More and more people these days are interested in natural remedies and herbal medicine. People have been using herbal medicine from the dawn of time. The relationship between people and healing plants is part of our heritage. Fortunately, more doctors are now suggesting natural remedies.
Unfortunately, many of us did not learn about healing plants as part of our education. We learned about more recent approaches to healing. Many of these approaches are not natural, and an increasing number of people are finding that these unnatural approaches simply cost too much money and have unwanted side effects.
A move back to natural remedies makes sense, but it is important to understand the basics about herbal medicine. There are things herbal medicine can do, but there are also things herbal medicine cannot do.
Herbal medicine and natural remedies DO:
• Work with your body’s own energies. Many synthetic drugs simply take over, basically telling the body’s own wisdom to step aside.
• Need your cooperation in taking supporting measures to allow the natural remedies to work well. You cannot expect herbal medicine to replace attention to your diet, exercise, attitude and rest.
• Require you to pay attention to the times you should not use them, or times they may interfere with other health treatments you are using.
• Work themselves out of a job. When herbal medicine is used properly, it helps restore the body’s own balance and the herb is no longer needed. There is no herb that you need for the rest of your life.
• Allow affordable self-care. Many effective natural remedies are available at your grocery store, or you can grow them at home. However, self-administered natural remedies should not take the place of professional evaluation and care when dealing with a serious or chronic condition. It is important to have a trusted family doctor.
Herbal medicine and natural remedies:
• DO NOT act like “magic bullets.” They are often slower and more subtle in their action than synthetic drugs. People who are used to the fast effect of taking a pill often give up on natural remedies without giving the healing herbs the time to work.
• DO NOT provide totally safe treatment. Remember, many of our most powerful synthetic drugs are derived from healing herbs or synthesized based on natural plant compounds. Herbs are the earth’s own medicine. Respect them and take the time to get educated.
• DO NOT work without your help. Herbal medicine works best when you make smart choices about diet, exercise, attitude and rest.
• DO NOT replace a good relationship with a trusted physician.
