Some of the best, healthiest supplements and other natural remedies available over the counter sprout up right out of God’s beautiful and bountiful green earth. You can’t get much more organic, natural, and healthier than that, right?
For thousands of years, these botanical wonders have been used by wise and innovative health practitioners to help suffering people deal with aggravating conditions. These can range from inflamed joints, gastrointestinal afflictions, and sleeplessness to immunity deficiency, menopausal symptoms, and ringing in the ears (tinnitus). The list goes on.
The practical healthy benefits provided by herbal supplements number in the hundreds, if not the thousands. They work well to fill in gaps not covered by prescription medications, plus they are readily available to the public, and easily paid for out of pocket. However, a discussion with a physician or other healthcare professional is highly advisable before you try using any herbal supplement for the first time and your intent is to alleviate any condition for which you are already taking prescription medicines.
Herbal Medicines Have a Long History
In it is believed that plant-based medicinal treatments (not to be confused with plant-based prescription medications) have been used to treat people burdened with health afflictions since before recorded history. Historical researchers, based on papyrus writings left behind by ancient Chinese and Egyptians, date the use of herbal botanicals to as early as 3,000 B.C. Ditto for indigenous African and Native American cultures dating back dozens of centuries.
In recent years, the World Health Organization has estimated that about 80 percent of people across the globe have relied on herbal medicine for at least some portion of their primary health care. In just the past two or three decades we have seen in America a growing public discontent with the cost of prescription medications along with a parallel increased acceptance of and interest in health remedies described as organic or natural.
5 Herbal Supplements to Consider Keeping Around
Following are five herbal supplements, most of which havea chief component with a long history of use on centuries-old treatments and are still very much in vogue today. In Parts II and III of this three-part series on herbal supplements, we will offer summaries of a total of 10 more herbal supplements. Once again, be sure to discuss your possible use of any of these with your physician or other healthcare professional before you dive in. In alphabetical order:
Ashwagandha. This natural-remedy herb has been around for centuries and is usually associated with Ayurvedic medical traditions. Ashwagandha can cover a variety of maladies but is probably best known for its knack to alleviate stress and anxiety, promote restful sleep, and elevate moods and produce a positive mindset.
Astragalus. Like ashwagandha, astragalus is what’s known as an “adaptogenic” herb. That means it is a functional mushroom (as opposed to an edible one, presumably) able to assist your body in how it responds to factors such as stress, anxiety, fatigue, and well-being in general. Astragalus might also help bolster your immunity function and enhance your ability to think clearly; that is, to get the fog out.
Basil. Basil is well known in culinary circles for adding some pizzazz to pesto or dress up a pizza. As far as this blog goes, however, it is basil’s medically remedial properties that draw our interest. Note: there are actually two forms of basil, one known as “sweet basil” and the other as “holy basil,” and each has the potential for providing health benefits. Research for sweet basil shows its potential for regulating blood pressure; its pleasant scent can reduce stress and relieve anxiety. Holy basil also might reduce stress and anxiety, in addition to addressing sexual problems and depression.
Black Cohosh. Anecdotal evidence has shown that black cohosh has been often used by women dealing with pre-menstrual and menopausal issues, as well as hot flashes in general. Women’s Health Initiative studies suggest that more women are turning to black cohosh as a natural remedy in place of traditional hormone replacement therapy because of newly discovered health risks associated with the latter.
Cayenne. Cayenne is a type of chili pepper typically linked to Mexican, Creole, and Cajun dishes, but it also contains a substance known as “capsaicin” that can act as a pain reliever, not because it stops the source of the pain, like a muscle or joint injury, but because it can block the pain signals being sent to the brain.
Herbal supplements have a relatively young history of use in America compared to how long their core constituencies have been part of traditional medical therapies in other parts of the world. Many people are still just finding out about them, and it is pleasing to know they have cost-effective natural remedies available to relieve aches, pains and so much more. Just be sure to consult with your personal physician before trying any for the first time.
Stay tuned for Parts II and III of this blog series on herbal supplements.