There are many reasons that people have turned to herbal and homeopathic remedies over the years. Whether it is because they cannot afford medical insurance – or if they can, the copayments and prescription costs are too high – or they’ve grown to distrust traditional Western medicine through the years, or simply that they wish to use the healthiest and most natural ways to care for themselves, the masses are looking to treat their common ailments with herbs.
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More and more studies are being dedicated to the effectiveness of herbs, and though some ailments are too severe or complicated to be treated without the consultation of a doctor or hospital, many people choose to try herbal remedies first in order to be economical and healthy.
According to the medical director of the integrative medicine program at Cesars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, herbs are not generally a replacement for pharmaceuticals, but “the research shows that – for many conditions – herbs work well, are cheaper than drugs and cause fewer side effects.” Thus, she added, “Patients are interested in them, and doctors are increasingly familiar with herb research.”
While it is recommended that doctors be consulted before integrating herbal remedies into a daily regimen or treating a condition, most herbs are self-explanatory, as they give dosage instructions and recommended length of ingestion on the labels. Most importantly, when taking herbs, pay special attention to the body and any signs it gives that a particular treatment is not working; if the body rejects the option, it might be time to try another alternative, even if it is along the Western medicine route.
The top herbal remedy and one of the most well-known in modern society is the use of aloe vera for burns, whether the minor burns occur as a result of sun exposure or a kitchen accident. The actual aloe vera leaf is the most effective, rather than store-bought products, and the potted plant is simple to maintain with water. The gel from the inside of the leaf eases the pain of the burn and expedites healing. Other very well-known remedies are cranberry juice for bladder infections, and echinacea is a commonly used remedy to prevent and reduce symptoms of colds and the flu.
September 24, 2009
