One of the most important facts about herbal remedies that consumers should be aware of is the fact that, unlike opposite treatments, they are governed by some governmental agency. This means there is no quality assurance system in place to insure that the herbal remedy product you purchase contains nothing that would harm you, or even works for that matter.

It seems that almost every day we come across a story in a newspaper or magazine which raises concerns about the use, misuse, or overuse of a specific pharmaceutical remedy in the treatment of minor ailments, or serious medical conditions. Often these stories are quickly disreputable as being ill-informed or based on insufficient evidence, perhaps medical opinion is divided, or specific experts in the field prefer to wait for an extended period of time, maybe years, in order to ascertain the safety, or otherwise of these commonly old remedies. This is not to criticise medical science, or its practitioners, who must rely on objective and statistically valid evidence before giving an skilled opinion. However, it is little wonder that many of us turn to herbal remedies, either as a supplement, or as an alternative to factory-made pharmaceutical products. There is a reassurance in that uncomplicated word “herbal”, attractive us back to simpler times, when there was infinitesimal choice in how to treat our day to day bodily malfunctions, aches and pains and we made use of what was available to us, perhaps in our own back gardens!

Are herbal remedies the answer? Surely if they have been in use since men and women first walked on the Earth they must be both effective and safe? The answer to this, as to many questions, is “Yes” and “No”, or equal “Well it's not as simple as that.” In the past, herbal remedies were often administered or recommended by one particular person in the neighbourhood, frequently a woman, (probably regarded as a witch), who was an skilled in her field. This person would have studied and learned, by trial and error, active the efficacy and safety (or otherwise) of the product she was supplying. Herbal remedies may be natural, but that does not make them harmless and we need to be healed informed about the optimum dosage as well as active possible side effects and what are called “contra-indications” in the medical profession. After all, before a doctor prescribes a drug to you, s/he will refer to your medical history and question you active your lifestyle. We need to be equally cautious in self-prescribing, and take advantage of information and advice that is available to us from time-tested sources.

Should herbal remedies be regarded as an alternative, or a antonymous supplement to nonrepresentational medicine? We need to use our common sense in this matter. If a herbal product appears to be effective in treating a minor condition, then by complete means use it instead of resorting to a factory-made product, with possibly dubious side effects. As regards much serious and equal life threatening conditions, it seems foolish to reject the offerings of new science, which for the most part have a tested record in alleviating suffering and prolonging life, whether or not they also cause undesirable side-effects. Herbal remedies may in these cases be used in a complementary way, if this is appropriate. Let us also not forget that many widely used conventional medications are based on a herbal product, (aspirin and digitalis to name retributory two), so we may be using a herbal supported product without being aware of it. Herbal and nonrepresentational pharmaceutical remedies are not always mutually exclusive.

About The Author

Aromas had been used for medicinal, spiritual, and supernatural purposes going rearmost as far rearmost as Egyptian times 3000 B.C. Even further rearmost in time 5000 B.C. the Tassili cave paintings showed women wearing sweet-smelling flower garlands. There are frequent mentions of the use of potions throughout history – Pliny the 1st century Roman historian, mentions in his earthy History narrative, 32 remedies prepared from roses, 21 from lilies, 17 from violets, and 25 from pennyroyal. Ancient Indian cultures used sandalwood for genito-urinary infections.

Herbs or medicinal plants have a daylong history in treating disease. In handed-down Chinese medicine, for example, the transcribed history of herbal medicine goes rearmost over 2000 years and herbalists in the West have used “weeds” equally long to treat that which ails us. We are all familiar with the virtues of Garlic, Chamomile, Peppermint, Lavender, and opposite common herbs.

Interest in healthful herbs is on the rise again and the interest is primarily from the pharmaceutical industry, which is always looking for ‘new drugs’ and much effective substances to treat diseases, for which there may be no or very few drugs available.