Herbal remedies are the alternative way to treat common illnesses and conditions. Many are scientifically proven to have some benefits while others rely on anecdotal evidence from those who believe they have been helped by taking the remedy.
The remedy you choose will depend very much on your condition and what you want from the herbs. For example, arthritis sufferers may look for a remedy that offers relief from inflammation, while someone with asthma might be seeking something that eases breathing.
If you are unfamiliar with herbal remedies, your priority should be to explore the field first before taking anything – no matter what kind of condition you have. Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider to discuss any potential pitfalls and side effects from taking a herbal compound.
You can also consult a medical herbalist. In the UK, medical herbalist are trained medical practitioners who use plant-based medicines to treat patients, providing a holistic approach that combines physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing.
If you want to explore the field of herbal remedies on your own, you’ll find an enormous amount of information online but how do you know if what you’re reading is authoritative and, more importantly, correct? Check out websites such as the American Botanical Association or the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency in the UK, which licenses herbal products for retail sale.
And when you are ready to select a particular remedy, make sure you read the label properly. All products should be correctly labelled with the herb’s scientific name, the plant part extracted for the remedy and a use-by or best-before date.
Herbal remedies have been used by humankind since the dawn of time and their success in treating a myriad of illnesses and diseases guarantees they will continue to be used.