What Is Herbal Medicine: Its Benefits, Side Effects & Uses Q&A

I. Herbal Medicine: What Is It?

A lot of people get confused between herbal medicine and pharmaceutical medications. So, what is herbal medicine? Answering this question helps you understand this therapy and use it correctly. 

Herbs are parts of herbal plants, such as flowers, leaves, fruits, and roots. Scientists also use extracts from herbs in producing modern pharmaceutical medications. Sometimes, therefore, it is difficult to categorize a tablet as herbal medicine or pharmaceutical product. 

In brief, herbal medicine is the natural remedy in which humans use plants to treat ailments. The medication has many forms and versions, such as extract, capsule, powder, liquid, etc. 

Herbal medicine has various forms and categories based on uses and benefits. For example, herbal producers extract herbal oils or create herbal liquid and creamy pastes to apply to the skin easily. Besides, you can boil herbal leaves or dilute herbal powder to consume as tea.

II. What Can Herbal Medicine Treat?

Humans have learned how to use different herbs to cure many diseases. There are some popular herbs you often use in daily life. Herbal medicines can prevent and treat many common ailments effectively. 

• It supports some physical illness treatments: cancer, inflammation, high blood sugar, high blood pressure, rheumatoid arthritis, skin diseases, allergies, premenstrual syndrome, menopausal symptoms, headaches, chronic fatigue, muscle and joint pains, and digestive system illnesses.
• Herbalists also use herbs to treat mental problems: anxiety disorders, stress, depression, insomnia, eating disorders, and other mental issues. 

Ginger, ginseng, elderberry, valerian, ginkgo, turmeric, coneflower, and chamomile are popular herbs. You can find them in many pharmaceutical and cosmetic products in the market. They can support cancer treatments and improve health conditions.

III. Who Uses Herbal Medicine?

Herbal medicine has pharmaceutical values. It may affect users in positive or negative ways in different cases. 

1. Who should use herbal medicine?

Herbal medicine is beneficial for people with chronic diseases. People sort herbal medicines into many types for different groups of users based on their purposes.

• Consumers take herbal teas and food to preserve health and prevent diseases.
• Patients use herbal pills and extracts to treat illnesses or support illness treatment.
• People recovering from illness also use herbal products to heal their health. 

2. Who should avoid using herbal medicine?

However, not every people can take this natural remedy. You should avoid taking herbal therapy in the following cases:

• Before surgery
• Having liver or kidney diseases and serious illnesses.
• Taking synthetic medicine
• Being pregnant or breastfeeding

Moreover, herbal medicine may be unsuitable and unsafe for the elderly and children. You had better ask for a doctor's advice and start with a small number of herbs at the beginning. 

IV. Does Herbal Medicine Have Side Effects?

Herbal medicine is often safe because of its natural origin. However, some people may be allergic to various herbs and experience adverse effects. Many people do not know their allergies until they consume a certain amount of plants. 

1. Common side effects

If you experience the following side effects when using herbal medicines, stop the dose and go to see the doctor for consultation. 

• Skin: rashes and acne;
• Respirator tract: asthma or shortness of breath;
• Brain: headaches, dizziness, and agitation;
• Body: dry mouth, seizures, fatigue, and tachycardia;
• Stomach: nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Asthma, seizures, fatigue, vomiting, tachycardia, and some symptoms are dangerous. You ought to go to the hospital for on-time treatment. 

2. How to avoid side effects

Moreover, some herbs have adverse effects if you do not take them carefully. You should know important information about the herb before using it. For example, what is herbal medicine? How much should you take to treat your ailment? Consult herbalists, pharmacists, and doctors before taking herbal medicine. 

You have to take it carefully when combined with other medications. Using ginkgo with warfarin and trazodone will result in dangerous situations like spontaneous bleeding and coma. Check out more risks of using herbs here.

V. How Effective Is Herbal Medicine?

Herbal medication takes a longer time to be effective in disease treatment. You may feel the effect of herbal remedies after 2 - 3 weeks. Some herbs treat digestion diseases, reduce body temperature, cure insomnia, and relieve skin irritation quickly.

For example, eating some young guava bud can stop diarrhea instantly. Applying crushed Eclipta alba Hassk on the forehead helps reduce body temperature due to fever. Drinking warm chamomile tea makes you sleep better. Apply some Aloe vera gel to heal a burn quickly and naturally.

Using herbs takes a longer time. But it heals your health more naturally than synthetic medication. High concentrations of some pharmaceutical chemicals in the body can result in other problems. 

VI. Where Can I Buy Herbal Medicine?

When you search the keyword " what is herbal medicine" online, you also see many online shops selling herbs. But buying herbal medicine online is pretty risky. The Rike is a recommendation if you do not have a reliable address to buy it. 

This US-based herb supplier has been doing business in providing herbal tea for nearly ten years. You can get high-quality herbal seeds, dried herbs, loose-leaf herbal tea, and bagged tea with clear information and instruction. Famous partner brands and ambassadors prove the quality commitment of The Rike. 

VII. Conclusion