Advantages and Disadvantages of Herbal Medicine

Today, people around the globe are giving preference to alternative medicines such as ayurveda, naturopathy, homeopathy, and herbal medicine. It is worth mentioning that these natural and alternative medicines were used thousands of years ago. Archaeological evidences reveal that the civilizations of the bygone era used plants as part of traditional medicine.

The earliest documentation about the usage of such natural remedies comes from China and dates back to 2800 BC. For almost 5000 years, it was used for treating various ailments. Today, it has been developed as a separate industry as many people favor herbal over synthetic medicine.

» They are cost-effective and less expensive than the medicines bought from an allopathic pharmacy.

» They can be bought without a prescription. They are available in any health store.

» They are more effective than allopathic medicine for certain ailments.

» They do not have negative side effects. If any, they are milder than allopathic medicine.

» They can be effectively used for body's natural detoxification process. Herbs such as Plantago psyllium seed, rhubarb juice powder, aloe vera, alfalfa juice, chlorella, carrot concentrate, and garlic can be used to cleanse the colon, improve digestion and food absorption, and boost your immune system. Some digestive disorders such as colitis, indigestion, peptic ulcers, and irritable bowel syndrome can be cured using the herbs.

» Herbs such as ginger, capsicum, garlic, and motherwort help to control the ailments related to blood circulation such as high blood pressure, varicose ulcers, and so on. Many of the herbal medicines are used to treat coronary artery disease, and to reduce cholesterol level in the blood stream.

» They can help reduce excess weight and regulate appetite.

» Cure using herbal medicine and supplements would take some time. You should possess immense patience.

» They contain various ingredients, and you should be sure that your body agrees with the ingredients, and is not allergic.

» They may have negative side effects for certain ailments. These side effects may not be revealed immediately, but would take months or even years. In the initial stages, if the medicine is not agreeing with you, it is wise to stop using it.

Keep in mind that the government does not regulate herbal medicine industry. Hence, there is no quality assurance for herbal products. There are very few good practitioners in this industry, and it would be wise to ensure that you consult a good practitioner before starting.