“While ancient Chinese and Egyptian writings describe medicinal uses for plants as early as 3,000 BC , there is evidence of plants being used as medicine that predates recorded history”, said Paula Curtiss, Founding Director and Staff Instructor for Healing Hands School of Holistic health. “Recently, the World Health Organization estimated that 80% of the world’s population rely on medicinal herbs as their primary form of health care treatment. With herbal remedies proving as effective as prescribed medicines, with fewer side effects, it’s no wonder that there is a renewed interest in this ancient healing practice” she continued.
Herbal medicines are effective in treating a multitude of conditions ranging from Cancer, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and Alzheimer’s to chronic allergies, fatigue, rheumatoid arthritis and other health nuisances.
Below is a table of six of the more popular medicinal herbs and the common health conditions they may improve.
Echinacea (Echinacea Purpurea) is used primarily to strengthen your immune system. A review of 14 clinical studies examining the effect of Echinacea on the incidence of the common cold found that Echinacea reduced the odds of getting a cold by 58%. In assessing the duration of a cold when using Echinacea, researchers found it shortened a cold by an average of 1.4 days.
St. John’s wort (Hypericum Perforatum) has been well known for its mood enhancing effects. Studies have shown that St. John’s Wort may be an effective treatment for mild to moderate depression, and has fewer side effects than most popular antidepressants currently prescribed by doctors.
Valerian (Valeriana Officinalis) is a safe and gentle alternative to commonly prescribed sleep medications. Unlike prescription sleep aids, Valerian users enjoy less morning drowsiness and other side effects commonly experienced when taking prescription medications.
Ginkgo (Ginkgo Bloba) has been used to treat circulatory disorders, enhance memory in older adults and is especially effective in treating Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of Dementia. It also improves blood circulation by dilating blood vessels and reducing the stickiness of blood platelets.
Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) Though still being debated, a number of studies suggest that the herb is effective for treating symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). These symptoms include frequent urination, having trouble starting or maintaining urination, and needing to urinate during the night. As a result, Saw Palmetto is currently used by more than 2 million men in the United States for treatment of BPH.
Kava Kava (Piper methysticum) – Several studies have found that Kava may be useful in the treatment of anxiety, insomnia, and related nervous disorders. Considered a mood elevator, Kava Kava has been known to help enhance one’s sense of wellbeing.
Healing Hands School of Holistic Health has been serving residents in Escondido and Laguna Hills for over 23 years. To date, HHSHH has prepared more than 6,000 students for successful and rewarding careers in Massage Therapy and Holistic Health. To find out more about Herbal Studies, Homeopathic Remedies or any of the other 80+ massage and holistic health classes available at HHSHH , visit us on-line at www.HealingHandsSchool.com or call us at (949) 305-2722/Laguna Hills, or (760) 746-9364 in Escondido.
Healing Hands will be offering our Herbal Healing & Massage class in Laguna Hills from July 31 – August 21, 2016. This class will teach students the specific healing effects of different herbs and how to incorporate them into a collections of advanced therapeutic practices. Other areas covered in the class will include herbal medicine and nutrition to reduce inflammation, relax muscles, reduce spasms, and much more.
Source: Herbal medicine | University of Maryland Medical Center http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/treatment/herbal-medicine#ixzz3e2BRKswI