Does herbal medicine really work?
We are living in a drug-dependent culture, lets face it. Whether it happens to be caffeine stimulants, alcohol, nicotine, painkillers or tranquilizers, people ignore the long-term consequences of these addictive drugs and decide that the short-term relief they get is more important. Doctors frequently prescribe antibiotics for people with cold or flu symptoms just to keep everybody moving along at the fast pace they have become accustomed to. Nobody wants to slow down, miss work or school, so they take the antibiotics when, quite frankly, what they need is rest. The danger of antibiotics is that they kill the good bacteria right along with the bad, often leaving the person with digestive problems and a weakened immune system. Antibiotics do have a place, in treating major bacterial infections they can save lives. Sadly, they are being over-used and bodies are growing resistant to many of them which creates a need for much stronger antibiotics. These stronger drugs can cause as much harm as good. So, where do herbs come into play? Herbs, which are medicinal plants, actually have a good deal in common with pharmaceutical drugs. An estimated 25% of pharmaceuticals are still derived from plants. However, most medicinal plants are less potent than parmaceutical drugs, which makes them much safer. Most herbs have a significantly lower list of negative side effects. In fact, many herbs have no known side effects when taken responsibly by otherwise healthy individuals who are not taking other prescription or over-the-counter drugs. But, just like with any medicine, herbal remedies must be used with care. Natural does not always mean harmless. Herbs were the first drugs ever used. They have been used to promote health and healing since Genesis. Herbs have more history behind them than our modern medicine and much research has proven what our ancestors knew to be true. With some basic knowledge of what herbs are and how particular herbs work, you can be on your way to taking back control over your own health.
Modern medicine is to be commended. When my daughter fell and fractured her skull last year, we were very happy for the ambulance and paramedics and the hospital staff, and for the antibiotics given to her to help prevent meningitis. Two weeks after her accident, I treated her respiratory illness (that she had no doubt picked up from her stay in the hospital) safely at home. Several years ago, I was hospitalized for a severe kidney infection. The antibiotics that were given to me no doubt saved my life. Since that time I have learned to prevent further UT infections by assisting my body with herbs and medicinal foods when I begin to feel "run down". So, does herbal medicine work? I say the proof is in the pudding. Many families are experiencing improved health and gaining freedom from the perpetual cycle of doctors and antibiotics. As your health improves, you will be able to answer that question for yourself!
