Why Go Herbal?

In a technology-driven era, medicinal and cosmetic breakthroughs have taken place that gives us remedies for individual health and beauty needs. Health-wise though, chemists have continued research to produce synthetic medicines that cure or prevent many ailments or diseases, as well as improve the quality of one’s health.

However, with a growing effort toward medical advancement, there is also the ongoing threat to our health. It leaves a question in everyone’s mind whether manufactured medicines are safe enough for human health.

Basics of Herbal Medicines

Recent studies advocate the use of herbal remedies instead of the common synthetic drugs. These types of remedies are also known as ‘natural’ and ‘organic’.

Studies of most herbs have revealed that aside from food, wood, or beauty, herbs also have components that have medicinal purpose. Some edible plants or herbs can also be utilized as medicinal. In fact, common home remedies make use of plants that have curative effects.

To produce herbal medicine, various parts of a plant or herb are utilized: from leaves, stems, seeds, fruit, bark, and root.

Dietary Supplements vs. Synthetic Drugs

Unlike manufactured medicines, herbal remedies are called dietary supplements instead of drugs.

The Food and Drug Administrations (FDA) created guidelines for the use and manufacture of chemicals to produce medicines. These medicines were created specifically for the treatment and cure of diseases or ailments and improvement of health condition. There is an ongoing effort on the part of drug research to find cures for the most rare of diseases.
Meanwhile, herbal medicines are considered as dietary supplements because they do not have approved therapeutic claims. Although they contain several elements like vitamins, herbs, minerals, or amino acids, they have not been recognized as a substitute for any medicine or food. Instead, they can only be taken as a supplement (hence the term) to your usual diet.

Growth of Herbal Remedies

As efforts to produce highly effective synthetic drugs or medicines intensify, many are also recognizing the hazards of these chemically produced medicines, especially when taken in large doses. Ironically, as the manufacturing procedures of most medicines become more complex, people now choose to turn to herbal remedies as a more effective and natural means of treatment for their condition.

In terms of quality and safety, herbal supplements have already been given approval by the FDA. Chemists are isolating the plant’s active ingredients to produce life-curing or saving medicines; therefore it mainly has a natural composition. From a mixture of herbs or plants, they are produced into gel form or powder to be packaged as capsules or tablets.

Scientific studies support the idea that herbal supplements are a safer and more effective choice for health remedy. Now that they are being recognized globally as the new alternative medicine, it also inspires people to preserve our natural resources.

Rediscovery of Herbal Remedies

Moreover, even manufactured medicines today are using components from herbs or medicinal plants to produce semi-synthetic drugs. Thus, it recognizes the healing powers of these herbs and plants.

This is not to say that herbal medicines have not proven their important roles in medicine. Before the introduction of manufactured medicines, people and practitioners alike have enjoyed the natural and organic benefits of most spices and herbs. Because this type of remedy utilizes natural components, it is cheaper as compared to most medicines, making it a practical option.

Versatility of Herbs

Unlike manufactured medicines that are produced to treat a specific type of illness or condition, herbal remedies are quite versatile. Listed below are common plants or herbs and the corresponding ailments to which they have been known to cure:

*Feverfew – an aromatic herb that was originally meant to purify the air and as an ornamental plant is also known to cure fevers, colds, indigestion, and diarrhea

*Santolina – used mainly as hedges, is also known to treat ringworm and intestinal worm infestation; moreover, when it is soaked in wine, it can be used as an antidote to snake bites

*Elderberry – its juice has been known to soothe sore throats and relieve coughs

There are more plants and herbs that have been known as effective herbal treatments. Therefore, finding remedies to common health conditions need not be expensive. In fact, you can even find them straight from your garden.