Herbal Healing
Herbal Healing
Herbal Healing and herbal remedies have been around for as long as we know. Natural remedies were mainstream therapies that were used before modern medicine reached the East.
Recently there has been a resurgence of interest in herbs and Herbal Healing across the world. The renewed interests are mainly due to a realization of the adverse effects of conventional medicine. The search for an alternative to conventional synthetic medicine has led people back to oriental, traditional and herbal medicine. There is also a curiosity to understand how Herbal Healing actually works.
However, the basis of many early conventional medicines lay in natural herbs. Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, once prescribed willow bark, whose active ingredient, Salicylic acid (Def: Salicylic acid is known for its ability to ease aches and pains and reduce fevers), ultimately led to the discovery of aspirin when it was isolated. Over time other synthetic drugs were also produced. With the advancement in medical science and the emergence of new synthetic drugs, nature’s remedies were relegated to a secondary position in the East.
As part of their normal metabolic process Herbal Healing, plants produce chemical compounds called metabolites. There are basically two types of metabolites – primary and secondary. Primary metabolites are sugars and fats and are found in all plants.
Secondary metabolites are mostly Phytochemicals (Def: Phytochemicals in freshly harvested plant foods may be destroyed or removed by modern processing techniques, possibly including cooking. For this reason, industrially processed foods likely contain fewer phytochemicals and may thus be less beneficial than unprocessed foods. Absence or deficiency of phytochemicals in processed foods may contribute to increased risk of preventable diseases) that are biologically active but not nutritive.
These are created as part of a more complex process and are found in a smaller number of plant species. The biochemical processes that produce these secondary metabolites change based on the variety of microorganisms, herbivores and pollinators present in the locality. This results in a change in the chemical profile of such a plant according to the environment.
Alkaloids are natural bases that contain nitrogen. Many alkaloids have a striking affect on the central nervous system. Caffeine, an alkaloid, lifts mood to some extent. The alkaloids in datura (thorn apple) are extremely toxic and hallucinogenic.
Many herbs used in homeopathic remedies and Herbal Healing are also poisonous in their unadulterated form.
The dilution and succession that is typical to producing a homeopathic medicine reduces the ratio of the poisonous herb and transforms it to its therapeutic dose. That is why it is always suggested that herbs and herbal supplements should be taken only after thorough study or after consultation with an expert.
The Herbal Healing process involves multiple compounds that work together to heal. These compounds complement each other and produce a better Herbal Healing effect.
Furthermore, multiple compounds in herbs have accompanying benefits of promoting the body’s own capacity of self healing. Single compounds tend to become ineffective as bacteria metabolize them to develop resistance over time.
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Category : Articles Posted on June 8, 2011
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Supplements that should help you
2 months ago
Some supplements that should help you are:Glucosamine sulfate 1500mg daily. Many formulas combine it with 600-1200mg of chondroitin sulfate, a related compound that also reduces joint pain and rebuilds cartilage. Benefits are usually noticed within four to eight weeks. NOTE: these are specific to osteoarthritis, not rheumatoid arthritis you didn’t mention which one you have.MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) 2000-8000mg daily. MSM has natural anti-inflammatory benefits and contains the mineral sulfur, an integral component of cartilage. Reduce the dosage if diarrhea occurs.Fish Oil at least 2000mg daily. Fish oil contains a direct source of omega-3 fatty acids that reduce joint inflammation and promote joint lubrication. This makes it a better choice than flaxseed oil, although flaxseeds are an option for vegetarians. Improvement may take up to 12 weeks of use. High-potency multi-vitamin take a formula that is rich in a blend of antioxidants, which will prevent joint tissue destruction. Betaine HCL (bitter herb digestion formula) Take betaine HCL or a bitter herb digestion formula (Swedish bitters, perhaps). These supplements increase stomach acid and improve digestion. Bromelain 500mg three times daily between meals. It has natural anti-inflammatory effects. Protease enzyme products also have this benefit.Cayenne (capsicum annuum) cream apply the cream to the affected area two to four times daily for symptomatic relief. Choose a cream standardized to between 0.025 and 0.075 percent capsaicin. Capsaicin deplets the nerves of substance P, a neurotransmitter that transmits pain messages.Other herbs to reduce inflammation Devil’s claw root, alfalfa, and yucca root. Give them at least two months to take effect. Devil’s claw slouhd not be taken if you have a history of gallstones, heartburn, or ulcers.White willow, ginger, boswellia, plant sterols and sterolin, DHEA, SAMe, Evening primrose oil, black currant oil, borage oil, Cetyl Myristoleate (CMO), Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Boron, Niacinamide, Plant enzymes, chlorella or spirulina, DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide), protease enzymes.Depending on where you live, some of the above may have to be dispensed by a naturopath or someone similar, but I’ve seen a lot of these at my health food shop.As for your diet, acid and food allergy/sensitivity is a problem. Too much acid in the body causes inflammation, which leads to pain. Avoid acid-promoting foods such as red meat, eggs, saturated fats, oils, fried foods, sugar, dairy products, refined carbohydrates, foods high in gluten (such as breads, pasta and pastries), alcohol, and caffeine. Although this list is long, allergy sufferers who eliminate these foods often experience great relief. Food allergy or sensitivity testing helps to narrow down the group of offending foods.Flaxseeds and cold-water fish are high in essential fatty acids and have anti-inflammatory properties. Salmon and mackerel are good examples.Eat lots of fibre in the form of raw vegetables and whole grains. It will help sweep away mineral and acid build-up and keep your digestive system free of harful bacteria. Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower also have anti-inflammatory properties.Foods high in sulfur will help repair cartilage and bone. Try eating some asparagus, cabbage, garlic, or onion every day.To keep cartilage lubricated and healthy, drink plenty of clean water every day. Dehydration has been linked to arthritis pain.Raw pineapple, whether whole or juiced, has an enzyme called bromelain, which has been shown to reduce inflammation.It would no doubt do you a great amount of good to see a naturopath.
They’ll tell you so many things that can help ease your pain and improve your overall condition and health.
Best of luck to you,
my friend