Herbal Medicine Why do people use it

Herbal Medicines have been the medicine of choice for Indians for a long time. What began as a disjointed system of applying a few herbs here and there to obtain inconsistent relief has now evolved into an organized system of trustworthy healthcare.

Today, herbal solutions exist for almost all non-surgical ailments both common and uncommon. The herbal system of treatment has now become more evolved than ever, and it is important to be aware of the basic information about herbal medicine.

History of Herbal Medicine in India

Ancient Indian medicine was strongly linked to herbs and medicinal plants. Even the study of ancient civilizations like the Indus Valley Civilization proves the usage of at least some herbs and medicines to heal the sick in their settlements. The Vedas also provide proof of healing the sick with the use of medicinal herbs.

Traditionally, herbal doctors enjoyed a prestigious position in society and medicine was considered to be a godly and noble disposition. Common medicinal plants like Amla, Tulsi, Brahmi and Neem etc. are known to have been used since ancient times.

Over the years, Indian system of medicine has evolved into a systematic and organized structure that has gained the trust of a significant part of the Indian population.

Common Herb’s Used in India

Although this is a very long list, some noteworthy examples are as follows:

• Amla: A powerful antioxidant, amla is good for skin and hair and is used to treat infections, fevers, diabetes and heart disease.
• Tulsi: It is used in coughs and colds, fevers, joint pains and even to purify the blood and boost immunity.
• Ashwagandha: It has been found useful in treating diabetes, digestive issues like ulcers, nervous disorders and joint complaints.
• Echinacea: It is widely used to boost immunity and build up the body’s natural defences.

Many other herbs like Neem, Brahmi, Aloe Vera, Fenugreek, Ginseng, etc. are extremely important examples of frequently used herbs with multiple benefits.

Advantages of Herbal Medicine

• Herbal medicine differs from the modern system of allopathy in many aspects. While allopathy uses chemical and synthetic drugs to treat diseases.
• Herbal medicine relies heavily on, as the name suggests, herbs and organic raw materials.
• The dangers of overdosing and harmful reactions to herbal medicine are significantly lesser than those of modern drugs.
• Herbal medicine is safer, has a significantly lower risk of side effects, often costs less, and may at times even be more effective than modern drugs.
• Herbal medicines are also known to strengthen the immune system and boost up the defensive strength of the body.
• Herbal medicine provides strength and vitality with regular use and also helps to tone up a body’s metabolism and may help in regulating hormones also.
• Herbal medicines are easier to obtain and cost lesser than allopathic remedies and this may also act as a motivating factor for people to gravitate towards herbal remedies.

People who have taken herbal medicines for years come to rely on them so much that they tend to resort to herbal remedies for all their medicinal needs. Chronic diseases can, in many cases, be better treated by herbal medicines as these diseases require long-term medication (sometimes for months) which may not be advisable in the case of allopathic drugs owing to their side effects.

While prolonged treatment with allopathic drugs may weaken a person and may require supportive tonics and supplements to keep up the patient’s strength.

Even when one is dependent on allopathic drugs to maintain their life processes, herbal remedies can act as supplements that help in healing and giving strength to the ill person.

It is therefore not difficult to understand that herbal medicines are a great source of comfort and relief to a large segment of people. People may choose not to take allopathic drugs for a number of reasons, cost and potential side effects being the top two.

When to go for Herbal Remedies?

It is important to be clear that herbal products may not always be the solution to every medical problem. In emergency cases that need immediate attention and intervention, it is not advised to resort to herbal solutions, rather the patient should be rushed to a medical facility quickly.

Herbal medicines work excellently in healing chronic diseases. They help boost immunity and provide a person with strength and vitality. They act excellently in problems of digestion and liver issues. Children and old people can also be greatly benefitted from herbal medicines.

Herbal Remedies are proven to be of great utility in detoxifying the body, purifying blood, regulating metabolism, clearing up infections and building up strength after exhausting diseases.