People have been using natural remedies to treat illnesses and injuries for thousands of years. During the early days of humanity, synthetic painkillers, complicated surgical procedures, and electronic medical devices simply weren’t available. Still, people suffered from various maladies, and something had to be done to help with the pain, infection, and other issues. Healers began to experiment with what they had on hand, and the power of botanicals came to light. Quite a few medicinal plants can aid in treating certain medical conditions, some of them even more effectively than over-the-counter synthetics.
Cannabis
Records of using cannabis for its medicinal potential date back as far as 2900 B.C. originally, cannabis or its primary components, CBD and THC, were used to treat inflammation, glaucoma, and other common ailments. Before long, healers began to see a much bigger picture, such as using this herb to treat pain, infections, depression, seizures, and countless other conditions. Although this natural remedy fell out of favor for a time during the last century, it’s returning to the mainstream. Companies like Pure Relief offer a wide range of CBD-based alternatives for treating numerous health issues.
Ginseng
Ginseng’s medicinal properties were discovered in ancient China around the same time as those of cannabis. It’s often used to help improve immunity, mental clarity, and energy levels. People also turn to ginseng because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Some studies show it may be effective in regulating blood sugar levels, reducing skin inflammation, and lowering the risks of certain types of cancer. Many people simply enjoy adding ginseng to their diets because of its ability to fight fatigue, but they could also be reaping the numerous other benefits it may offer.
Valerian Root
Valerian root is often used to make a lovely bedtime tea. Though many people don’t realize it, this herb is also an ingredient in root beer. From a medicinal perspective, it has been used for centuries to treat insomnia and other sleep disorders. Some say it works as well as melatonin if not better. Of course, individual results vary. Valerian root may also be helpful for reducing anxiety, headaches, muscle pain and tension, digestive issues, and certain symptoms of menopause.
Saint John’s Wort
Research indicates St. John’s wort may be an effective treatment for hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, sleep issues, and other menopause-related problems. It can also help combat fatigue, nervousness, anxiety, and loss of appetite. This herbal remedy is most commonly known for its potential in treating depression. While certain studies show it’s only marginally effective for depression, many people who live with this condition insist it’s just as powerful as prescription antidepressants if not more so. Again, people respond to treatments differently.
These are only a few of the popular herbal remedies in use today. They’ve withstood the test of time and proven they can compete with some contemporary treatments. In some cases, they surpass them in terms of effectiveness as well as safety. Natural treatments existed long before modern medicine. Though people veered away from them in favor of more advanced alternatives for a time, they’re trending back toward the old ways. No doubt, the benefits of botanicals will continue to catch people’s attention during the years to come.
