HERBAL MEDICINE Photo via Brackenbury What Is Herbal

HERBAL MEDICINE Photo via Brackenbury

What Is Herbal Medicine, Anyway? • Medical system based on use of plants or plant extracts – Consumed internally or applied topically • Treat illness and assist bodily functions • Used since ancient times by cultures throughout the world Photo via Balanced Care

Practitioners of Herbal Medicine • Herbal medicine: not a licensed profession in the United States • Herbal remedies may be recommended by healthcare professionals – Medical doctors, osteopathic doctors, naturopaths, traditional Chinese medicine practitioners, ayurvedic medicine practitioners Photo via Natural Family Health

Healing Properties Photo via Everything Soulful

Healing Properties: Examples • Aloe – Minor sunburns and skin irritations • Arnica – Bruises, sprains, sore muscles and joints (when used topically) • Chamomile – Upset stomach, heartburn, indigestion • Comfrey – Bedsores, diabetic ulcers, certain spider bites (topical poultice only) • Don quai/ginseng – Improve general health and stamina

Healing Properties: Examples (cont) • Echinacea – Colds, flu, sore throat (ingested) • Garlic – Reduce cholesterol and blood pressure – Treat colds and fungal infections • Ginger – Nausea – Anti-inflammatory • Tea tree oil – Fungal infections • Turmeric – Protect against cancer and Alzheimer’s disease Photo via The Hearty Soul

Healing Properties • These were just a few examples • For more comprehensive lists, please visit: – Drweil. com. (2016). Herbal medicine. Retrieved from http: //www. drweil. com/health-wellness/balanced-living/wellnesstherapies/herbal-medicine/ – Herb. Med. (2009). Herb list. Retrieved from http: //www. herbmed. org/index. html#param. wapp? sw_page=herbli st%3 Fletter%3 DA – National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (n. d. ). Herbs at a glance. Retrieved from https: //nccih. nih. gov/health/herbsataglance. htm

Photo via Crooked Bear Creak Organic Herbs Precautions

Precautions • While herbal medicines are generally considered safe, the are a few precautions one should take – – – – Educate yourself Investigate herb-drug interactions Follow label instructions Work with a professional Watch for side effects Be aware of allergic reactions Research company whose herbs you are taking • John Hopkins Medicine. (n. d. ). Precautions when choosing herbal supplements. Retrieved from http: //www. hopkinsmedicine. org/healthlibrary/conditions/com plementary_and_alternative_medicine/herbal_medicine_85, P 00181/

Wrap Up • Herbal medicine is a great alternative to treating illnesses and assisting bodily functions – Utilizes body’s natural healing process – Cost-effective compared to generic pharmaceutical drugs – Widespread availability (you could even grow your own) – Reduced risk of side effects

Questions ?

References • Drweil. com. (2016). Herbal medicine. Retrieved from http: //www. drweil. com/health-wellness/balanced-living/wellness-therapies/herbal -medicine/ • Herb. Med. (2009). Herb list. Retrieved from http: //www. herbmed. org/index. html#param. wapp? sw_page=herblist%3 Fletter%3 DA • John Hopkins Medicine. (n. d. ). Precautions when choosing herbal supplements. Retrieved from http: //www. hopkinsmedicine. org/healthlibrary/conditions/complementary_and_alt ernative_medicine/herbal_medicine_85, P 00181/ • Micozzi, M. (2011). Fundamentals of complementary and alternative medicine (4 th ed. ). [Vital. Source Bookshelf version]. Retrieved from http: //online. vitalsource. com/books/978 -1 -4377 -05775/id/B 9781437705775000108_p 0260 • National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (n. d. ). Herbs at a glance. Retrieved from https: //nccih. nih. gov/health/herbsataglance. htm