Recognized as the oldest system of healing on the planet, herbal medicine traces its roots back to earliest civilizations. Despite the technological advances of allopathic (conventional/modern) medicine, herbal medicine continues to flourish today. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 80% of world population uses some form of natural herbal medicine.
The main difference between allopathic and herbal medicine is its relationship to foundational wellness. Allopathic is a term which refers to science-based, modern medicine, such as the use of medications or surgery to treat or suppress symptoms of disease. Conventional/allopathic medicine is effective for alleviating symptoms of acute illness and life-threatening situations, such as having an asthma or heart attack. However, symptom suppression does not address the root of why most illnesses occur.
Herbal medicine, on the other hand, focuses on preventing illnesses. This more holistic approach is effective for chronic, long-term and non-emergency health problems such as colds, fevers, and flus, aches and pains, bruises, headaches, menstrual cramps, and indigestion. It can also help prevent cancer, diabetes and other serious illnesses. Rich in nutrients, herbal medicine can bolster the body’s ability to fight pathogens that cause illness.
Allopathic and herbal medicine serve different purposes and can be complementary to each other. However, recent decades have seen the rise of pharmaceutical companies lobbying to control the entire medicinal and healing sector, to the extent that a large proportion of people are completely unaware of natural healing alternative remedies. We can empower ourselves by becoming more educated about the choices we have to care for ourselves and our loved ones.
Re-awakening to the power of herbal medicine can enable us to become more self-reliant and play a more central role in our own treatment and preventative medicine. With little time, effort, money, we can buy or grow our own herbs, make own medicines, and care for ourselves and others, in the ways that people have been doing for centuries.
In the table below, I summarize the healing properties of some of the most common herbs that you can find in your kitchen, garden, or supermarket.
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Common Herbal Medicine Herbs |
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Basil Basil’s essential oil is said to manage depression and stress by stimulating production of dopamine and serotonin. The eugenol found in the leaves is anti-inflammatory, supporting a healthy digestive tract. And it’s antioxidants strengthen the immune system, protect cellular structure and delay effects of skin ageing. |
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Cinnamon One of the oldest known spices, cinnamon is anti-clotting, anti-viral, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and blood sugar control. Can use as a stick (bark) or powdered in teas and desserts. |
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Garlic Garlic is known to fight inflammation, regulate blood pressure, relieve allergies, fight colds, viral and fungal infections, and reduce hair loss. It was traditionally also used to reduce fatigue. Most health benefits caused by sulfur compounds when a garlic clove is chopped, crushed or chewed. Best eaten fresh either raw or cooked. |
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Ginger Gingerol, an oily resin found in the root of ginger acts as a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. Ginger has a long history of use against nausea with it’s gingerol and shogaol calming digestive tract spasms. It has also often been used for pain relief, including menstrual pain. Use fresh or dried root/powdered. Can make warming tea or add to sweet or savoury dishes. |
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Turmeric This wonder spice is anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant, with wound-healing, anti-microbial, and anticancer, and neuro-protective properties. More than 5,000 articles discuss the health benefits of curcumin, the pigment responsible for turmeric’s healing benefits. It benefits almost every cell in the body. Use in both sweet and savory and as a supplement, either as fresh foot or dried and powdered. Easy to drink as tea or as ‘golden milk.’ |
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