|
|
Herbal Medicine: A Beneficial Adjunct To Orthodox MedicineMay 03 '01 Write an essay on this topic.
Popular Products in Books
The Bottom Line Herbs can be a great supplement used in conjunction with orthodox medical treatment. Used properly, herbs can be a mild alternative with many beneficial attributes.
Herbal Therapy is an extremely valuable support, and, in many cases, alternative to ‘orthodox’ medicine. The value in herbal medicine lies in its abilities to heal and aid the human body. Herbal medicine can support the human body while working to heal ailments, usually without side effects. In cases of using herbal therapy as an adjunct to orthodox medicine, herbs can serve to relieve any side effects caused by pharmaceuticals and nurture the body back to health. Herbs can be a valuable source of assistance for traditional medicine. There are a number of herbs that can be used in conjunction with surgery and prescription medicine. Herbs can also be taken to aid recovery from serious diseases. Although, one should never aim to treat diseases such as cancer, or diabetes solely with herbal medicine, the value of herbs used in conjunction with traditional medical treatment can not be understated. In the November 9, 1998 JAMA issue, herbal medicine is described as having “made many contributions to commercial drug preparations manufactured today including ephedrine from Ephedra sinica (ma-huang), digitoxin from Digitalis purpurea (foxglove), salicin (the source of aspirin) from Salix alba (willow bark), and reserpine from Rauwolfia serpentina (snakeroot)” (“Herbal Medicine for the Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease”, Vol. 158: No. 20). Digitalis purpurea or foxglove is an excellent example of herbal use in conventional medicine. Foxglove contains cardioactive glycosides that effectively treat congestive heart failure. The glycosides are isolated or standardized and then used to create the pharmaceuticals digitoxin or digoxin. It is important to note that in order for an herb to be considered a drug it must be tested for standardized potency. One must not attempt treating congestive heart failure with the foxglove plant wildcrafted. Besides being used in pharmaceuticals, some herbs are used in original form to treat disorders that are otherwise treated conventionally. In continental Europe, “phytotherapy” or herbal medicine is mentioned as “an integral part of physician’s prescribing” in the November 1998 issue in JAMA (“Complementary Therapies for Depression”, Vol. 55, No. 11). Also discussed in this article is the substantial body of evidence that exists showing the effectiveness of St. John’s Wort in the treatment of mild to moderate depression. Another comparative study mentioned in the JAMA article revealed that; “Hypericum seems to be at least as safe and possibly safer than conventional antidepressant drugs” (“Complementary Therapies for Depression”, November 1998, Vol. 55, No. 11). I believe that St. John’s Wort is a superb alternative to taking antidepressant medication. It is imperative to mention that St. John’ s Wort takes effect after at least two weeks of regular usage (1/2 to 1tsp. Tincture 3X daily). Furthermore, taking the herb causes photosensivity, so care must be taken in the sun. Taking herbs in conjunction with treatment from physician can help relieve side effects from drugs taken. For example, calming herbs like chamomile, catnip, and skullcap can relieve symptoms of anxiety, stress, or tension. For cancer and AIDS patients, cannabis sativa can be taken to relieve nausea, exhaustion, and the general discomfort that follows treatment and suffering from disease. Some herbs can be contraindicated when used in conjunction with pharmaceutical medication. For example, some herbs for depression can have “harmful interactions with commonly prescribed antidepressants”, (White M.D. and Foster, 201)1. So, before considering herbs when taking any form of medication, consult your physician. The advantages of herbal medicine are plentiful. Herbs are not as potent as pharmaceuticals so they can be used with fewer side effects. Colds can be treated with herbs that help clear the virus out instead of masking symptoms. A tension headache can be relieved with a cup of chamomile tea instead of aspirin. Mild to moderate depression can be treated with herbs like St. John’s Wort, Ginseng, and Skullcap instead of the plethora of antidepressants with their array of side-effects. Worked in conjunction with conventional medicine, herbal medicine is shown to be beneficial. After consulting one’s physician, herbs can be utilized to improve well being and hasten healing. Many herbs, especially when combined, act as tonics which “exert a gentle health-promoting effect on the whole body over time” (White, M.D. and Foster, 15). Echinacea can be taken when healing from surgery to strengthen immune system. Other tonics can be used when recovering from surgery or serious illness. When taken with care and with one’s doctor’s approval, herbs can be a gentle and effective alternative to conventional treatment. Furthermore, with precautions considered, herbs also can be a positive addition to conventional treatment. 1.The Herbal Drugstore, Rodale, 2000  |
| Read all comments (1)|Write your own comment |
|
Ads by Google
|
