More and more people are considering the use of herbal remedies to maintain good health and to treat their illnesses. But do they really work?
What are herbal remedies?
Herbal remedies are an alternative form of medication derived from plant materials and other natural substances. Herbal practitioners or Naturopaths apply these natural remedies to enable the body to heal itself without the use of pharmaceutical drugs or therapies. Herbs work in conjunction with dietary and lifestyle changes including, exercise, acupuncture, detoxification, and the use of vitamin supplementation.
Herbal therapies are an extremely safe and effective method of healing the underlying causes of illness rather than the suppression of symptoms favoured by conventional medicine.
Origins
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The practice and principles of natural herbal medicine can be traced back thousands of years.
The ancient Egyptians used plant extracts over 3500 years ago.
Hippocrates, who was known as the "Father of Medicine", cultivated a form of medicine based on the natural philosophy, which had been devised by the Greeks around 500 B.C.
This natural philosophy is centered on the ideas of ‘Medicatrix Naturae’–the healing power of Mother Nature.
Many of the herbal remedies used by the Greeks can still be found in 21st century practice. They include Garlic, St. John’s Wort, Clove and Opium.
Opium derivatives like Morphine and Codeine are used in modern-day anesthetics.
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Garlic
Garlic is used to treat illnesses ranging from the common cold to the treatment of high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Garlic helps regulate healthy blood circulation. Garlic assists the body's defenses against allergies.
Clove Oil
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Clove Oil is an essential oil used to relieve toothache. It has both antibacterial and local anesthetic properties. Its analgesic property temporarily numbs and relieves pain. Its antibacterial properties are effective if the toothache is caused by a bacterial infection.
St. John’s Wort
Hippocrates was the first person to prescribe St. John’s Wort for medicinal purposes.
Today St. John’s Wort is used worldwide to effectively treat anxiety and depression. Millions of people use the herb as an alternative to anti-depressants. The herb acts in a similar manner to antidepressants, but with much less reported side effects. The substance is known to promote wound healing and can be used as an expectorant in the treatment of chest infections and coughs.
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St. John's Wort is available in different forms including a tincture, a tea or most commonly in tablet form. The usual dose used is been 300 mg, three times a day.
The therapeutic effects of St John's Wort can be seen quicker than prescription antidepressants.
A word of warning
Caution is urged when using any herbal remedy. Some people assume that because herbal remedies are 'natural', they are perfectly safe. Herbs can be toxic if taken at the wrong dosage. Side effects include diarrhea, nausea, rapid heartbeat, anxiety or skinallergies.
Caution is particularly advised when using St. John’s Wort if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. It should never be taken at the same time as any other antidepressant due to a potentially fatal condition called serotonin syndrome. It can also enhance the effects of sleeping tablets and anesthetics.
Garlic has a blood thinning effect similar to Aspirin and is toxic to cats and dogs.
Clove Oil is considered safe unless used in very large amounts.
Anyone using herbal remedies is advised to do so under the supervision of a qualified holistic practitioner. If you experience any severe side effects, you should immediately stop using them and seek professional advice.
Always inform your G.P. of your intention to use St. John's Wort or any other herbal remedy.
