To name a few conditions that respond to herbal alternatives as treatments would be allergies, asthma, eczema, premenstrual syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, migraine menopausal symptoms, chronic fatigue syndrome, erectile dysfunction, irritable bowel syndrome and cancer.
People with chronic diseases are usually more apt to use herbal medicines. Alternative medicines would include various healing systems such as homeopathy, herbal concoctions, naturopathy, chiropractic, reflexology and acupuncture.
The following are a few medicinal plants and their uses:
Kalmegh - used for indigestion, acne, and diarrhea
Garlic - used to combat ringworm, dysentery and wound healing
Nut grass - Fever, diabetes and solar dermatitis
Spreading hogweed - Anemia, liver diseases, wounds and kidney health
The following are considered to be nature’s nine most prominent preventatives/healers:
Gingko, turmeric, evening primrose oil, flax seed, tea tree oil, echinacea, grapeseed extract, lavender and chamomile.
GINGKO boosts brain health - The leaves are used to create capsules, tablets and extracts as well as tea! It boosts brain health as it can treat dementia and Alzheimer’s. The gingko tree’s average lifespan is 3,000 years. It is also beneficial for eye health, inflammation, diabetes, bone healing, anxiety and depression.
TURMERIC originated in India and is believed to have anti-cancer properties and can prevent DNA mutations. It knocks out inflammation and is also used to treat dermatological diseases and joint arthritis.
EVENING PRIMROSE OIL will relieve PMS symptoms and eczema. It is an anti-inflammatory agent and also heals atopic dermatitis as well as diabetic neuropathy. It has been purported to help with multiple sclerosis, polycystic ovary syndrome and dermatitis.
FLAX SEED comes in seed form and an oil, too; it is one of the safer choices among plant-based dietary supplements. It is praised for its antioxidant activity and anti-inflammatory benefits. One study had shown that it can help prevent colon cancer, as well as reduce blood pressure. Add flaxseed to your diet by sprinkling it on your cereal, salads, cook it in your hot cereals and add it to your salad dressing! It also contains omega-3 fatty acids. It controls inflammation and will decrease hot flashes. Do not eat RAW or un-ripened flaxseed as it is toxic!
TEA TREE OIL is from Australia and it is beneficial for skin conditions, athlete’s foot, small wounds, dandruff, insect bites and other inflammatory skin conditions. You can add it to your shampoo to kill skin mites. This plant has strong antimicrobial “super powers!”
ECHINACEA can be used in the form of teas, juice and extracts. They can be taken as powders or supplements. It will shorten and reduce symptoms of the common cold and seems to fight viruses. It also alleviates symptoms of bronchitis and many other respiratory infections.
GRAPESEED EXTRACT is available in liquid, tablets or capsules. It is a powerful antioxidant that lowers LDL and reduces symptoms of poor circulation in the leg veins. It seems to halt cancer cell growth, as well, and fights edema in high blood pressure.
LAVENDER can be a sleep sedative and also affects mood and cognitive performance. It acts as a sedative and has huge anti-inflammatory effects. It is known to lessen stress and migraines. It can be added to soap, shampoos, lotions, facial toners, etc. It can be used in room diffusers, too.
CHAMOMILE is a plant that possesses anti-anxiety properties. Over a million cups of chamomile tea is consumed all over the world each day. It calms anxiety and is heralded in anti-cancer treatments!
These are just a very few examples of herbs for alternative medicine, but if you can read some of the books I mentioned in Part 1 of this series, you will gain a vast knowledge of what comprises the alternative (which used to be the traditional/standard and mainstay treatments) medicine and you may want to start implementing it in your household!