Mother Nature’s Pharmacy

The buzz about natural remedies has been steadily growing over the past few years and this pattern is likely to continue to increase. Some see it as a “new” science and wonder what it’s all about, but they actually predate modern medicine. The use of herbs and other plants to treat ailments has been practiced in various civilizations for many centuries. In colonial times, for example, many remedies for ailments were learned from Native American tribes. In this new land, there were no apothecaries to consult. The Natives taught the early settlers how to use various plants for medicinal value.

Natural remedies are sometimes called home remedies, holistic remedies, native remedies, alternative medicine, natural medicine or,complimentary medicine. They encompass a number of different substances like vitamins, minerals, herbs, plants, flowers, and other items from the Earth to bring about healing to the body, mind and spirit. Other words associated with natural medicine include tinctures, decoctions, and poultices.

Some people think of only herbs and supplements as being natural remedies. While herbal remedies are amongst the most common form, they can also include certain activities or changes in habits and techniques like meditation, exercise, eating healthier, breathing exercises or massage.

In addition to herbal remedies or nutritional supplements, native remedies are generally thought to include the following: Ayurveda (a natural healing system that involves the entire body), acupuncture and Chinese healing (which center on the flow of life forces, or “chi”, throughout the body), homeopathy (which involves using diluted forms of a substance to help the body cure itself), and naturopathy (which is practiced by physicians who believe in treating the body as a whole in the event of an illness).

Why would someone choose natural remedies over common “modern” medicine? Many people strongly believe that because they come from nature, they are already in harmony with our bodies. They are thought by many to be “natural prescriptions”.

In addition, many people have turned to alternative health care as the expense and hassle of conventional medicine continue to rise. Beyond the convenience, they are appealing to the enlightened consumer that wants to take a more holistic approach to their health.

Another thing to keep in mind is that many people never stopped using these “natural prescriptions” for healing. Realistically, seeing that remedies from nature were the precursors to modern medicine, there remains profound value and wisdom in their usage. For one, they cause fewer side effects than pharmaceuticals. Have you heard the saying that the cure is worse than the disease? When you purchase your next bottle of medication, read the list of side effects found on the insert. It’s usually a pretty frightening sight.

It is generally thought that natural remedies are safer for the body, since they don’t create new health conditions like prescription drugs do. They also don’t carry the risk of initiating or promoting addiction, they don’t damage body organs and systems, they are more affordable and some of them can be found right in your own home.

Although no alternative health remedies industry are regulated by the FDA, independent agencies like the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) work with the government to perform research, inform the public, and keep track of alternative medicines like many of the natural remedies that are appearing today. However, keep in mind that the FDA is very reluctant to approve any alternative health approach, because they are deeply intertwined with the pharmaceutical companies and the pharmaceutical companies want your money.

Natural remedies use the Earth and our bodies as tools for healing. That’s why many people say they come from “Mother Nature’s pharmacy”