By: Michael Russell
In our go-get-it-now society today, whenever we feel that there is something 'a little off' with us, we go over to the local pharmacy and purchase a whole range of patent medicines and take them. Sometimes we go to our family physician and get a drug prescription. This has become part of our everyday routine, almost automatic. However, this has not always been the case. This so-called Drug Revolution only kicked off after World War II, although doctors already had access to a multitude of remedies before that.
In contrast with modern medicine, folk medicine dates back to ancient times. This is why many of us feel that herbal medicine is outdated and old. Herbal remedies are very old but apparently not outdated. Archaeological evidence proves that primitive human beings made use of healing plants. Back then, it was only natural for humans to use whatever was available to them, whether it was to keep them warm, to feed them or to make them well. The quest for finding cures for certain ailments was obviously carried out on a trial and error basis over the centuries. These cures and techniques were originally handed down from generation to generation by word of mouth since back then this was the only way possible.
In the later years, with the introduction of the National Health Service and other government health agencies, people could consult physicians free of charge and these doctors are more inclined to prescribe modern synthetic drugs. This and the fact that people started to move into more urban areas where medical treatment was made more readily available and the fact that transportation and communication had generally increased, marked the decrease in the population's reliance on the cures that were based at home, in the kitchen and in the fields.
Recently, there has been a new reaction bubbling in our society against our modern, technological age. Now, people are once again turning to simple, natural things and rejecting the sophisticated, complex and synthetic. People are again relying on herbal remedies for illnesses and herbal medicine has become a popular branch of alternative medicine. To some extent, the wheel has turned a full circle.
The use of these simple remedies can help relieve some of the annoyances that plague us everyday and can relieve you of some of the discomfort as these can be simple holistic alternative.
The entire field of folk and herbal medicine in one that is full of potential risk because some herbs can be toxic and can be inappropriate or even dangerous in some situations. Anyone who is thinking of using herbal cures should first consult an herbal specialist who is trained in the science of modern herbal medicine techniques.
Remember that before applying any of these remedies to yourself; please be aware that sometimes small aches and pains could be symptoms of something more serious. This may or may not be true but please use your judgment and consult with your doctor. Regular physical examinations and check-ups should be part of everybody's health regimen. One should also always strive to have a healthy lifestyle with proper diet and exercise.
