This is a subject of controversy. While many medical herbs do have healing properties, most herbal practitioners are quick to tell you that they are not meant to cure any disease. Most physicians will also tell you while herbs may have value; they are not a replacement for prescription drugs. What do you believe? I believe it is sensible to analyze whatever herbal treatment you are considering and if you have got an important health problem you want to use additions with the approval of your doctor.

Herbs have been in use since the beginning of time, long before there were doctors. Many medications commonly used today are derived from plants. Aspirin, digitalis, opium, and quinine are all derived from plants. Approximately twenty five percent of substances in use today come from plants. The other issue with herbal additions is they aren’t controlled by the FDA until they’re on the market. If they turn out to be dangerous, then the FDA can step in and remove them from the market, but it’s a bit like closing the barn door when the pony is out. So called systematic studies might not always be trusty because they don’t seem to be closely regulated. Even so, the World Health Organization tells us that 80% of the population uses herbal remedies in some way.

There are four approaches to the use of plants as medicine. In underdeveloped nations the shaman or enchanting approach is employed. The shaman is claimed to have powers to use herbs that standard folks don’t have. The energetic approach, such as Ayurveda tells us that herbs act on the energies of the body. The functional dynamics use herbs based on their function. The chemical approach attempts to provide an explanation for the use of herbs based primarily on their chemical make up. Most modern herbalists don’t recommend herbs to be used in an emergency, but instead believe they improve the health and protection over the long run.

It is tough to separate the big talk from the honest truth. I read that drinking your own pee will cure virtually anything, but you won’t catch me trying that, whatever what the claims are. Medical herbs have price and many doctors prescribe their use with standard prescription medicines. When you think about it, how many medications actually “cure” disease? They may diminish the symptoms, control the illness, or forestall it from advancing, but many lingering illnesses have no cure. They can only be managed, so if use of herbs can stop illness in the first instance, it could be worth a try. Just be cautious and consult your physician first.