In a way, the real journey for herbal medicines and alternative methods of healing has just begun!

By Vanessa A. Doctor

Herbal medicines help a lot of people with different illnesses. Although some do not have therapeutic claims, most herbal remedies are safe and effective to use. However, one must consult their physicians first before deciding to take any of the herbal products.

In this article, we will discuss some of the most popular and widely used herbal products. Read the sections below and know more about the herbal remedies for various illnesses.

Bitter Gourd

Bitter Gourd, also know as Ampalaya in Philippine language, is a vegetable plant that has been used and is accepted for so many years. The bitter taste of this vegetable is often disdained by many of its consumers. However, the plant is widely known for its efficacy in lowering blood sugar levels. Over the years, it has been seen as an effective alternative treatment for Diabetes of both types.

St John’s Wort

St John’s Wort is often used for depression problems. It triggers some chemical changes in the body which often lead to the cure of depression problems. Like the Bitter Gourd, St John’s Wort is accepted by many health agencies and is used by a lot of people. However, limitation to the use of this herbal remedy is needed. Consult with your doctors is necessary to bring about therapeutic effects.

Garlic

Garlic is also one of the most helpful herbal remedies ever discovered. It is believed to cause changes in the blood pressure. Garlic is also known to lower blood cholesterol levels. It is a very potent and effective herbal remedy for several cardiovascular diseases.

Ginger

Ginger is one of the greatest Chinese herbal medicines discovered. It is not only an herbal product but a spice used in many cooking recipes as well. Ginger is believed to have healing properties on the throat and is good as a cough and cold remedy.

Kava Kava

Kava Kava is also a popular treatment for mental disorders. Specifically, it treats anxiety problems. Like St John’s Wort, it has to be taken with caution because of the detrimental changes it could bring. Physician consult is necessary before taking the herbal remedy.

Gingko Biloba

Gingko Biloba is mostly used for Alzheimer’s disease. Today, it is widely accepted by many health agencies because of its therapeutic effects. It causes a positive change in the judgment, social function and awareness of an Alzheimer’s patient.

Echinacea

Echinacea is also one of the most potent herbal remedies. It is used to treat flu and its accompanying signs and symptoms. Like the other herbal products mentioned above, Echinacea is accepted by health agencies all over the globe.