Herbal Remedies
		by Lee Thompson As a culture, we have believed since the industrial revolution that technological progress leads inexorably forward; that once a problem has been identified, a solution will be found. Moreover, these solutions will themselves be progressive--we will come up with better and better solutions as we rush headlong into the future. In some ways this is a function of "species ego," the core-belief in mankind's superiority--over both its fellow animal inhabitants of the Earth, and nature itself. But let's face it: we have not yet evolved to the point of omniscience. Though we do have incredible potential, we have much to learn. And who can argue that we pursue an odd agenda at times? Homeopathy is a perfect example of this. Long before the word "acetaminophen" was ever uttered, we had a cure for headaches. Don't believe for a moment that Cleopatra spent her evenings at home with a horrible headache just because there were no convenience stores on the Nile where she could buy Advil. Contents Introduction Headaches Colds and Flu Insomnia Gastrointestinal Disorders Premenstrual Syndrome Stress And yet it may be more difficult today for you to find the natural remedy that she used than it was for her. Why? Species ego and economics. Our species ego tells us that we have the knowledge and wisdom to create superior solutions than have already been provided by nature. Economics tells us that if we create it first and patent the sucker, then we'll make tons of dough. So homeopathy has faced a powerful two-pronged adversary. In most cases, it isn't economically feasible to fund large amounts of money to the research and development of herbal medicines. There are several reasons for this, chief among them that plants cannot be patented. When a pharmaceutical company develops a new drug, it is given a seventeen-year exclusive right to the marketing of its product. This is done so that the company can recover the exorbitant costs of research and development. These costs are especially high in the United States, where FDA approval can take years, and the costs for the extensive testing required to prove that a drug is safe and effective often reach into the tens of millions of dollars. Because of these factors, it's easy to see why Glaxo isn't hell-bent on researching an all-natural cure for cancer. The company could spend 15 years and $250 million on R&D, find a combination of 14 herbs that not only cured cancer, but prevented it from ever occurring, and what would happen the next day after it released the news of it's discovery? Every other pharmaceutical company in the world would rush its own version to market. So while pharmaceutical companies can't be held entirely to blame for the lack of funding for R&D into herbal alternatives, now as much as ever it behooves us to explore these alternatives. Many respected scientists and medical researchers are now openly concerned about the future of our ability to fight off bacterial and viral infections. Why? Because it has been the norm to over-prescribe antibiotics for everything from influenza to a mild cold. Now not only do we expect our doctors to give us an antibiotic for a life-threatening case of pneumonia, but we also want them for the sniffles. This is not merely unnecessary, it's also foolish. Just as our immune systems are designed to "learn" from their experiences fighting off infection, so are the immune systems of the viruses and bacteria that we seek to destroy with our antibiotics. Unwittingly, we are creating more and more powerful diseases, resistant to the very antibiotics that were effective against their ancestors. Thankfully, a renewed sense of interest is developing in herbal alternatives. Many of us are drawn to the prospect of putting things into our bodies that are "good" for us, and not just "bad" for whatever is wrong with us. Therein lies an important distinction between herbal remedies and their drug counterparts. Herbs work "with" our bodies, to help our immune system better deal with whatever threat is posed. Drugs seek to "replace" our immune system by attacking the threat to the body. Many excellent books are available on the subject of homeopathy and naturopathy, and there is much more to learn than we can offer here. But this is intended to be a primer--a useful collection of many effective herbal remedies to our most common ailments. Most of these herbs are available in either bulk, capsule, or tincture form at an herbalist near you. If the symptoms become more severe, or persist for longer than a week, you should consult a naturopathic doctor or physician. If you are currently taking any over-the-counter or prescription drugs, ask a naturopathic doctor or physician if there are any herb-drug interactions you need to be aware of. Headaches Headaches affect nearly everyone on the planet. They can range from the common tension headache to the debilitating cluster headache. Painkillers treat the symptom, not the cause. With tension headaches, for example, it's important to find the cause of the muscle contraction, and reduce that. The most common factors that result in tension headaches are eye strain, poor posture, spinal misalignment, or physical and emotional stress. Regular Headaches Feverfew is effective for headaches and preventing migraines White Willow Bark is an excellent aspirin substitute. Tension Headaches Valerian is both a sedative and a pain reliever Chamomile is an effective calming herb Skullcap is excellent for soothing tension headaches. Colds and Flu Colds and flu are among the most common ailments affecting our bodies, second only to headaches. However, prevention is more important than treating a cold or flu once we've caught it. A proper, balanced diet, high in fruits and vegetables, low in sugars and meat products helps to increase the body's immune functions. Though everyone is exposed to the viruses and bacteria that cause colds and flu, not all of us are affected by them in the same way--because a body with a strong immune system will fight off most of the common viral and bacterial infections on its own, without exhibiting the symptomology. Though not an herb, Vitamin C is one of the most effective measures against the common cold and flu. Some doctors recommend increasing the Vitamin C intake to up to 10 grams a day, or 160 times the US R.D.A at the onset of a cold. Echinacea and Goldenseal are both effective immune system boosters. Taken in tandem, they complement each others effects. St. John's Wort helps to bolster the immune system Lomatium is considered the most effective herbal remedy for the flu, being both an antiviral and a immuno-stimulant Cayenne reduces the discomfort caused by colds, and helps to eliminate the chills Lungwort is excellent for upper-respiratory infections Slippery Elm Bark helps to relieve throat pain Marshmallow Root tea is wonderful for a scratchy throat And yes, mother's favorite! According to researchers and the New England Journal of Medicine, chicken noodle soup contains mild antibiotic and decongestant properties. Insomnia Most of us are affected at one time or another in our lives with the sleep disorder insomnia. Causes range from stress, to improper diet, to lack of exercise. Over 6 million people are prescribed sleeping pills by doctors in the US, and many millions more self-medicate with over-the-counter sleeping aids. Reports have shown that sleeping pills can alter the brain-wave patterns of sleep, preventing the normal cycle of sleep stages. The side-effects are also frightening, ranging from dependence and withdrawal symptoms, to the alteration of the memory process and other cognitive functions. Valerian is an excellent overall relaxant, and can help promote sleep Chamomile tea taken 45 minutes prior to bedtime will help aid in falling asleep Passionflower is one of nature's best tranquilizers Hop tea is an effective nighttime sleep aid Gastrointestinal Disorders Gastrointestinal disorders affect the digestion and absorption of nutrients by our digestive tracts. They are most commonly caused by diet and nutritional factors, stress, viral and bacterial infections, and food allergies. Fennel relieves stomach cramps and gas Dill is great for gas and indigestion Peppermint will help relieve an upset stomach Basil is an excellent choice for reducing gas Cinnamon works well for gas, diarrhea, and upset stomach Catnip tea is effective at relieving diarrhea Cayenne has been shown to have a healing effect on ulcers Marshmallow Root is recommended for ulcers and colitis Premenstrual Syndrome According to reports, about 60% of all women experience symptoms of PMS severely enough to cause suffering. The symptoms include irritability, mood swings, anxiety, depression, headaches, cramps, weight gain and water-retention. Evening Primrose Oil is considered one of the most effective herbal remedies for PMS Chasteberry is recommended for long-term treatment Skullcap is helpful for the irritability and anxiety aspects Dandelion aids in the reduction of water-retention Cramp Bark relieves cramping Stress Stress-related disorders accounts for an estimated 70 to 80% of all visits to physicians. Chronic stress has a deleterious effect on all bodily systems, most notably the cardio-vascular system. However, it also has an adverse impact on digestion, immune system function, blood pressure, and even brain chemistry. Hop tea is very relaxing Chamomile is a soothing, calming herb Passionflower is especially helpful for anxiety, (do not take while pregnant) Skullcap is an excellent remedy for stress Valerian is among the most effective herbal remedies for stress and nervous tension The differing objectives between traditional medicine and homeopathic remedies are quite clear. Traditional medicine focuses eliminating on the symptoms of an ailment; homeopathy sees the relationship between all internal functions, and seeks to align them properly--and in doing so, helps the body to heal itself. Also, unlike most medicines that are taken when the body is already in the throes of a disease or infection, many herbs can be taken as a daily tonic. It is here that we see the beauty of homeopathy--maintaining health and vitality, rather than acting as a stop-gap when the body is already weakened. Discuss it! What do you think about this article? This is important, I want more I found it interesting Ehh, it was OK It's not that significant I don't care Subscribe Now!
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