Medicinal herbs are the heart of many alternative medical therapies. Herbalism, or botanical medicine, uses the flowers, leaves, berries, stems, seeds, plants and roots of herbs to treat illnesses, build immunity, relieve pain and impart energy or relaxation. Although Western medicine may view herbal treatments as experimental, the fact is that medicinal herbs predate and were often the foundation of over-the-counter and prescription medications.
History
The consumption and application of medicinal herbs predates recorded history. It is an ancient form of health care, used in every culture in the world. Anthropologists have surmised that primitive man observed animal behavior around native flora and fauna and, through trial and error, developed a working knowledge of the uses of medicinal herbs. In contemporary U.S. society, one fourth of prescription drugs are derived from plants or plant extracts.
Types
There are countless types of uses of medicinal herbs. Some of the most commonly known applications are echinacea and zinc to build immunity, ginseng to deliver clarity, arnica to relieve pain and chamomile to aid digestion. Herbalists often prescribe medicinal herbs to treat high cholesterol, the symptoms of menopause, weight gain, stress, high blood pressure and chronic pain. An herbal regimen can help the body detoxify, cleanse and heal.
Preparations
There are many types of preparations for medicinal herbs. Herbs can be used as a compress and applied to an injury. The flowers, buds, roots, berries, leaves or seeds can be made into a tea that is brewed and then consumed. Herbal essential oils are useful in massage as well as for cleansing the eyes, ears and mouth. Herbal extracts such as celery, echinacea, hawthorn, fig, nettle, goldenseal, parsley, pau d'arco, suma, red beet crystals, valerian root and red clover can treat severe and chronic illnesses. Medicinal herbs may also be used in infusions, ointments, powders and syrups. A poultice, consisting of herbs and other elements that are spread on a cloth, may be applied to an injured or inflamed part of the body for several hours. A tincture, consisting of powdered herbs and a solution of water and alcohol, is considered a powerful medicine.
Energy-boosting
One of the most common uses of medicinal herbs is to boost energy. Herbalists often recommend bee pollen, bio-strath, kyo-green (or kyolic), floradix, free-form amino acids, octacosanol, spirulina or Siberian ginseng. These medicinal herbs may be taken as a supplement or added to juice. In fact, it is common to find many of these herbs as add-ins at juice bars and smoothie spots.
Warning
People may be tempted to treat medicinal herbs as casually as vitamin supplements, but herbs can be powerful substances. Herbal medicine can function well as a complement to traditional medicine, but not always as a replacement. An herbalist may recommend that you maintain a regimen of prescription medication while also using herbs as a treatment. In general, herbs work more slowly than synthetic medication. Women who are pregnant or nursing should consult an professional to determine the safety of particular medicinal herbs.
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