Alternative Medicine

What Is Alternative Medicine

Herbal Medicine?

Herbal medicine, also called botanical medicine, refers to the use of any plant's seeds, berries, roots, leaves, bark, or flowers for medicinal purposes. Herbal medicine is truly the medicine of the earth and far more traditional than mainstream medicine today.It is infinitely safer in general usage and just as effective in many instants.

What is the history of herbal medicine?

Plants had been used for medicinal purposes long before recorded history.An Ancient Chinese and Egyptian papyrus writings describe medicinal plant uses. Indigenous cultures in Africa and North America used herbs in their healing rituals, while others developed traditional medical systems (e.g., Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine) in which herbal therapies were used systematically. Scientists found that people is different parts of the globe tended to use the same or similar plants for the same purposes.

In the early 19th century, when methods of chemical analysis first became available, scientists began extracting and modifying the active ingredients from plants. Later, chemists began making their own version of plant compounds, beginning the transition from raw herbs to synthetic pharmaceuticals. Over time, the use of herbal medicines declined in favor of pharmaceuticals.

The World Health Organization estimated that 80% of people worldwide rely on herbal medicines for some aspect of their primary healthcare. In the last twenty years in the United States, increasing public dissatisfaction with the cost and effectiveness of prescription medications, combined with an interest in returning to natural or organic remedies, has led to an increase in the use of herbal medicines. In Germany, roughly 600 to 700 plant-based medicines are available and are prescribed by approximately 70% of German physicians.

How do herbs work?

Whole herbs contain many ingredients, and they work together to produce the desired medicinal effect. Many factors affect how effective a herb will be. For example, the type of environment (climate, bacteria, soil quality) in which a plant grew will affect its components, as will how and when it was harvested and processed. Organic or Biodynamic are the best !

How are herbs used?

Herbalists prefer using whole plants rather than extracting single components from them. Whole plant extracts have many components. These components work together to produce therapeutic effects and also to lessen the chances of side effects from any one component. Several herbs are often used together to enhance effectiveness and synergistic actions and to reduce toxicity. Herbalists must take many things into account when prescribing herbs. For example, the species and variety of the plant, the plant's habitat, how it was stored and processed, and whether or not there are contaminants.

What happens during a visit to a Herbalist?

When you visit a Herbalist, the treatment goals are more broad than simply acting on a single complaint. Herbalists aim to correct imbalances, resolve patterns of dysfunction, and treat the underlying cause of your complaint. Specific symptoms may also be treated if necessary.In many instances Herbalists will use diagnostic tools and equipment to assist.

A session with a Herbalist can last for an hour or more. You may be physically examined and asked about your medical history and your general well-being (that is, how well you sleep, what you eat, if you have a good appetite, good digestion and elimination, how often you exercise, and what you do to relax). The Herbalist might recommend one or more herbs, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications. Because herbal medicines are slower acting than pharmaceuticals, you might be asked to return for a follow-up in two to four weeks.

What is herbal medicine good for?

Herbalists treat many conditions such as asthma, eczema, premenstrual syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, migraine, menopausal symptoms, chronic fatigue, and irritable bowel syndrome, among others.

Herbal preparations are best taken under the guidance of a trained professional, David Broom is a registered Medical Herbalist with 27 years of experience. A consultation will involve the use of diagnostic equipment, dietary advice and the use of natural supplements. http://www.hurn-forest-clinic.co.uk/

Step 1: Renew your cells*Purify your body of toxins and free radicals that can make you feel sluggish and slow your ability to generate life-enhancing energy.*

Step 2: Replenish your body with essential nutrients*
Nourish your body with vital nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, and essential fatty acids.*

Step 3: Rejuvenate your overall health*
Target specific needs through unique combinations of nutrients that work with your body's inherent wisdom.*

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Do you know what's In your products!

Check our comprehensive list below to find out!

Some of the potentially harmful ingredients commonly used by the personal care industry!

Alcohol
A colorless, volatile, flammable liquid produced by the fermentation of yeast and carbohydrates. Alcohol is used frequently as a solvent and is also found in beverages and medicine. As an ingredient in ingestible products, alcohol may cause body tissues to be more vulnerable to carcinogens.Moulthwashes with an alcohol content of 25% or more have been implicated in mouth, tongue and throat cancers.

Alpha hydroxy acid
An organic acid produced by anaerobic respiration, Skin care products containing AHA exfoliate not only damage skin cells, but the skins protective barrier as well.long term skin damage may result from its use.

Aluminium
A metallic element used extensively in the manufacture of aircraft components, prosthetic devices and as an ingredient in antiuerspirants,antacids ~ anpseptics. Aluminium has been linked to Alzheimer’s disease.

Animal Fat (Tallow)
A type of animal tissue made up of oily solids or semisolids that are water-insoluble esters of glycerol with fatty acids.Animal fats and lye are the chief ingredients in a bar of soap; a cleaning and emulsifying product that may act as a breeding ground for bacteria.

Bentonite
A porous clay that expands to many times its dry volume as it absorbs water. Bentonite, commonly found in many cosmetic foundations,may clog pores and suffocate the skin.

Collagen
An Insoluble fibrous protein that is too large to penetrate the skin. The collagen found in most skin care products is derived from animal skins and ground up chicken feet. This ingredient forms a layer of film that may suffocate the skin.

Dioxins
A potentially carcinogenic by-product that results from the process used to bleach paper at paper mills. Dioxin treated containers sometimes transfer dioxins to the product itself.

Eiastin of High-molecular Weight
A protein similar to collagen that Is tire main component of elastic fibres.Elastin is also derived from animal sources.Its effect on the skin is similar to collagen.

Fluorocarbons
A colourless, non-flammable gas or liquid that can produce mild upper respiratory tract irritation. Fluorocarbons are commonly used as a propellent in hairs sprays.

Formaldehyde
A toxic, colourless gas that is an irritant arid a carcinogen. When combined with water, formaldehyde is used as a disinfectant,fixative or preservative. Formaldehyde is found in many cosmetic products and conventional nail care systems.

Glycerin
A syrupy liquid that is chemically produced by combining water and fat. Glycerin is used as a solvent and plasticizer.Unless the humidity of air is over 65%, glycerin draws moisture from toe lower layers of the skin and holds it on toe surface, which cries the skin from the Inside out.

Kaolin
A fine wnite clay used in making porcelain. Like bentonite, kaolin smothers and weakens the skin.

Lanolin
A fatty substance extracted from wool, which is frequently found in cosmetics and lotions. Lanolin is a common skin sensitizer that can cause allergic reactions,such as skin rashes.

Lye
A highly concentrated watery solution of sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide. Lye is combined with animal fats to make bars of soap,which may corrode and dry out the skin.

Mineral Oil
A derivative of crude oil (petroleum) that is used industrially as a cutting fluid and lubricating oil. Mineral oil forms an oily film over the skin to lock in moisture, toxins and wastes, but hinders normal skin respiration by keeping oxygen out.

Petrolatum
A petroleum based grease that is used industrially as a grease component Petrolatum exhibits many of the same potentially harmful properties as mineral oil.

Propylene Glycol
A cosmetic form of mineral oil found in automatic brake and hydraulic fluid and industrial antifreeze.In skin and hair products,propylene glycol works as a humectant which is a substance that retains the moisture content of skin or cosmetic products by preventing the escape of moisture or water.Material safety data sheets (MSDS) warn users to avoid skin contact with propylene glycol as this strong skin irritant can cause liver abnormalities and kidney damage.

Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS)
Harsh detergents arid wetting agents used in garage floor cleaners,engine degreasers and auto cleaning products.SLS is well-known in the scientific community as a cori~moii skin irritant, It is rapidly absorbed and retained in the eyes, brain, heart and liver, which may result in harmful long term effects.SLS round retard healing, cause cataracts iii adults, arid prevent children’s eyes from developing properly.

Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES)
SLES is the alcohol form (ethoxylated) of SLS. It is slightly less irritating than SLS,but may cause more drying. Both sls and sles may cause potentially carcinogenic formations of nitrates and dioxins to form in shampoos arid cleansers by reacting with other ingredients.Large amounts of nitrates may enter the blood system from just one shampooing.

Talc
A soft grey-green mineral used in some personal hygiene and cosmetic products. lnhailing talc may be harmful as this substance is recognized as a potential carcinogen.