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Herbal Remedies: Things You Should Know!

By Bridget
30 July 2016   |   4:00 am
This article is not meant to treat or diagnosis any diseases or illnesses. It is provided for educational purposes!!! If you’re a beginner to natural remedies, you might want to consider a few things before you purchase one. Alternative medicine, especially when using herbs, can be just as complicated as conventional medicine because it incorporates…

This article is not meant to treat or diagnosis any diseases or illnesses. It is provided for educational purposes!!!

If you’re a beginner to natural remedies, you might want to consider a few things before you purchase one. Alternative medicine, especially when using herbs, can be just as complicated as conventional medicine because it incorporates Eastern and Western concepts of medicine and examines the individual from a holistic point of view.

For instance, some holistic health practitioners use a diagnosis method based on the Chinese principles of yin and yang constitutions. They also examine the individual’s energy levels, whether they have an internal or external condition, an excess or deficiency, etc. The diagnosis and treatment process can become very extensive if you are new or lack the expertise in treating acute and chronic ailments. However; you can empower yourself with a few helpful tips when deciding how to treat common illnesses such as colds, flu, headaches, and more.

Here are salient tips to guild you when you want to go herbal!
  1. Know the condition that you are trying to treat: This is probably the most important tip you should consider because many symptoms can be misdiagnosed for other ailments. This is where you definitely want to consult a professional or experienced herbal health care person to make sure you are treating the right condition.

That said, do not completely disregard any pertinent treatments or medicine the doctor gives to you. Most beginner herbal remedies are used to aid in the body’s natural healing process and should not be the main source of treatment if you are treating something serious like pneumonia or other serious ailments.  If you want to choose a holistic approach over a conventional, please consult a Naturopathic Doctor, a registered medical herbalist, or a holistic healthcare provider.

  1. Ensure you are given herbs that will aid in your natural healing process: One of the most difficult aspects of natural medicine is choosing the right herbs and right remedies for the condition you’re treating.

Write down all of the symptoms you are experiencing (both internal and external symptoms). This list will help you analyse which herbs you are going to need and how they interact with your body.

  1. Research the side effects and contraindications before use: Examining the side effects and contraindications is another important procedure before using a herbal remedy. If you are pregnant or taking medications, consult with your healthcare provider before attempting to use a herbal remedy. Some herbs can break down certain medications rendering them ineffective. For example, individuals with high blood pressure should avoid herbs that stimulate the heart and restrict the blood capillaries and arteries.

Make sure you are aware of any chronic illnesses that might counteract with your herbal remedy. WebMD is a great resource to find out more about herbal side effects and interactions.

  1. Determine the proper dosage: Research the proper dosage for each herb you plan to use. You should also consider the age and gender dispositions. People who are older might require a smaller dosage than younger people. Women usually require smaller dosages than men due to their average weight, as well as people who are highly nervous.

So consider these factors before you commence medication!

  1. Consider the proper preparation for different herbs: Some herbal remedies call for tea made from several herbs. According to The Doctor’s Book of Herbal Home Remedies, mix the herbs first before making the tea. If you are using the root (rhizome), bark, or hard parts of the herb, you will want to decoct the herb first and then steep the flower, leaves, and soft parts.

A simple decoction involves simmering the hard parts of the herb in water for at least 5 to 30 minutes. You can also buy tinctures of different herbs that are used for most acute ailments. Tinctures are alcohol-based derivatives of plants and herbs. Alcohol is a great extractor of an herb’s natural healing properties and are usually more potent than teas. You can find these at your local health food store or pharmacy.

These are some very basic concepts to consider when searching for your herbal remedy. Hope you found this article helpful; please remember to leave your comments below!

Sources:

webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/default.aspx.

The Doctors Book of Herbal Home Remedies, Forward by Varro E. Tyler

holisticebony.com

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