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The advantages of using alternative medicine are being recognized more and more now-a-days by health care professionals. One of the major advantages or advances is the approach to the whole body healing and treatment of the underlying causes of diseases and conditions. This approach of looking at the entire person as compared to just symptoms can significantly improve an individual’s overall health and quality of life.
Fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices and condiments are the different gifts of nature. These products have the unique capacity to absorb inorganic substances from the five elements of nature — earth, water, fire, air and ether. These substances are then converted into life-giving, life-supporting vital ingredients. Human beings look for these natural substances in various herbal remedies so that it can be easily assimilated into our bodies. The medications present in the herbal remedies are in the form of alkaloids, essential oils, enzymes, trace elements and minerals. Our body absorbs and assimilates only the amount that is needed. These remedies have no synthetic constituents.
Alternative or contemporary is a term to describe certain products and therapies that are not considered standard medication. Homoeopathy, Ayurveda, herbal medicine, dietary supplements, meditation and yoga, plant extracts and ointments fall under the category of alternative medicine. Alternative treatment can be done by persons with formal education and training in the subject (like homoeopathy or Ayurveda) or can be recommended by somebody who sells such products in a store or through the internet (like herbal medicine or dietary supplements). Alternative therapy can include anything, from enemas like colon therapy to needles like acupuncture to no-touch energy work like reiki.
At present, alternative medicine in the West includes any healing practice "that does not fall within the realm of conventional medicine." There are various types of alternative medicine techniques that are quite familiar in all parts of the world by now. The most common among them include acupuncture, yoga, chiropractic, naturopathy, herbalism, traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, Unani, meditation, biofeedback, hypnosis, homeopathy, and diet-based therapies. Alternative medicine is often grouped with complementary medicine, which usually refers to the same interventions when used in conjunction with mainstream techniques. The grouping is called complementary and alternative medicine, or CAM.
The word medicine originates from the Latin word ars medicina which means the art of healing. Medicine involves many health care methods that are necessary to maintain health, prevent illness and treat diseases. Biomedical research, health science and medical technology are used in regular medicine for diagnosing and treating various diseases through medications, surgery or therapies. Every medicine has two names: a generic one and a brand name. The brand name is clearly written on the packaging but the generic name also gets mentioned somewhere. Combination medicines are grouped under one brand name. But the individual ingredients are always listed on the packaging.
Chinese medicines and herbs are some of the most ancient forms of treatments used across the world. These are forms of medicines, which have been known for treating some of the worst diseases. These are medicines that can help in improving your overall health and provide many forms of benefits to the patient. Considering these factors, Chinese medicines along with Indian medicines have shared a common base for using herbs. Also the Chinese medicines had been used in different parts of Asia, along with the European and American countries.
There are a number of medicines that can be used for various purposes. In this article there are a number of medicines and its purpose in an alphabetical order.
To arrive at one ultimate definition of alternative medicine is almost impossible. Still now, various methods and treatments are being experimented making a single, all-encompassing and firm definition of alternative even more difficult. You will understand why it is so difficult to have a firm definition because it also has other names such as natural medicine, holistic medicine, integrated medicine and complementary medicine. They all have the same root, which is natural and alternative medicine. Alternative medicine aims to ensure the well-being of all parts of a person’s life and being.
Medicines made from various natural herbs have been popular from time immemorial with the native folks of many countries as an alternative form of treatment. Herbal or traditional medicines are made from various plants and plant extracts. Sometimes, fungal and bee products, minerals, shells and specific animal parts are also used in the preparation of herbal medicines. Many substances found in plants are useful in treating human ailments. Among them are aromatic substances, phenols and their oxygen-substituted derivatives like tannins. Secondary metabolites like alkaloids serve as defense mechanism against microorganisms and insects. Many herbs used by us while cooking have useful medicinal compounds.
Alternative medicine, a term which is used in the western world, encompasses every healing practice which would not fall within the realm of the conventional medicine. Most common examples would include naturopathy, chiropractic, herbalism, traditional Chinese medicine, Unani, Ayurveda, meditation, yoga, biofeedback, hypnosis, homeopathy, acupuncture, and diet-based therapies which can be added to various other practices.
The comparison between alternative medicines and traditional medicines has many diverse aspects as to the aptness of seeking one style of medicine as compared to the other. Most people will look for a doctor or therapist with respect to their own specific healing beliefs. One of the most critical and important thing is that the patient finds a doctor or other health care professional that they believe in and trust. Generally alternative medicines are considered conservative and leaves more traditional treatment options open.
There are many advantages and disadvantages of herbal medicines for our health, but most of the times these disadvantages are very restrictive. Some of the disadvantages of these herbal medicines include the time taken for curing the disease or ailment. The entire process is slow and there are remote chances of the patient not getting any benefits from the treatment. Hence the herbal medicine treatment may actually pose a problem if it is not giving the desired results and the patient has to wait for a longer time to see the impact of the same.
Nowadays the basic concepts of alternative medicine and the advantages or necessity of its use are becoming popular than ever before. Is this a good sign? Well, it is quite difficult to state (or it may be too early) and the pertinent environs is divided between its adherents and detractors. Whatever it is, none can deny the existence of alternative medicine and its increasing acceptance. Nonetheless, before we proceed anymore, we must comprehend its real meaning or essence. It should be noted that alternative medicine is a form of therapeutic practice that is not considered to be a part of conventional medical treatment.
The beauty of herbal medicine is that it can be used on people of any age and with modification for the amount consumed it can be used for children and even pregnant women. The herbs are available to be taken in many different ways but the most commonly used method is boiling dried herbs to make a tea for drinking. There are a number of herbal medicines that can cure almost all diseases.
The herbal medicine Chaparral (scientific name Larrea tridentata) is considered to be an old remedy for treating arthritis, cancer, allergies, stomach pain, wounds and menstrual cramps. It is also known by the names of creosote bush, dwarf evergreen oak, greasewood and jarillo. It takes its name from the area in which it grows the desert regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, known as the chaparral ecosystem. The main ingredient of chaparral is an effective antioxidant, nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA). The curative qualities found in the herb include analgesic, expectorant, emetic, diuretic and anti-inflammatory.
Alternative medicines have emerged as popular choices for all people as they have the least of side effects and also because they are natural and more affective, as compared to the regular medicines. It has been seen that there are a lot of medicines that are not able to treat ailments and diseases but with the help of these alternative medicines, the patients have hope of recovering from the same. The alternative medicines are known for their health benefits and the list of the alternative medicines include ayurveda, healing arts, homeopathy and other similar options.
Alternative medicines are becoming very popular these days as they provide for more benefits over the conventional medicines. Basically these alternative medicines have no side effects on the body and hence they are considered to be great choices for treating various kinds of ailments. The alternative medicines and information related to the same is easily available these days. Through this information and new researches you can get to learn more about the new medicines developed.
The process of natural healing has emerged as an alternative solution, which is getting popular every day. The process of natural healing is great for the body and the mind and thus it improves your overall health and also gives various other benefits. This concept of getting back to nature is a new health initiative, which has been taken by people living in modern society. These includes options like aromatherapy where the stems from natural plants are used to extract oils that sooth your senses. This has became a favorite in modern day living and natural healing.
These days one can find scores of herbal medicines and these are treatments, which can give you many health benefits. Different kinds of health medicines are available in the market and these herbal medicines and treatments provide various advantages for your health. It has been seen that the herbal medicines have very limited side effects but the benefits of these herbal medicines are ideal for those people who are allergic to various kinds of drugs. So if you are sensitive to regular chemical medicines and drugs, then herbal medicines are the ideal choice for you.
A dictionary of prescription medicines will help you understand the medicines your doctor has recommended for you. Prior to using a prescription medicine, it is better to be aware about its risks and benefits and a dictionary can come in extremely handy in such a situation. As a doctor often remains too busy to explain the nature of the numerous medicines they prescribe on a daily basis, looking up a prescribed drug in a dictionary can make you confident both as a patient and a consumer.
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