Herbs: Why Should I Use Herbs?
Herbs: Why Should I Use Herbs?
Herbs are plants that are found in Nature and are naturally consumed by animals. Unlike synthetic pharmaceutical medicine, herbs are easily absorbed into the body and blood stream, leaving minimal residual and side effects. In the West, herbs are also known as “dietary supplements”. Dietary supplements are taken on a daily basis to help rejuvenate internal organs to maintain the body in good health.
Why do people choose to use herbs instead of pharmaceutical medicine? Each individual has their own answer, but there are a few common answers. The first being that a friend or family member tried it and the result was positive. Based on recommendation is the most common reason. The second most common reason is because it is natural. There is a belief that Nature provides all living organisms the solutions to maintain good health and to help combat illness. The practice of administering herbal medicine has been performed for thousands of years. It has a proven track record with success in maintaining health, energy and combating illnesses. The third is most people are most comfortable with a holistic approach as it is a form of medicine that works together with the body and addresses the underlying causes of the condition rather than masking it with pain killers or short term solutions. Finally, many choose herbs because there are few negative side effects which can cause even further distress in their body.
What is an Herb?
An herb is a variety of plants that are found throughout the world in Nature. They can be found growing naturally or they can be cultivated. An herb is a special plant.
Scientific research has shown that between the cells in the herb leaves, flowers and roots are sacs that contain the essential oils for that particular plant. Each sac of essential oil contains between 50 – 2,000 chemical constituents that are the active ingredients responsible for the healing and balancing effect of the herb. Essential oils are extremely concentrated and only small amounts are needed resulting in minimum side effects.
How do Herbs Help Us?
Our body has a defence mechanism which protects us from becoming ill. This is our immune system. When our immune system has weakened due to illness, toxins, environment, stress, lifestyle or injury, we become more vulnerable to illness, disease and injury. Herbs work synergistically with our body. In another words, herbs work together with our immune system and internal organs, helping them to become stronger, healthier and more vital. As a result, we are overall healthier and less vulnerable to illness.
Depending on the type of herb and malaise, the preparation and usage of the herb varies. Some herbs are used as tonics which cleanse, nourish and rebuild on a cellular level. Other herbs are more organ or system specific and are used to treat related imbalances or symptoms. Regardless of how the herbs are applied, they work naturally and gently support the natural healing process of the body and help to maintain overall health.
Do Herbs Have Side Effects?
Herbs have been used for thousands of years. During this course of time, documentation of the herbs include the type, name, drawing, use, preparation method and duration of use for healing. As herbs are a plant, they are safe and have very little side effects. However, keep in mind that this means that traditional preparation and practices are followed. In the hands of an inexperienced person, and used incorrectly, they can cause harm. Women who are pregnant are advised to consult with their medical doctor, homeopath and/or naturopath before beginning any course of herbal treatment as herbs affect the chemicals and hormones within the body.
Make an Informed Choice
Herbs compose a gentle treatment plan that gradually, over time, increases your health and vitality. Having been used for thousands of years, herbs have been proven to be effective in treating ailments and sustaining health. Consult your naturopath or homeopath for proper diagnosis and treatment as there are hundreds of different types of herbs that are available.
Herbs are a holistic and safe choice for better health when used and prepared properly. Investigate, research and make an informed choice that is agreeable to you.
A Lesson on Decocting Dry Herbs
Comments
At last! Someone who unnsrstadde! Thanks for posting!
Interesting hub, beth100. I grow a diverse range of medicinal herbs and they have served my family well. :)
nice hub loved reading this, i am learning about herbal medicine.
I have always been interested in Hollistic medicine. That being said however, I have never really looked much into herbs and their uses. Being that I have the world's worst immune system, I might have to take a look into some of these herbs, especially since I don't really care for going to the doctor! :) Great hub and some great information here!
Loved your hub, like you said mainstream doctors are taught to treat symptoms not causes of ill-health. So they usually prescribe prescription medicines which only cause more symptomatic affects, and things snowball.
Natural remedies may take a little longer, but they work with your body not against it, great hub an enjoyable read.
I love your article about herbs...great so great
I have here the best collection of herbal products
Sometimes the simplest things are the best! Too many times we rely on complex chemicals with severe side effects, when simple plants may be a more effective and safer answer! Most do not have the patience to let nature work its miracles.
Glad to see this hub and the response. It is heartening.
Thanks Beth!
Good article thanks for sharing
Excellent hub, keep it up.
Beth, You have done an awesome job in writing this hub. I have read many hubs on herbs, but your seems to be very different. From soup to nuts your hub contains everything one needs to know. I was intrigued by the video.
Great Job, rated it up!
Sage
A brilliant explanation of what a herb is and the good advice on taking them. Thanks for sharing that
You answered the question in full, and that was good.
This is a well written hub about herbs. The video is also useful in showing your readers the proper way of preparing herbal remedies. Good work!
I really liked how you presented this and laid it all out, Beth...very good job!!!!
You certainly gave us the break down of what and herb is, how it can positively impact our lives, and the fact that they have been used for thousands of years. I do believe that people are waking up to the fact that these huge billion-dollar pharmaceutical companies are not the answer and that there really is a better, safer, and more cost effective method to alleviating ourselves from our conditions.
Thanks for a great hub, Beth!
very nice one Beth, precaution is the best, Maita
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