By Daniela Raymond
Upon hearing the term “herbalism,” your understanding of it may be hazy at best. However, you may be inclined to learn more if a friend or family member was to share how herbal remedies have benefited them.
Herbalism is the study of how different herbs and foods positively impact the body. Traditionally we turn to Western medicine, picking up prescriptions and various painkillers but natural remedies have proven to be highly effective in treating common illnesses.
While herbalism has been used as medicine for thousands of years, recently it has become more mainstream as people focus on treating their illnesses with non-toxic substances and herbs that are beneficial in a long-term and preventative way.
Deloras Caeser has been immersed in herbalism her entire life. She never considered that she was “practicing” herbal medicine because it was always a part of her life.
“Asking when I started using herbs would be like asking me when I started eating food,” Caesar said.
On the island of Grenda where she grew up, there were very few doctors so it was up to you to find remedies and gain familiarity with herbs.
So how does it work? Herbal medicines contain active ingredients. Many over-the-counter or prescription medications also use active ingredients that compound illness.
For example, the plant meadowsweet contains salicylic acid, which is used to manufacture aspirin. While aspirin can lead to the bleeding of the stomach lining and other complications, meadowsweet naturally includes chemicals that shield the stomach lining from salicylic acid.
In today’s world, pharmaceuticals dominate the healthcare landscape.
“There will never be a time when we will say herbs are in the past and these are ‘modern times,’” Caesar said.
Today, most pharmaceuticals slap labels on products after cooking them up in labs using herbs and targeting specific ingredients to use in pill form, like foxglove for example, or morning glory.
One of the biggest differences between pharmaceutical medicines and herbs is that “one is preventative and the other you use after you’ve already gotten sick,” according to Caesar. She mentioned that pharmaceuticals are only used in her home when all else has failed. The best way to consume herbs is everyday in order to prevent any future illness.
Many prescribed medications cause side effects. Even the most commonly prescribed antibiotics can bring an onset of gastrointestinal or cardiac problems. On the other hand, herbal medicines are for the most part easier on the body, resulting in fewer side effects and can aid in reducing your reliance on synthetic medication. In turn, this can help in avoiding harmful side effects.
According to the Yale Ledger, 66 percent of adults in the United States use prescription drugs. With drug prices consistently on the rise and accessibility to insurance declining, picking up prescribed medications can cost a fortune.
Herbal medicines are often less expensive since they are made from abundant natural materials rather than being artificially created in a lab, meaning people can access them more easily and lighten their financial burden of prescription medications.
Although herbal medicine can be extremely beneficial, the plants and herbs can interact with other pharmaceutical medications and should be taken with caution. Always confirm with your general practitioner about any health concerns while pursuing your journey into herbalism.
Herbal medicine empowers individuals to take control of their healthcare, enabling them to choose what they put into their bodies and take preventative measures against illness, potentially reducing medical expenses.
Here are three herbs you can use safely to jumpstart your journey into herbalism:
- Slippery Elm becomes thick when mixed with water because it contains mucilage, it aids in coating and soothing the throat, stomach, and intestines. It also contains antioxidants that help relieve inflammatory bowel conditions.
- Stinging Nettle is used to help reduce levels of inflammatory chemicals in the body and can interfere with the way the body transmits pain signals. Nettle is commonly used to treat painful muscles and joints, eczema, arthritis and anemia
- Raspberry Leaf is an earthy leaf with a high amount of tannin. Tannin is what contributes to the raspberry leaf’s benefits as an herbal astringent helping to tone and tighten tissue. Raspberry leaf is the ideal herb to ease menstrual cramping and normal gastrointestinal cramping.
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