People have been using herbal medicine for longer than recorded history, and in recent years, it has regained much of its popularity. One of the reasons is that herbal medication is often more affordable and easier to obtain when compared to modern pharmaceuticals.
While modern medicine is meant to suppress the symptoms of whatever they are attempting to treat, herbal medicine attempts to find the root cause of your condition. They are creating a personalized treatment plan that is unique to each individual.
Although natural and generally safe, you should always ask your primary care provider and herbal pharmacist before starting a treatment plan.
Join us as we go over who needs herbal medicine and how it benefits your wellness.
Preventive Care
Herbal medicine is a fantastic choice for those searching for preventative care. Ensuring our strong and healthy immune system has become a major priority in recent years. You can take herbal supplements in capsules for your immunity as long as you purchase from a reputable herbal pharmacy. Unfortunately, due to relaxed regulations on herbal supplements, some companies take advantage of patients by selling products that are less potent than described or potentially contaminated.
If you don’t have access to a reputable source, a healthy diet incorporating many medicinal herbs and spices is a great way to help improve your immune system’s health. Turmeric, ginger, garlic, cinnamon, and spearmint are commonly found in supermarkets and can add flavor to your dishes and support your immune system.
Digestive Disorders
Digestive issues are often seen as embarrassing and awkward. However, sometimes we’ll eat something that doesn’t agree with our stomachs, or we can’t eat a balanced meal due to stress. This can often lead to symptoms such as:
- Nausea
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
- Upset Stomach
- Diarrhea
- Heartburn
- Constipation
Luckily, there are many natural herbs to help manage these issues. Ginger is known to help with nausea and bloating. The flower of the dandelion plant can be used to improve an upset stomach, while the herb’s root can be used as a mild diuretic to improve digestion. The oils in a peppermint plant can help with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Green tea contains high levels of polyphenols, catechins, and antioxidants. These can help to soothe stomach aches and aid in digesting.
Alternative to pharmaceuticals
Headaches and Migraines
Nearly everyone has had to deal with a headache, and while NSAIDs like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and naproxen are common over-the-counter medicines that can help reduce pain, relying on them too often can lead to dependency.
Herbs like feverfew and butterbur are excellent choices to help with headaches and migraines. Feverfew and butterbur are effective herbs against migraines due to their anti-inflammatory properties. Lavender and peppermint oils have calming properties, which can help to reduce tension when applied to the skin. A warm cup of chamomile tea also has soothing qualities to help alleviate some of the stress causing your headaches.
Holistic Approaches to Wellness
Herbal medicine approaches health holistically, addressing not only the physical symptoms but also the underlying problems and attempting to find the root cause, whether physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual. Herbal medicine attempts to heal the body naturally. People looking for a more holistic perspective on health and wellness may find herbal medicine appealing.
Discussing any herbal treatment with your primary care provider and your herbalist if you are taking medication is essential. Mixing medications and herbs can have adverse reactions.
Take the Next Step In Improving Your Health by Contacting SOHMA Integrative Medicine
Our goal is to help you improve your health. You can contact us and ask about the Myers Cocktail, IV Therapy, Chiropractic care, or how our other health service lines can help you with your journey to improved health.
Located in Long Beach, CA, we help individuals from the surrounding cities.
We look forward to helping you take the next step to better health.
