Herbal medicine has its roots in many different cultures all spanning centuries of traditional knowledge. Traditional Chinese medicine is probably the best-known use of medicinal herbs. Ayurvedic and Kampo medicine are popular alternatives.
Despite being rooted in ancient wisdom, herbal medicine is still gaining in popularity. People have different motivations for taking herbal supplements. And some herbs may be more effective than others.
However, the possibilities are there for herbal medicine to integrate more with modern healthcare.
Reasons why people choose herbal medicine
The general motivation for taking herbal supplements is usually to either ward off illness or aid with recovery. Herbal medicine is linked to physical and mental wellness. People have taken vitamin supplements for decades. Now, herbs such as echinacea are popular with individuals looking for ways to boost immune systems.
Often supplements such as Blue Poppy Chinese Herbal Medicine are used for pain relief or to purge toxins. Indeed, detoxification is a popular reason for choosing to take herbal medicine.
Yet, other people use herbal medicine because they are dissatisfied with modern treatments. Traditional medicine may be perceived by some as in line with their own values. And herbal medicine is embraced by those looking for natural remedies instead of synthetic medicines.
Though there is one other reason why herbal medicine is chosen by so many; cultural beliefs. Anyone keen on their own cultural heritage may wish to use traditional medicines and practices.
How is herbal medicine perceived in different cultures?
Some of the statistics surrounding herbal medicine and traditional practices may surprise you. Up to 80% of the population in Africa still practices traditional treatments involving herbs.
According to the WHO, up to 80% of the world uses traditional medicine. This includes TCM practices and herbal medicine. How accurate this figure is, is debatable as herbal medicine use is less popular in the West.
However, herbal medicine use is still popular in Western cultures. Around a third of Americans have tried traditional herbal medicine. For many, the balance between nature and wellness is an important aspect of their culture. And this is why traditional medicine still thrives in countries such as Japan.
What is the science behind herbal medicine?
Ongoing research is helping to further understand the efficacy of herbs in traditional medicine. Yet, more studies are needed to truly find out how herbs aid patients with different conditions.
What is understood is that herbs contain active compounds. These are the areas of the herbs that fight infections or reduce inflammation for instance. Scientific studies shed light on how herbs interact with humans. This helps to explain how herbal medicines may improve well-being.
Naturopathic medicine is centuries old. Though it only arrived in the States in the 1800s, naturopathic practices come from ancient cultures. This form of medicine doesn't just take into account herbs.
Naturopathic medicine includes:
Nutrition
Massage
Acupuncture
Meditation
Exercise
Herbal supplements
Many people extol the virtues of meditation. Meditating is said to aid sleep and lower the symptoms of stress. There is some evidence also of meditation aiding cognitive abilities and reducing the effects of aging on the brain.
This is perhaps why many choose to integrate modern healthcare with traditional medicine for a holistic approach to wellness.
How does herbal medicine align with modern healthcare?
Some experts still tend to believe that herbal medicine plays no part in modern healthcare. Yet, the National Institutes of Health states that over 60% of physicians believe herbal supplements are beneficial.
One small study went further to show that physicians who had recommended herbal medicines were pleased with the results. 40% of respondents to one study confirmed they had used herbal medicine. Out of those 78 physicians, 60 were satisfied with the results.
Functional medicine takes the view that every area of human health is interconnected. By taking a holistic approach to healthcare, herbs can be used as a complementary form of medicine in modern healthcare.
The possibilities of how traditional medicine may help open up when integrated with modern practices. Collaboration between physicians and traditional practitioners would combine the best of both worlds. And if this became more commonplace in hospitals or health centers, then patients would have more options for treatment.
Indeed, patients that are suspicious of modern medicine may be more inclined to adhere to medication plans when traditional practices are part of their treatment.
What illnesses and symptoms might herbal medicine help with?
Millions of people use herbal supplements daily and swear to the efficacy of them. Certainly, herbs contain properties that aid wellness. Some are linked to stronger immune systems, while others help relieve pain.
One study by the British Medical Journal showed that herbal medicines were effective for inducing labor. The possibilities of medicinal natural herbs are countless. But, currently, TCM and herbal medicines are being used to treat physical and mental health issues.
The popular herbs used in health supplements include ginkgo, echinacea, St John's Wort, peppermint, and turmeric. These offer certain benefits to the individual.
Typical benefits from herbal medicine include:
Pain relief
Reduced inflammation
Stress reduction
Boost energy
Boost immune systems
Conditions that are treated with herbal medicine include arthritis and diabetes. Some herbs are said to aid with weight loss or increase appetite. Digestive problems are a common reason to take peppermint and ginger in tea.
Some herbal supplements may help with mood, and possibly cognitive abilities. Alongside conventional treatments, herbs may help lower the symptoms of depression. Exercise and dietary changes can help some patients with depression, and herbal supplements may have a part to play here.
How effective is herbal medicine?
How effective herbal medicine is a big debate between scientists, physicians, and patients. There is perhaps the placebo effect to consider. But, billions of people are using herbs and traditional medicine to improve their health every day.
Anecdotal evidence points to certain herbs being effective at relieving several symptoms. And scientific research has shown that many herbs have active compounds that do benefit human health.
Many herbs contain beneficial properties such as:
Anti-inflammatory
Antiseptic
Antimicrobial
Antioxidants
Antiviral
Turmeric and rosemary are said to lower cholesterol as well as reduce inflammation. Turmeric has so many potential health benefits it has been labeled a 'superfood' by many.
The future of herbal medicine though needs standardization, and recommended dosages. Something that up to now is still missing. When enough research has been concluded, the genuine possibilities that herbal medicine has to offer will become clearer.
Is herbal medicine safe?
In the UK, the NHS recommends that people treat herbal supplements as they would any form of medicine. In the US, herbal supplements are regulated by the FDA under a special category.
FDA quality control measures help ensure that herbal supplements meet certain standards. This includes purity and potency. Of course, herbal medicine may cause interactions, and anyone considering these supplements should consult their regular physician first.
The same is said for any conventional medicine use. The majority of medicinal herbs used in supplements will cause no problems. It is likely any side effect coming from herbal medicine is when dosages are exceeded. Like conventional medicine, herbal supplements should not be taken excessively.
Summary
Herbal medicine can be traced back to ancient times. This traditional knowledge is still being used today. In fact, there are possibly more people using herbal medicine now than ever before.
And yet, scientific research is needed to help with the standardization of herbal medicine. Every day, millions of people take herbal medicine to aid with hypertension and depression. But, if integration with modern medicine becomes widespread, the possibilities for treating different conditions will open up exponentially.
