Natural remedies are all around us. People are starting to regain consciousness of nature’s ability to provide safe, inexpensive, and really effective medicine. The stigma so evidently attached to natural treatments in the past is starting to wear off, as more and more research show the potency of plants and herbs against various diseases. Of all the claims flooding the internet, which natural remedies are most effective? Here’s a short list:

1. Garlic (Allium sativum)

Most of garlic’s medicinal activity is attributed to two compounds – allicin, and diallyl trisulfide. Together, these two makes garlic one of the most effective anti-bacterial and antifungal natural remedy. From cardiovascular conditions such as hypertension and atherosclerosis, to osteoarthritis, and cancer, a dose of garlic will surely make you feel better.

2. Aloe Vera (Aloe vera)

Aloe Vera one of popular natural remedies for three reasons – its anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and antioxidant properties. As such, people use its gel for a wide spectrum of illnesses such as stomach ulcers, epilepsy, diabetes, asthma, multiple sclerosis, as well as skin ailments such as psoriasis.

3. Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

The compounds curcumin and turmerone found in turmeric makes it able to treat many conditions. Turmeric is used as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, or antidiabetic natural remedy, specifically for conditions such as arthritis, Chron’s disease, ulcerative colitis, dementia, cancer, and diabetes.

4. Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Ginger, another common kitchen herb also possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which helps remediate many diseases including heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis, gastrointestinal irritations, nausea, and cancer.

5. Echinacea (Echinacea purpurea)

Perhaps one of the most clinically researched natural remedies in the planet, Echinacea is one superfood of a herb. Its many medicinal properties such as anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and immune-boosting capacities make it a very ideal natural remedy for so many ailments. Echinacea is proven to be affective against yeast infections, HIV/AIDS, herpes, colds, respiratory and urinary tract infections, sore throat, malaria, syphilis, typhoid, and many more.

6. Oregano (Origanum vulgare)

You are probably familiar with oregano, a spice we also use for several dishes. Being a potent antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory herb, oregano is also one effective natural remedy. It can be used for many conditions such as colds, acne, bronchitis, intestinal parasites, heart conditions, toothache, and even cancer, thanks to a few of its components like carvacrol and beta-caryophyllin

7. Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum)

You are sure that an herb is a good natural remedy when it has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antifungal, and anti-clotting properties. The good news is, cinnamon, a favorite spice of many, has all that. It is thus used as a natural remedy for several cases like heart-related conditions, diabetes, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease, diarrhea, infections and colds.

8. Moringa (Moringa oleifera)

Moringa, also known as drumstick tree, is a low-cost source of vitamins and minerals. Additionally, it has also proven itself to be an effective natural remedy, with antioxidant, antiatherosclerotic, hypolipidaemic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, it is used to treat conditions such as anemia, asthma, epilepsy, diarrhea, high blood pressure, thyroid disoreder, and bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic infections.

9. Sage (Salvia officinalis)

Clinical studies have also shown that sage, with all its flavonoids and phenolic acids, is well capable in treating many conditions. Being anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, this plant’s components protect cells from oxidative damage that lead to complications. It is also used to treat inflammation such as atherosclerosis, asthma, gastritis, Alzheimers, digestive problems, as well as cardiovascular diseases.

10. Thyme (Thymus Vulgaris)

Thyme, another kitchen ingredient previously used as incense in Ancient Greece, is a plant full of medicinal compounds. Containing primarily thymol, thyme can be used to treat conditions ranging from acne and hypertension to cancers and skin problems. Thyme is a potent natural remedy with antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-cancer capacities.

In actuality, there are a lot of effective medicinal herbs around. However, clinical trials are usually expensive, so not a lot of plants get funding for structured research deemed necessary by many physicians in order for natural remedies to be prescribed to patients. This of course, is not entirely unreasonable, as some herbs do have negative effects and does interfere with certain medications. However, regardless of the lack of clinical trials, there are plenty of evidence that prove nature’s capacity to produce the most potent healing agents for us to use. Cheers to natural remedies and health!

Despite an exponential research advancement in recent years, we’re finding more and more problems with conventional medicine – from reports of fraud, to terrible medicinal side effects, to bacterial tolerance to antibiotics. Thus, it’s no surprise that more and more people are looking towards more natural medicine for disease management. Many people are seeking solutions which are not only inexpensive, but are also less harmful. Did you know that a lot of the medical conditions suffered by patients today can be adequately treated with natural medicine? Here are seven diseases you can treat through natural medicine:

1. High blood pressure/hypertension

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a condition most of us are really familiar with. Defined as the elevation of blood pressure in systemic arteries, hypertension left untreated could lead to serious, possibly fatal complications such as strokes and heart attacks. Conventional treatments for hypertension usually include a cocktail of several drugs consisting of vasodilators, alpha/beta blockers, and enzyme inhibitors. However, hypertension can be managed, and altogether avoided with the use of natural medicine. Alternative treatments involve lifestyle changes (e.g. intentionally working out, alcohol intake moderation), dietary measures (e.g. lowering salt intake, choosing healthier food options), and natural medicine (e.g. garlic).

2. Arthritis

Arthritis literally translated from Greek, means joint (arthro-) inflammation (-itis). This condition is common in old patients, due to prior dietary choices, and the natural wearing out of joint structures. Doctors typically prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. steroids) to reduce irritation, and pain relievers (e.g. analgesics) for managing the pain. On the other hand, natural medicine could do an equally effective job in treating arthritis, through the use of several herbs such as willow, turmeric, ginger, and capsicum. Research has also shown that lifestyle measures such as weight loss, and other natural treatments such as acupuncture and physical therapy, also lessen pain and inflammation in patients.

3. Bronchitis

Bronchitis may be defined as the irritation, or swelling of the bronchial tubes connecting our nasal cavity to our lungs commonly cause by infections or certain allergens. Patients with bronchitis typically deal with breathing difficulties, coughing spells, nasal congestion, and fever. There are usual prescriptions for bronchitis, but there are also very effective natural medicine available. Natural medicine include garlic, ginger, turmeric, eucalyptus, Echinacea, and honey. These herbs may be prepared at home as tonics, tea, or taken as is, acting as anti-microbial agents for fighting off the infections.

4. Boils

Boils are skin infections which occur as pus-filled pimples in various parts of the body. Despite being highly contagious and painful, boils can easily be treated with natural medicine. Some of the herbs proven to be effective in treating boils include Echinacea, turmeric, garlic, and tea tree oil, due to the presence of natural chemicals which have antibiotic capacities. Repeated exposure to topical application of these natural medicine is guaranteed to cure your boils in no time.

5. Eczema

Eczema is also a skin condition resulting from allergic reactions which are typically observed as persistent rashes. The rashes are usually incredibly itchy, showing up in the most awkward places such as the inside of the knees and thighs. Thankfully, eczema can be managed by lifestyle measures (such as avoiding certain foods which elicit allergies), and natural medicine. These includes herbal components such as sunflower seed oil, coconut oil, evening primrose oil and chamomile. These natural medicine contain different active ingredients which are not only able to moisturize the affected skin, but are also able to reduce inflammation and soothe itchiness.

6. Constipation

Constipation is a normal medical condition in which patients are unable to empty bowels at ease. It may be caused by a wide variety of reasons such as bowel stricture, hyperparathyroidism, or simply a case of terrible food choices. However, it can very easily be treated with natural medicine. Some common remedies are molasses, sesame seeds, fiber, ginger or mint tea, lemon water, prunes, castor oil and coffee. The action of these natural medicine involves laxative effects which stimulate contractions along the colon which incidentally moves your bowels along.

7. Hay Fever

Allergic rhinitis, as hay fever is also known, are allergic reactions to certain particles like dust or pollen which incite coughing sprees, sneezing spells, and congested sinuses. There are very good natural medicine options for treating hay fever, which contain ingredients which act the same way as your conventional anti-histamine drugs. Some of the natural medicine used to treat hay fever include chamomile, ginger, green, and peppermint teas, as well as butterbur, calendula, and grapefruit.

Nature has given us so many herbs which could help us keep our illnesses away, if we are only willing to give it a chance. Of course it will be good to still consult your physician about your case for in depth diagnosis and comprehensive treatment, but natural medicine could always be by our side in our journey to wellness.

The body indeed has the ability to rehabilitate itself, and the beauty of naturopathic medicine is that it takes advantage of that. From comprehensive diagnosis, to treatment, to prevention, naturopathy aims to minimize unnecessary stresses to your body, and relieve you from your illnesses. But how do you go about treatment?

Naturopathic doctors are professionals who care for patients with a wide spectrum of conditions using natural remedies, non-invasive procedures, and lifestyle management. Their practice may or may not be used in conjunction with conventional medical practices, but ultimately, they focus on treating the person down to the most basic of causes such as stress. They are the ones who could help you in your journey as you turn to Mother Nature for managing your illness. How do you know then, who to consult? Here are several things you look for when selecting a naturopathic doctor.

1. Comfortability

While it appears to be a broad idea, getting help from a naturopathic doctor starts with you being comfortable. Naturopathic treatment depends heavily on a good patient-doctor relationship, so find someone you could easily be talk to, and also listen to. During the course of evaluating your case and the actual treatment, your doctor will often ask you to describe potentially sensitive aspects of your lifestyle, your physical and emotional state, and other personal matters. Additionally, you may also be asked to make significant and possibly difficult lifestyle changes. Naturopathic care does involve your entire being, That being the case, it would be pointless to consult someone you can’t be honest to, or someone whose advice you wouldn’t want to follow whole-hearted, as both situations could limit the effectivity of whatever treatment you’d be put on.

2. Trustworthiness

It never hurts to have a naturopathic doctor you could trust – someone who cares for your health as much as you do, someone who involves you in your treatment, and someone who wouldn’t put you in danger. Look for someone who has a track record of caring for patients well. Good naturopathic doctors respect their individual patients’ preferences, so they educate their patients well on every possible aspect of treatment and partner with them in taking responsibility and control over their health. A good naturopathic doctor will also never do a patient harm by using treatments that may generate additional problems. So if at some point your treatment scheme gives you more trouble than you initially had, it would be good to talk to your doctor about it.

3. Good educational background

Always consider someone who’s had decent naturopathic training. Before being accredited, naturopathic doctors usually would have to have taken graduate-level medical degrees in naturopathic medicine comparable to conventional medical degrees, involving sound scientific and medical disciplines such as biochemistry, immunology, botany, and neurology. Alternately, practitioners who don’t seek medical licenses still undergo some form of specialized training, as in Chinese medicinal practices and such. It is easy to take naturopathy lightly due to the abundance of general health and wellness information on the internet, but a good naturopathic doctor needs to know more than just that. Naturopathy draws on so many disciplines such as physical therapy, botanical medicine, homeopathy, and nutrition, it’s impossible to be practiced properly without training.

4. Broad, holistic perspective that suit your preferences

The most important aspect to watch for in choosing a naturopathic doctor would be your practitioner’s perspective. You need a doctor who will really treat you as a whole by carefully examining the factors which may be contributing to your condition, such as your physical, emotional, social, and mental circumstances. You also have to consider seeing a naturopathic doctor whose preferred methods and specializations match your preferences. Some patients may want to go all out on just herbal therapy and nothing else, others want to still take manufactured medicine but in conjunction with lifestyle changes and acupuncture. Additionally, doctors themselves may have differing treatment focus, as well preferences in which modality to use. Whatever you choose, or whatever your doctor prescribes for you, make sure you agree in both the modalities and focus of treatment.

Naturopathic treatment has great potential in helping you cope with your pain and sickness in a toxin-free way. Thus it is really important that you find a doctor who is qualified, caring, and respects what you want as a patient. Someone you could really work with. In case a partnership doesn’t work out as well as you would like, don’t be afraid to change naturopathic doctors until you find the best match. Cheers to wellness!

Holistic medicine is a form of healthcare slowly gaining attention in recent years. It offers great potential for even the most severe of medical cases, but due to its connotation as unfounded and possibly superstitious, it gets easily dismissed as quackery. So what is holistic medicine, really? Here are the top 10 holistic medicine facts you need to know.

1. Holistic medicine is comprehensive treatment.

The basic idea of holistic medicine is that it aims to treat individuals as a whole. By this, we mean caring for all of the aspects of a person’s being – physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual, so as to gain balance and keep health to a maximum. We are, after all, multi-faceted beings, and to take care of all the parts inevitably takes care of the whole.

2. Holistic medicine is an ancient practice.

The roots of holistic medicine trace back to ancient Indian and Chinese civilizations dating thousands of years ago. Even without the technology medicine has access to today, healers then already acknowledged the effect of the environment, nutrition, and people’s emotions to their general wellbeing. Thus their treatment perspectives take these factors into account, the same way holistic medicine, as it is now called, does.

3. Holistic medicine involves many disciplines.

Holistic medicine practice brings together different treatment modalities from an assortment of disciplines, and thus may have several aspects. This takes the form of patient education, conventional remedies (e.g. synthetic drugs, surgical intervention), and alternative medicine (e.g. chiropractic, physical, naturopathic therapies, acupuncture).

4. Holistic medicine is not equivalent to alternative medicine.

Holistic medicine is not confined to alternative medicine. While employing alternative treatments, good doctors also acknowledge the benefits and necessity of some conventional treatments like surgery and pain-relievers. It is thus better to put it as that holistic medicine is the complementary combination of conventional and alternative medicine.

5. Holistic medicine is based on sound medical and scientific principles.

Conventional prescription, as well as lifestyle recommendations, nutritional supplementation, and herbal remedies included in the umbrella of holistic medicine are never magically coughed up. They are based on principles from disciplines such as immunology, botany, neurology, and biochemistry, along the likes of pathways involved in repair, cellular response to oxidative stress, glucose uptake, and many more.

6. Holistic medicine is practiced by specially trained medical professionals.

Holistic medical practitioners study prior to administering care. They are not merely individuals who have read through general wellness from the internet. They are either clinically trained in conventional medical schools, or receive equivalent graduate-level education on alternative medical methods such as naturopathy.

7. Holistic medicine is more of a lifestyle approach than a treatment method.

Holistic medicine is not a one-time patch, or a specific treatment modality. It is instead a lifestyle approach which, apart from getting cures for your illness, also involves day to day choices to keep yourself from things that could jeopardize your body.

8. Holistic medicine promotes patient responsibility

Unlike purely conventional treatment approaches, holistic medicine aims to involve patients in their own healing in partnership with their doctors. This is done by making patients aware of the effects of dietary, lifestyle, emotional, and relational factors to their physical wellness. In this way, they are able to make better choices, care for their bodies and remain healthy. Needless to say, some aspects of treatment still have to be done by the doctors themselves, but at least patients can take a more active role in their healing.

9. Holistic medicine has shown great promise in chronic cases

With the advantage of having alternative medicine and self-care options in addition to conventional care, patients suffering from chronic conditions are more likely to be able to manage well. The reason for this is that holistic medicine intervenes not only with the symptoms, but it also encourages your body to heal itself by providing more of its necessary resources. This allows for more sustainable treatments that do not have adverse side effects, such as healthier diets and herbal supplements for cancer patients on top of surgery.

10. Holistic medicine will not put you in danger

As we’ve talked about earlier, holistic medicine has scientific and medical basis. Thus, treatments properly prescribed, should not put you in danger or make you sicker. It is also not supposed to create more problems than there originally is. Experiencing otherwise may indicate malpractice, so should make you reconsider your treatment plan or your doctor.

 

Holistic medicine is a lot of things, and a lot more which it is not, but in nonetheless opens a lot of good possibilities to getting better. All it takes is to give it a try.