Herbal medicine refers to using a plant’s seed, berries, roots, leaves, bark, or flowers for medical purposes. Herbalism has a long tradition of use outside of conventional medicine. It is becoming more mainstream as improvements in analysis and quality control along with advances in clinical research show the value of herbal medicine in treating and preventing diseases that cannot be helped by drugs.

Indigenous cultures used herbs in their healing rituals, while others developed traditional medical system in which herbal therapies were used. Researchers found that people in different parts of the world tend to use the same or similar plants for the same purpose.

In the early 19th century, when chemical analysis first became available, scientist began to extract and modify the active ingredients from plants. Later, chemist began making their own version of plant compounds, and over time, the use of herbal medicines declined in favor of drugs.

Recently, the World Health Organization estimated that 80% of people worldwide rely on herbal medicines for some part of their primary health care.

In Germany, about 600-700 plant based medicines are available and are prescribed by some 70% of German physicians. In the last 20 years the United States, public dissatisfaction with prescription medications, combined with an interest in returning to natural or organic remedies, has led to increase in herbal medicine use for prevention and cure.

In many cases, scientists aren’t sure what specific ingredient in a particular herb works to treat a condition or illness. Whole herbs contain many ingredient, and the may work together to produce a beneficial effect. Many factors determine how effective and herb will be. For example, the type of environment (climate, bugs, soil quality) in which a plant grew will affect it, as will how and when it was harvested and processed. Herbs are said to nourish and balance systems and organs providing recovery. At the right doses a trained Naturopath can provide a relief from a symptom within minutes. If somebody tells you because you had it for years you need years to recover, don’t believe one word of it.

The use of herbal supplements has increased dramatically over the past 30 years. Herbal supplements are classified as dietary supplements by the US Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994. That means herbal supplements, unlike prescription drugs, can be sold without being tested to prove that they are safe and effective. However, herbal supplements must be made according to get manufacturing practices.

Herbs are used together because the combination is more effective and may have a fewer side effects. Heath care providers must take many factors into account when recommending herbs, including the species and variety of the plant, the plant’s habitat, how it was stored and processed, and whether or not there are contaminants.

Herbal medicine is used to treat many conditions, such as autoimmune diseases, viral and bacterial diseases, asthma, eczema, PMS, Crohn’s, UC, IC, MS, ALS, RA, SLE, migraine, menopausal symptoms, chronic fatigue, and irritable syndrome, among others. Herbal supplements are best taken under the guidance of a trained health care provider be sure to consult with your Naturopath before taking any herbs. The most effective herbs come in liquid form. Herbal extract provide results for days experienced practitioners can show results within 2-3 days.

The herbs available in most stores come in several different forms: teas, syrups, oils, liquid extracts, tinctures, and dry extracts (pills or capsules). Teas can be made from dried herbs left to soak for a few minutes in hot water, or by boiling herbs in water and then straining the liquid. Syrups, made from concentrated extracts and added to sweet –tasting preparations, are often used for sore throats and coughs. Oils are extracted from plants and often used as rubs for massage, either by themselves or as a part of an ointment or cream. Tinctures and liquid extracts are made of active herbal ingredients dissolved in a liquid (usually water, alcohol, or glycerol). Tinctures are typically a 1:5 or 1:10 concentration, meaning that one part of the herb is prepared with five to ten parts (by weight) of the liquid. Liquid extracts are more concentrated that tinctures and are typically a 1:1 concentration. The extract form is the most concentrated form of an herbal product and is sold as a tablet, capsule, or lozenge.

Herbalist, chiropractors, naturopathic physicians, pharmacist, medical doctors, and practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine all may use herbs to treat illness. Naturopath physicians believe that the body is continually striving for balance and that natural therapies can support the process. They are trained in 4-year, postgraduate institutions that combine courses in conventional medical science with clinical training in herbal medicine, homeopathy, nutrition and lifestyle counseling.

In some countries in Europe, unlike the US, herbs are classified as drugs and are regulated. The German Commission E, an expert medical panel, actively researches their safety and effectiveness.

While still not widely accepted, herbal medicine is being taught more in medical schools and pharmacy schools. More health care providers are learning about the positive and potentially negative effects of using herbal medicines to help treat health conditions. Some health care providers, including doctors and pharmacist, are trained in herbal medicine. They can help people create treatment plans that use herbs, conventional medications and lifestyles changes to promote health.

If you tried everything and you are still not well, the future of medicine is here. Dr. Aleksander Strande, Naturopath, treats adults and children. Difficult conditions are welcomed: autoimmune deficiency, viral diseases, anxiety and panic attacks, depression, chronic fatigue, chronic pain, and female conditions. You start seeing results within few days.

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