Understanding Herbal Remedies

People have been using herbs for medicinal purposes for literally thousands of years. As a matter of fact, ancient civilizations from the Americas to Asia and everywhere in between have documented histories that show it was common practice to use herbs to cure and prevent virtually every known illness and disease. In the past couple of decades the use of herbs as a treatment for any number of health issues has grown in popularity.

Although we tend to think of herbal remedies as those which we use as dietary supplements, there are other applications as well that don’t require you to ingest them. There are topical ointments, tinctures, lotions, astringents, salves, pastes and a host of other compounds that are used externally to treat everything from acne to hemorrhoids. Then there is aroma therapy that is also used for anything from physiological ailments to psychological disorders. Also, there are herbs that kind of straddle several applications such as those applied to baths and spas. Aromatic herbs not only stimulate the senses but are known to reduce swelling and are analgesic as well.

Many people aren’t aware of the fact that a good percentage of OTC medications that they purchase in their local pharmacies and grocery stores are herbal, natural based medications, or originated from an herb or plant. Take for example ephedra which is now banned for sale in many states but has been used for decades as a stimulant. And don’t forget about that hot, steaming herbal stimulant many of us drink each morning to start the day with a burst of energy, coffee.

In effect, herbs are not to be relegated merely to naturopathic medicine. Even contemporary medical science makes use of them in one form or another. While there is still much to learn, it is good to know that there is sound scientific data to substantiate many of the claims that herbalists have been making throughout the years.