Herbs As an Alternative Medicine
Herbal remedies are seen by some as a treatment to be preferred to chemical medications, which have been industrially produced.
The word drug itself comes from the Dutch word "druug" which means, "dried plant.
" All plants produce chemical compounds as part of their normal metabolic activities.
Many alkaloids found in plants have dramatic effects on the central nervous system.
Caffeine is an alkaloid that provides a mild lift.
The alkaloids in some plants, such as the Datura plant can cause severe intoxication and even death.
Herbs and Spices in Cooking The use of herbs and spices in cooking probably originated in part as a response to the threat of food-born virus, or other microorganisms that can cause disease.
Especially in tropical climates where virus or microorganisms are abundant, recipes are more highly spiced.
Spices with the most potent antimicrobials tend to be selected.
In all cultures their vegetables are spiced less than meat because the vegetable is more resistance to spoilage.
Herbs for Medicinal Use Since herbalism is such a diverse field, few generalizations apply.
One shoe does not fit all.
Most herbalist will agree pharmaceuticals are more effective in emergency situations where time is of the essence.
However, over the long term herbs can help you to resist disease.
They provide nutritional and immunological support that pharmaceuticals lack.
Herbalists view their ultimate goal as prevention as well as cure.
Herbalists tend to use different parts of the plant, roots, stems, leaves.
Pharmaceutical medicine prefers using one single ingredient.
Herbalists on the other hand, say the combination of ingredients interact to enhance the effects of the herb and dilute toxicity.
Popularity A survey released in 2004 focused on who used complementary and alternative medicines.
The survey was conducted in the United States and limited to adults, 18 years and older.
The survey results showed herbal therapy and natural products other than vitamins and minerals are quite commonly used as alternative medicines.
Herbs have a huge consumer base because they can be found in a number of vegetables, teas or spices.
They are quite common in European countries.
Risks to health Herbal medicines offer an inexpensive and safe alternative to pharmaceuticals.
Although herbal/prescription drug interactions can occur.
Some herbal remedies may cause an adverse drug interaction when used in combination with prescription or over the counter drugs.
This is why it is extremely important that you discuss with your doctor all of your medications, even herbal supplements.
The word drug itself comes from the Dutch word "druug" which means, "dried plant.
" All plants produce chemical compounds as part of their normal metabolic activities.
Many alkaloids found in plants have dramatic effects on the central nervous system.
Caffeine is an alkaloid that provides a mild lift.
The alkaloids in some plants, such as the Datura plant can cause severe intoxication and even death.
Herbs and Spices in Cooking The use of herbs and spices in cooking probably originated in part as a response to the threat of food-born virus, or other microorganisms that can cause disease.
Especially in tropical climates where virus or microorganisms are abundant, recipes are more highly spiced.
Spices with the most potent antimicrobials tend to be selected.
In all cultures their vegetables are spiced less than meat because the vegetable is more resistance to spoilage.
Herbs for Medicinal Use Since herbalism is such a diverse field, few generalizations apply.
One shoe does not fit all.
Most herbalist will agree pharmaceuticals are more effective in emergency situations where time is of the essence.
However, over the long term herbs can help you to resist disease.
They provide nutritional and immunological support that pharmaceuticals lack.
Herbalists view their ultimate goal as prevention as well as cure.
Herbalists tend to use different parts of the plant, roots, stems, leaves.
Pharmaceutical medicine prefers using one single ingredient.
Herbalists on the other hand, say the combination of ingredients interact to enhance the effects of the herb and dilute toxicity.
Popularity A survey released in 2004 focused on who used complementary and alternative medicines.
The survey was conducted in the United States and limited to adults, 18 years and older.
The survey results showed herbal therapy and natural products other than vitamins and minerals are quite commonly used as alternative medicines.
Herbs have a huge consumer base because they can be found in a number of vegetables, teas or spices.
They are quite common in European countries.
Risks to health Herbal medicines offer an inexpensive and safe alternative to pharmaceuticals.
Although herbal/prescription drug interactions can occur.
Some herbal remedies may cause an adverse drug interaction when used in combination with prescription or over the counter drugs.
This is why it is extremely important that you discuss with your doctor all of your medications, even herbal supplements.
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