While herbal medicine has always been strongly supported in countries like China, India, and parts of Africa, understanding and accepting these more traditional treatment methods are on the rise in the U.S. A recent major CDC study shows that one in five people over the age of four are regularly using traditional medicinal treatments.
Despite the rise in popularity and the ever-increasing body of scientific research supporting herbal medicines, which have been used for thousands of years, many people still know very little about these treatments. You may be surprised to learn that they can treat some horrible chronic conditions. Let’s explore some benefits of which you may not be aware.
1. Eliminate symptoms of chronic skin conditions
Many chronic skin conditions that you may think are only treatable with “Western medicine” can be effectively treated with medicinal plants. The same active ingredients you find in conventional medicine can be found in natural alternatives. A plus? Natural remedies tend to have reduced side effects.
For example, Dr. Men can show you how to apply the crushed flower of the Sarco asoca to the skin to reduce itching and irritation from eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. Studies have also shown that this medicinal plant has an anti-carcinogenic effect in mice, which may reduce the risk of skin cancer, although more research is needed.
Also, cannabis sativus, which is derived from the hemp plant and therefore legal in most states including Washington, has proven very effective for treating the itching, dryness, and discoloration associated with:
- Dermatitis
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Lichen planus
- Rosacea
The active ingredients found in these two examples present themselves in many plants. Dr. Men assesses your condition and develops effective treatments for your unique needs.
2. Relieve respiratory conditions
Herbal medicine eases the symptoms of serious respiratory conditions like asthma, bronchitis, and even COPD and emphysema.
For example, in asthma patients, the flavonoids in baccharis retusa can reduce Th2 cytokines, which reduces cellular inflammation in the lungs, causing the airways to relax and improves breathing.
Additionally, Callicarpa japonica extracts can reduce neutrophil infiltration and cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α production, which together reduce mucous buildup, inflammation, and oxidative stress damage within the lungs and bronchioles. This effect helps with many respiratory conditions.
These represent only two of the possible herbal medicine treatments that may help you overcome a serious respiratory condition.
3. Address erectile dysfunction
Western medicine recognizes that erectile dysfunction and similar sexual dysfunction challenges are usually the result of issues with the kidneys, liver, and cardiovascular system. Therefore, it often treats a singular element like “lack of blood flow”, to remedy the ailment. Dr. Men, takes a more holistic approach to fixing these conditions by seeking balance in those systems and throughout the body.
For example, studies show that yohimbine bark can successfully treat ED by inhibiting the central alpha-2-adrenergic receptors. Better yet, the yohimbine bark also has minimal and rare side effects such as headaches and insomnia.
Ginseng is another common herbal remedy that works with the central nervous system, immune system, and cardiovascular system to improve overall health. Ginsenosides, one of the active compounds in ginseng, induce a specific kind of muscle relaxation, which has been shown to improve blood flow and increase one’s ability to produce an erection.
It’s important to note that some herbs like ginseng are found in a supplement aisle, but they don’t have the purity and potency of those you find in herbal medicine, which maximize the benefits while reducing side effects. In addition, Chinese herbal medicine focuses on treating the whole person because all systems of the body and mind are connected.
There are many other herbal remedy benefits, which include:
- Pain reduction
- Improved sleep
- Increased energy
In addition, Dr. Men can use herbal medicine to treat the following, which is not all-inclusive:
- Gastrointestinal diseases like IBS and ulcerative colitis
- Urinary tract disorders, including hard-to-treat cystitis
- Psychological disorders like depression and anxiety
- Reproductive issues
- Headaches
- Chronic fatigue
If you are suffering from these or other ailments, consider taking a holistic approach by trying herbal medicine to treat your disease. Book online today.