Many ailments and diseases can be alleviated using medicinal herbal remedies. The number of such remedies increases as research is conducted on the properties of already-known herbs and others are discovered.
Because of didactic criteria, we have followed a specific anatomical ordination when classifying herbs on this site. However, some ailments do not affect any particular organ or part of the body but act on the whole organism. Such is the case, for instance, with drug addiction, allergy, or cancer listed below.
Drug addiction is one of the present times more dangerous ailments—or so we consider it—. Interestingly, most addiction is caused by substances extracted from herbs and chemically processed in laboratories and factories. Thus, addiction to toxic substances derived from herbs, such as cocaine or heroin, can be healed with other herbs.
All herbs recommended for nervousness and anxiety are very beneficial in treating drug addiction when combined with other physical and psychological remedies. Socially accepted drug addictions, such as tobacco addiction and alcoholism, will also benefit from phytotherapeutic treatment; however, these treatments are effective only when giving up Smoking or drinking and adopting a healthy lifestyle.
Plants, including medicinal herbs and food, can produce an allergic reaction. However, as mentioned below, they can also contribute to treatment, especially in preventing allergic diseases.
Cancer care is one of the significant challenges to medical science. Here again, we find herbs. For several decades, the National Cancer Institute of the United States has been systematically analyzing, with strict scientific rigor, all plants in search of anticancerous substances.
Several anticancerous active components have already been identified. On the other hand, the chronic use of certain medicinal and/or nutritious plants has been proven valuable in preventing cancer.
To all readers of this article, we can honestly state that there are herbal remedies for all ailments, whether to heal, prevent, or alleviate them.
Herbal Remedies for Various Conditions
Burns – These are lesions caused by heat action on the tissues. Those of first-degree redden the skin; those of second-degree cause blisters; those of third-degree cause scars due to necrosis and tissue destruction. Herbal remedies are first applied on burns of the first or second degree to protect the skin and promote its healing. Aloe and tepezcohuite extracts are excellent wound healers with satisfactory esthetic results. Its use is being slowly introduced to in-hospital surgery services for severe burns.
Intoxication – Intoxication or poisoning due to chemical substances, medicines, plants, or meals in terrible condition usually requires hospital treatment. The following herbal remedies are helpful since they induce vomiting (emetic properties), retain toxic substances on their particles (absorbent properties), or neutralize poisons (antidotes, antitoxic properties).
Alcoholism – The treatment of alcoholism is long and complex. These herbs and those recommended for nervousness and anxiety can be a valuable help to those who have given up drinking.
Tobacco Addiction – This is a compound of diseases and disorders habitual smokers suffer. These herbs are only helpful when the smoking habit is wholly gone. To do that, one must follow a complete psychological and medical treatment, such as the one described in the Breath-Free Plan to Stop Smoking. Once the habit of Smoking has been given up, these herbs promote and strengthen the regeneration of those tissues damaged by tobacco.
Reptile Bites – In the case of poisonous snakes, this plant is used to complement emergency treatment, which consists of cutting the wound and/or applying a tourniquet plus antivenom, if available.
Insect Bites—These bites produce an inflammatory reaction of the histaminic type, which can be alleviated with local applications of these plants. As a side effect, insect bites can become infected. Thus, herbs with antiseptic properties are also highly recommended.
Pediculosis is caused by the parasite Pediculus capitis, a tiny insect usually known as lice. It manifests itself as skin itching and rashes. These herbs are very effective in fighting parasites and are helpful as an alternative to chemical parasite killers.
Allergy – The allergy treatment demands that one discover the causative agent and stop the body’s allergic reaction. Using these plants, adopting a healthy lifestyle, and following a diet with the highest possible amount of raw vegetables (milk and dairy products promote allergic reactions) can complement the desensitization treatment.
Cancer – Some plants containing antimitotic substances can stop the growth of malignant tumors. For instance, the herbs are externally used against warts—mistletoe or yew. However, many of these properties are still being tested. Habitual use of these herbs exerts a proven preventative action against cancer. They are recommended for those who have already suffered from it or are prone to suffer from cancer because of constitutional or genetic factors.
Burns, insect bites, and those by certain reptiles can also be treated with herbal remedies.
DISCLAIMER: All content on this website is presented solely for educational and informational objectives. Do not rely on the information provided as a replacement for advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified medical expert. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any preexisting medical concerns, talk to your doctor before using any herbal or natural medicines.
REFERENCES
- George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. “Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants.” George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Ed. Francesc X. Gelabert. vols. 2 San Fernando de Henares: Editorial Safeliz, 2000. 774, 775, 776, 777. Print. [herbal remedies]
- American Herbal Products Association (AHPA): https://www.ahpa.org
- American Herbalists Guild (AHG): https://americanherbalistsguild.com