Natural therapies have been utilized for millennia, and their advantages are becoming more widely acknowledged in contemporary health debates. So, let us get started!
Why Natural Remedies and Practices?
Table of Contents
ToggleThere’s a reason why natural treatments are becoming more popular. They are beneficial for us in many ways and can improve our health and happiness. Here are some important things to think about:
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Benefits of Natural Remedies
- Holistic Approach: Natural remedies for wellness often focus on treating the whole person rather than just the symptoms. This holistic approach can lead to better overall health.
- Fewer Sid Effects: Many natural remedies for health have fewer side effects compared to pharmaceutical drugs. This makes them a safer option for many individuals.
- Cost-Effective Solutions: Natural remedies for wellness can often be made at home using common ingredients, making them a budget-friendly option.
- Accessibility: Most natural remedies are easily accessible and can be found in your kitchen or local grocery store.
Falling under the category of alternative and complementary medicine, they adopt a holistic approach to human wellness and care (i.e., encompassing full body, mind, emotional, and spiritual health).
Scientific Insights on Natural Remedies
According to research published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, numerous herbal medicines have been scientifically shown to be beneficial.
For example; ginger has been demonstrated to relieve nausea, while turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory qualities.
Power of Natural Remedies
Below are 5 popular natural remedies for health or alternate practices that can help you with a range of benefits, from combating stress to reducing pain.
1. Herbal Medicine
Herbal Products or Supplements contain active ingredients that are naturally derived from a plant’s various parts, which include
- Roots
- Leaves
- Bark
- Flowers, and
- Seeds.
They provide therapeutic benefits and can be used to treat or prevent diseases.
Herb | USA | India | China | Germany | Japan | France |
Ginger | Ginger | Adrak | Jiang (姜) | Ingwer | Shōga (生姜) | Gingembre |
Turmeric | Turmeric | Haldi | Jiang Huang (姜黄) | Kurkuma | Ukon (ウコン) | Curcuma |
Ginseng | Ginseng | Ashwagandha | Ren Shen (人参) | Ginseng | Ninjin (人参) | Ginseng |
Chamomile | Chamomile | Babune ka phal | Matricaria (母菊) | Kamille | Kamitsure (カミツレ) | Camomille |
Aloe Vera | Aloe Vera | Ghritkumari | Lu Hui (芦荟) | Aloe Vera | Aloe (アロエ) | Aloe Vera |
Garlic | Garlic | Lahsun | Da Suan (大蒜) | Knoblauch | Ninniku (ニンニク) | Ail |
Peppermint | Peppermint | Pudina | Bo He (薄荷) | Pfefferminze | Hakuto (ハクト) | Menthe poivrée |
Lavender | Lavender | Laavender | Xun Yi Cao (熏衣草) | Lavendel | Rabenda (ラベンダー) | Lavande |
Basil | Basil | Tulsi | Luo Le (罗勒) | Basilikum | Bajiru (バジル) | Basilic |
Echinacea | Echinacea | Kangi | Zi Zhu Hua (紫锥花) | Sonnenhut | Ekinasea (エキナセア) | Échinacée |
This table includes some commonly known herbal medicines and their names in various countries.
A 2018 focus-group study reveals that people may feel dissatisfied with conventional medicine (i.e., Western or allopathic medication); hence, there has been a growing interest in herbal treatments. Some prefer them to doctor-prescribed drugs. But there are many who follow them in combination with prescription and non-prescription drugs.
Dating back thousands of years, herbal natural medicine in today’s world is mostly used to treat “mild and moderate illnesses.” Or, it can be used as an alternative to conventional medicine.
People can take herbal medicines or supplements to boost the immune system, increase energy, enhance mood, improve sleep patterns, and provide natural ways to lower blood pressure.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 88% of countries are in the habit of using herbal medicine. Plus, 40% of pharmaceutical drugs as well as medications that, when invented, changed the course of history, such as aspirin and artemisinin, all have their roots embedded in herbal natural medicine.
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2. Acupuncture
Originating from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acupuncture has evolved as a “common alternative therapy” to treat chronic pain and other physical ailments. It primarily involves inserting needles into the human body at specific locations and depths to stimulate the sensory reactions of the nerves, which are present in different parts of the body.
Now, TCM believes that yin and yang are the two extremes that harmoniously balance each other to keep the life force, called Qi (and pronounced “Chi”), running in human beings. This Qi is fundamental to maintaining health and wellness in us. Moreover, TCM advocates that any illness in the body is due to an imbalance or blockage in the proper flow of Qi.
The circulation of Qi in the human body happens through several meridians or pathways. Acupuncturists can access these meridians and alter the flow of Qi across 361 points in the skin and muscles—by insertion of needles in strategic combinations. What do they aim for? To bring the Qi back into the requisite balance.
A 2017 review has some intriguing suggestions about the working of the “361 acupuncture points’‘ in the body. It states that they are the sites (also known as receptive fields) where stimulation by “needle-inserting” induces activity of the multiple sensory neurons. This, in turn, affects how the central nervous system and muscles process pain, leading to an increase in the blood flow to such sites.
A meta-analysis conducted in 2018 found that acupuncture can provide relief from chronic pain; its pain-relieving properties can be easily separated from those of placebo. Yet, science hasn’t been able to draw a clear understanding of how acupuncture exactly works.
Note: All therapies have their own benefits and risks. That’s why we recommend consulting with your doctor prior to undertaking any acupuncture therapy.
3. Meditation
In most Western countries, meditation is not viewed as much of a spiritual or devotional practice. Rather, it is a straightforward exercise that many believe helps them maintain holistic health.
If we particularly look into mindfulness meditation, we need to first understand what meditation is. It’s nothing but staying in the present, focusing on the “here and now.” Not stressing about the past or future and quietly observing all the thoughts in your mind—without judging or forming a biased opinion about them. This helps you establish mental peace and de-escalate episodes of stress and anxiety.
Transcendental meditation, on the other hand, requires a person to lay full attention on a special mantra or repeat a specific word, phrase, or sound during meditation. It helps you to settle your mind and eliminate stress. According to a recent study by the Center for Wellness and Achievement in Education, employees who practice transcendental meditation experience less stress at work than their peers who don’t.
Mindfulness, being a natural healing treatment, also helps to reduce or improve the emotional and psychological symptoms that women suffer from after menopause, including mood swings.
4. Chiropractic
The term “chiropractic” is made of 2 Greek words: cher (meaning, hands) and praxis (meaning, practice). You must’ve got the idea by now. Yes, it is a “hands-on” alternative therapy.
A qualified chiropractor applies a controlled amount of pressure to an individual’s spine or other parts of the body (using hands or a device) to lessen pain and enhance mechanical movement. It can also be used to correct body alignment.
Modern chiropractic practices are centered around the “spinal care model,” which emphasizes the crucial role the spine plays in overall health and well-being. This approach focuses on ensuring that the spine is properly aligned, as misalignments (or subluxations) can interfere with the nervous system, leading to a variety of health issues.
Through techniques such as spinal adjustments and manipulations, chiropractors aim to restore proper alignment, relieve pain, and improve the body’s ability to heal naturally. This holistic method not only addresses back pain but also supports the body’s general functionality, promoting a balanced and healthy lifestyle.
5. Yoga
An age-old practice that makes use of asanas (or physical poses), meditating (i.e., developing your concentration skills), and deep breathing exercises (or pranayamas). The term “yoga” first appeared in the Rig Veda, and it came from the Sanskrit word Yuj, meaning “union” or “to join.”
History tells us that yoga originated in northern India as much as 5000 years ago. Indian monks took it upon themselves in the late 1870s to spread the wisdom of yoga to the West.
Modern teachings of yoga (focusing on strength, exercise, breathing, and agility) became widely popular in several Western countries by the 1970s.
How Can Yoga Benefit?
- Increasing endurance and flexibility
- Building physical strength
- Helping to look after mental health (gets you a calm and stress-free mind)
- Reducing anxiety, depression, and chronic pain
- Improving irregular sleep habits
- Boosting overall well-being and quality of life
- Helping treat addiction symptoms
- Supporting heart health (the yoga exercises and poses act as natural ways to lower blood pressure)
- Promoting better breathing
The Bottom Line
It is impossible to deny the power of natural remedies for health. There are natural ways to improve your health and well-being with these treatments, such as yoga and herbal drugs. Before starting any new treatment, make sure to talk to a doctor or nurse, especially if you already have a health problem.
But you must understand that this is to be done in addition to paying regular visits to the doctor/medical expert for any condition that you may have (or whenever you think there is a need for consultation).
Looking at the benefits of natural remedies doesn’t mean you withdraw yourself from your routine conventional medication—entirely or suddenly—without any medical supervision. Doing so can lead to serious health consequences.
Today, control your health by allowing nature to do its work.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are natural remedies safe for everyone?
While many natural remedies are safe, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you have underlying health conditions.
- How long does it take for natural remedies to work?
The effectiveness of natural remedies can vary. Some may provide immediate relief, while others may take longer to show results.
- Can I use natural remedies alongside prescription medications?
Always consult your doctor before combining natural remedies with prescription medications to avoid potential interactions.
- Are there any side effects of natural remedies?
While many natural therapies have fewer side effects than medications, they may nevertheless trigger problems in certain people. Always begin with tiny dosages and observe your body’s reaction.
Sources
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK536964/
- https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/acupuncture-what-you-need-to-know
- https://www.aecc.ac.uk/media/4251/educational-statements-with-immunisation-word-version.pdf
- https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/yoga-what-you-need-to-know
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3193654/