Mother Earth or Man Made Chemicals

A brief history of medicine:
2000 BC: Here eat this root.
1000 AD: That root is heathen.Say this prayer.
1850 AD: That prayer is superstition. Here, drink this potion.
1940 AD: That potion is snake oil. Here, swallow this pill.
1985 AD: That pill is ineffective. Here, take this antibiotic.
2000 AD: That antibiotic doesn't work anymore. Here, eat this root.

Source: The Ecologist, December 2004/January 2005

I have seen this saying throughout the years. There is much truth in this statement. In modern times there is a medication to cure almost everything, from a
simple headache to erectile dysfunction. Do you trust a drug company who is looking at the bottom line over the quality of the product, proper research and extensive testing? Do you spend enough, or even any, time researching the medication a doctor asks you to take? Or is it simpler for you to run to the drug store and purchase a cold remedy for your child that could result in severe health issues and even death or to spend a short amount of time making something at home with natural ingredients? Why would you choose to spend your hard earned money to purchase "medicine" with so many side effects that it takes longer in the commercials to list the risks, or "possible side effects", than the benefits. The risk of purchasing a product "over the counter" that will later be found to have detrimental side effects is increasing. How many commercials for legal representation on television and radio are there suing drug companies for illness and even death related to a "medication"?

There are so many remedies, readily available in nature, that are overlooked due to the simplicity. Remedies are always a wonderful way to help your body heal, but let's start with preventatives.

Your first course of action in living healthy is to eat well. A fresh well balanced meal, not something out of your freezer, prepared as a family can also help bring your family closer together, while teaching your children a healthier way to live. The kitchen has always been the heart of a loving home. Growing your own herbs, both medicinal and culinary, is a sure way of having fresh, healthy ingredients on hand. This might take a little longer than throwing that frozen lasagna in the oven, but it will be well worth the time spent. Remember those "ready made" meals are full of preservatives. Preservation is what we should do to our old homes, not to our bodies.

A second course of action is to exercise. Now this doesn't mean run down to the gym or sports club every day. Ride bikes with your children, walk to the park, go roller blading. Swimming is the perfect form of exercise, utilizing the resistance of the water you work out your entire body. Paint a room in your house, stretching and extending as you paint. Clean out all your the cabinets in your kitchen, wipe down the shelves and replace everything. It encompasses much stretching, lifting, turning, bending. Be creative, exercise doesn't have to be "work" unless you want it to be.

Should you need to alleviate some symptom there are many ways to do this naturally. A few quick examples are:

Headaches - Peppermint oil rubbed on the temples
Stomachache- Peppermint tea
Toothache - Clove oil
Acne - Burdock decoction
Wounds, bruises, sores and insect bites - a poultice of Comfrey
Respiratory support - tincture of Cherry Bark

These are just a few samples of what nature offers in the way of remedies. There are so many holistic remedies, with no side effects, for a great number of things you wouldn't even dream of trying because they are just too simple. Infusions, decoctions, cold extracts, powders, syrups, tinctures, essences, ointments, poultices, fomentation, cold compresses and a variety of baths have aided holistic practitioners for millenniums. Yes, it seems the "old" way to do things, actually preparing things yourself. Knowing what goes into your body and the bodies of your loved ones should be first and foremost in your health care regimen. There is so much information on holistic practices available to you. Spend some time researching the "medications" and side effects your physician prescribes versus those of holistic medicine.

Once you have done the research on the drug companies offerings, including the drawbacks, and on natural remedies you are armed with enough knowledge to make an informed decision. Check the price of herbs against the price of one small dose of "over the counter" product with ingredients you can't pronounce, as well as against the cost of prescriptions. The difference is staggering to say the least.

Finding a local herbalist is always a great idea. Herbalists have extensive knowledge of remedies, though there is no substitute for your own research. Making an informed decision is the only way to make a decision. With all the resources available today there is no excuse for not being able to research anything as extensively as you wish. The more informed you are the easier your decision will be.

There are a number of places on the web to purchase these herbs for considerably less than most "over the counter" products on the market today. Again, due diligence in the research is a must. It is preferential to grow your own herbs, that way you control how they are cared for and if any chemicals are used.

If you are under the care of a physician and find a holistic remedy you wish to try please consult your physician before stopping any prescription medication. Talk to your doctor about the possibility of trying an herbal medication as opposed to a chemical one. Though herbal remedies are out there, I cannot stress enough that if after the use of an herbal remedy you are not improving seek a qualified, certified holistic practitioner or physician. Be sure to research them as well as what they ask you to ingest.

And for those interested, also research the herbal beauty remedies. You'll be surprised how much you can save using herbs rather than high priced cosmetics!