There is only one similarity between the two – both herbal medicine and homeopathy use herbs in their remedies. However, there is a lot difference in the philosophy and general approach to the treatment. While homeopathy uses much diluted medicines, herbalism uses the whole herb. There is hardly any pharmacologically active ingredient in a homeopathic plant medicine.
On the other hand, herbal remedies contain active plant constituents that are very effective on the body. The range of all the herbs in the herbal remedy work collectively to help the body return to normal function.
Literally, there are innumerable years of research and recorded practice with uncountable documentation of their effectiveness and clinical safety. With all the emerging modern scientific research on herbalism, we have an incredible store of information to utilize in clinical practice. Effectiveness of herbal medicines is a direct indication to appropriate intake, frequency and selection of herb. This makes it important to work in partnership with a qualified herbalist so as to get right dosing information and to have herbs custom selected for you in a tailored way.
Herbal Medicines or Herbalism is a medical system based on the preparations from the plant and plant extracts that can be used to treat various ailments.
Prevalent since ancient times, herbal medicines are far more effective than the modern medicines as they work directly the root cause and not the effects. Herbalism has been used by many different cultures throughout the world in various forms to treat ailments and to assist bodily functions.
No! Herbs made properly can be stored away from heat and light. But, if you live in a hot and humid climate, store your herbal products in the refrigerator. Also, to protect them from the refrigerator’s light, place them in a brown paper bag. Do not store your herbal products in your car or anywhere with extreme heat.
Also, never directly heat your herbal liquids. Herbs are heat-sensitive and should not be added to anything hot unless recommended.
Although, the benefits of certain herbs can be observed within a short time, others are more subtle and provide their health promoting benefits slowly. For example, we can feel the soothing effect of ginger or peppermint leaf tea almost as we drink the brew. Also, the sense of well-being resulting from the use of kava root is manifested in only a short time when using a well manufactured product.
Other herbs are likely to produce noticeable benefits after several days or weeks. For example, studies show that the benefits of palmetto berries, which are used to promote the health of the prostate, can be achieved after 12 to 18 months. Other herbs, such as those rich in antioxidants, work to improve your health without a noticeable effect.
Yes, herbs are completely safe. Plants that relish comprehensive culinary and therapeutic usage are generally safe. You can make your food even tastier by adding number of herbs and make it healthier too. For example, adding 2-3 leaves of Tulsi while preparing tea not only adds a flavor to it but it becomes a cure of various ailments like cough and cold or allergies. While, a few herbs may cause allergies and reactions that are widely used in foods, such individual concerns are also seen with several foods, and do not moderate the safety profile of the herbs that are generally recognized as safe.
This decision completely varies upon once choice. However, there are many good reasons to consider herbal products over other medications. The best reason is that herbs and herbal products provide real health benefits and maintains a remarkable safety profile. This is the reason behind their widespread popularity since years. Natural substances, which were readily available, were the first medicines used by humans. Not only this, all our primitive and ancient civilizations throughout the world have relied on herbs because of their effectiveness. In fact, WHO (World Health Organization) has estimated that 80% of the world’s population still use the traditional therapies as their primary health care tools.
Although medications offer instant relief in various ailments but they do cause certain side-effects, disturbance in blood sugar being the common. This is a concern if you are a patient of diabetes. Whenever you visit a doctor, make sure they know about all the medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements you take. A few medications that can affect your blood sugar level include Barbiturates (for controlling anxiety and depression), Corticosteroids (for treating severe asthma, organ transplant, cystic fibrosis), Birth control pills (oral contraceptive) and progesterone, Catecholamines (made by adrenaline glands), Decongestants ( contains beta-adrenergic agents), B vitamin niacin, asthma medicines, nicotinic acid etc.