When you have the flu or some other sickness, you might be tempted to run to the pharmacy to pick up some over-the-counter medication. However, natural remedies can provide relief from symptoms without any of the side effects of OTC drugs, and can often work faster, so why not give them a try?
When you’re sick, the last thing you want to do is take another pill. It’s no surprise that people are increasingly turning to herbal remedies to treat common ailments and illnesses since many of these natural products are easy to find and don’t have the same side effects as prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications.
Whereas pharmaceuticals and over-the-counter medications are man-made, herbal remedies are made from plants, typically in their most natural form. It means they’re more likely to have a milder effect on your body. If you’re trying not to rely on medication too heavily, herbal remedies can be a great choice — as long as you don’t mind doing a little research. Some herbs may interact with other medications or cause negative side effects. Always check with your doctor before taking any kind of herbal remedy.
Power to Help in Unexpected Ways
One thing they won’t tell you is that most herbs can alleviate some common symptoms. There are thousands of studies showing how effective herbs are in treating coughs and colds, as well as easing headaches and fevers. While it might seem far-fetched, you have very little to lose by trying them before reaching for conventional over-the-counter medicine, which could put your health at risk with unneeded additives. As a bonus, many herbal remedies don’t come with unpleasant side effects or drowsiness—so your only expense may be purchasing tea or other tinctures for an ache or two!
Ditches the Chemicals
If you’re feeling under the weather, one of your first instincts may be to pop a few cold or flu tablets. While these can make you feel better in an instant, they are also laden with chemicals and paracetamol that your body doesn’t need. Instead, try a soothing herbal remedy; as well as being all-natural, some have natural antibiotics that help fight off infection more quickly than harsh drugs. On top of that, they won’t disrupt your body chemistry quite so much, and we all know how important that is when you’re ill.
Natural Remedies Are Anti-inflammatory
Many over-the-counter and prescription drugs can cause inflammation, which could lead to allergic reactions and long-term health problems. If you have an inflammatory condition like asthma or rheumatoid arthritis, herbal remedies may be a better choice for your treatment. Consult with your doctor before beginning any course of alternative medicine, including herbal remedies.
Other Alternative Cure for Sickness
Your body has an incredible ability to heal itself naturally, and alternative medicine helps you take advantage of these powers. For example, ginger or lavender can be used for nausea or chest congestion; a decoction can be used as an effective remedy for colds and cases of flu. What’s more, studies have found that many of these herbs are just as effective as traditional remedies—and often more so!
Holistic remedies are a great way to find alternative cures for illness. Wellness clinics offer a wide range of services that support your body’s natural healing ability. These services include herbal medicine, acupressure, and naturopathy, among others. Aside from illnesses, allergies are also frequently managed using holistic methods like cleansing therapies and homeopathy. Severe allergy treatments can involve epinephrine shots, but many people have been able to avoid these with holistic alternatives. This method is more cost-effective in addition to being more comfortable — and it’s less scary, too.
Know When to Get Conventional Medicine
There are times when herbal remedies just aren’t enough to cure you — for instance, if you’re suffering from a virus that won’t go away with herbs or if your cold is accompanied by a high fever. If that’s the case, it’s important not to keep taking herbal remedies while you wait for conventional medicine; they could interfere with each other and make your condition worse. It’s best to let your doctor prescribe drugs that will address specific symptoms rather than work on overall health. Sometimes, other sicknesses may require surgery or prescribe medicine. If your problem is bigger than what herbal remedies can fix, conventional medicine might be necessary.
In conclusion, herbal remedies are nothing short of powerful. Not only are they effective in fighting symptoms caused by a cold or flu, but they can also address deeper issues. And while a small dose may not have a large impact on you right away, taking herbs consistently over time can improve your health and overall well-being.
Besides herbal remedies, other holistic methods should be used as part of a daily routine for optimal physical and mental health. If these natural options still don’t work for you, be sure to consult with your doctor about more traditional forms of treatment such as medications or surgery. So next time you’re feeling under the weather, try out a more natural approach.
