The use of herbal medicine is becoming more and more popular by the minute. In fact, over the last three decades, an impressive 80% of people have opted for herbal products and supplements at some stage for their healthcare needs, over pharmaceutical alternatives.
Not only have many shown positive, promising potential, they’re also natural! This endears them to many people and has seen demand soar as a result.
If you’re considering trying herbal remedies, here are a few of the things that you might want to think about first…
A bigger market
The global trend for herbal supplements and remedies, including the likes of phytonutrients and nutraceuticals, continues to grow at a speedy pace, with many using these products to treat everything from the common cold to anxiety and sleeplessness.
This surge in popularity and the acceptance of traditional herbal remedies have caused a shift in the pharmaceutical industry, with more chemists across the globe stocking both natural and non-natural drugs. Herbal remedies are also readily available in supermarkets and some high street stores.
This isn’t just the case in big cities, but also in the developing world. In fact, where pharmaceuticals aren’t readily available, herbal medicinal products are taking centre stage, often as a key healthcare source. Traditional medicine is an integral part of the culture in many third-world countries.
Alternative medicines are now becoming ordinary in the UK and the rest of Europe, as well as in Australia and North America, despite the fact people have easy access to non-herbal medicine.
It’s thought this is down to a belief that herbs promote a healthier lifestyle, while certain drugs can cause your immune system to dwindle.
Herbal remedies are also often a lot more affordable and can be taken daily as part of a balanced lifestyle.
What are herbal medicines?
In a nutshell, herbal remedies comprise plants and unpurified plant extracts, which boast various elements that are thought to work with the body’s natural immune system.
Many believe these ingredients to be beneficial and far superior to the chemicals that go into other medicines. This is especially the case for those who are trying to embrace a plant-based lifestyle.
Of course, this isn’t to say standard pharmaceuticals don’t work, it simply comes down to personal preference.
On top of this, a number of plant-based medicines are proving to be effective, which is why many people are now showing a greater interest as they are viewed as a viable alternative.
The growth of herbal remedies
As the popularity and the global use of herbal products continues to heighten, a number of new products are constantly being introduced.
Many of these products boast promising potential, however, not all have yet been tested on a wider basis, which is when it’s important to buy remedies from a trusted source and not online from unknown websites.
It’s also important to take them correctly. Just because they’re plant-based doesn’t mean you can take as many herbal pills or ointments as you desire – plants can be as powerful as non-plant-based medicines and can have an adverse effect when taken in high quantities.
On top of this, just as people are allergic to pharmaceuticals, some can be allergic to herbs too! It’s therefore important to be careful if it’s an approach you wish to take.
Freedom of choice
Patients have always had the choice to choose between herbal and science-based medicines. On top of this, many people take herbal remedies due to religious beliefs and spiritual consciousness, with more of us than ever being accepting of therapeutic treatments.
Marketing push
As well as spotting herbal remedies on supermarket and pharmacy shelves, there has been a much bigger push in terms of marketing these items in recent years.
From promoting products on social media channels to pushing them through advertising and print media, plant-based medicine now has a bigger marketing space than that of standard pharmaceuticals. These impressive marketing efforts have given herbal remedies a space in the limelight, raising brand awareness on a whole.
Those who may not have known much about plant-based products in the past likely know at least something about their benefits now. There’s a wealth of information out there for those looking to learn more too.
An all-encompassing remedy
As well as adults, children can be encouraged to use some herbal remedies (not only for medicinal purposes) due to their nutritional values.
Many plant-based products promise to boost normal or healthy development and growth and boast numerous essential ingredients that help to combat daily stresses and the prevention of aging.
When combined, these properties can carry a number of benefits, and it forms a key reason as to why they use of herbal remedies has risen drastically in recent years.
Sources: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, healthline.com
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