It is completely possible for herbs to be used in an allopathic way ("plug X herb in for Y disease"), however herbal medicine works best when incorporated into a more thorough, and holistic approach, such as lifestyle choices, nutrition, etc. This list of basic principles are what set herbal and natural medicine apart from conventional medicine in a variety of ways. These include:
~Nature heals, in many different ways.
~Start with the safest, most gentle (yet sufficiently effective) approach.
~Try an integrative approach of herbs, diet, and lifestyle to get the best results.
~Address the root cause and patterns of disease.
~Treat the whole person, not just the symptoms or the disease.
~Help your body to heal itself.
~Educate and empower yourself.
~Know your limits and when to seek guidance.
~Be sure to cultivate a good healthcare team.
Herbal medicine is a great way to take a more active role in your overall well-being, but you'll also want a great support team to help you along the way. We'll get into more about what this support team looks like in next week's blog, but for now let's talk about herb safety.
Herbal medicine is one of the safest forms of medicine in existence. Evidence suggests that humans have relied on plant medicine since as early as the Stone Age, and formal written herbal practices date back several hundred years. Herbs remain the number one form of medicine worldwide. They're affordable, accessible, effective, and empowering.
So why the concern over safety? this is because different herbs suit different people better, and it is important to find the best herbs for you and your individual situation. They can have side-effects, although they are usually mild and go away once you stop taking the herb. For example, cinnamon helps to staunch stomach problems such as diarrhea, however if you already are prone to constipation, it can make that worse. Another example would be hot and spicy ginger; it helps to move stagnant digestion, but it may aggravate acid reflux in certain people.
As long as you are researching your herbs properly and consulting with the right herbal experts, you will figure out pretty quickly what does and does not work for you, as well as what is safe to use and those that are toxic. We will get into more about the precautions of herbs and the importance of your health team with next week's blog.
Be healthy and enjoy your week friends!