Herbal remedies Los Angeles are not medicines as the United States government defines the term. They are not recognized as effective treatments for illnesses in the way that federally-approved drugs are. Herbalists are not allowed to promise cures. However, many private citizens, natural healers, and medical doctors believe in the efficacy of herbs for boosting health and restoring well-being.
Herbs are simply vitamin and mineral rich plants which may or may not contain substances that can either promote or compromise health. Some herbs might as well be foods, like parsley, for instance. Parsley is very rich in chlorophyll, the green plant material that converts sunlight into energy. This substance is very cleansing when ingested and is one reason parsley is good for you.
Herbs can be food or medicine, depending on the need. Parsley can be added to fresh juices for its chlorophyll or used as a garnish for its clean, crisp taste. It can also be used as an internal deodorant and as an effective diuretic. Garlic is another plant that can be used as a spice or a food or as a internal tonic, vermifuge, virus and infection fighter, or circulation booster.
This brings up both the benefit and the danger of herbs. Herbs used wisely have helped mankind for centuries. The improper use of healthful things can make them harmful. Ephedra used cautiously as a stimulant can help people be alert and lose weight, but used in large amounts can cause heart problems and even death. Opium is a natural plant product used since ancient times as a sedative and sleep-inducer. It was not long, however, before man figured out how to abuse the substance and take it in mind-changing, addictive quantities.
It is both fun and easy to inform yourself on the use of herbs. There are many books on the subject, some that date from the Middle Ages or earlier and some written this year, and the internet today is full of information. However, care must be taken to ensure that the data comes from a reliable source and does not constitute a stand-alone opinion. You should read a selection of well-referenced works and judge a substance by the consensus of reputable authorities.
In learning about herbs, it is a good idea to find several accepted authorities and read what they say about the common plants used in healing and the ways in which they use them. After reading a selection of well-regarded opinions, you will begin to gain an understanding of which plants are safe, safer, and safest. The safest are good for regular or even daily use, while the others are better for an occasional tonic or remedy.
Remedies that use herbs as raw materials can be either single-herb preparations or formulas of two or more plants. The leaves, stems, roots, and flowers can be used, depending on the plant. Chamomile tea – made of the flowers – is used as a mild relaxer and sleep-inducer. However, this little, fragrant plant has strong healing powers. Next time you feel like you are getting the flu, drink a cup of chamomile tea steeped with a clove of garlic in the cup. If you are brave and determined to stave off the contagion, eat the warm garlic as well as drinking the tea.
Herbal remedies Los Angeles are available at natural food stores and supermarkets. There is also a huge industry online, with plant materials from all over the world. Chiropractors routinely use these healing, natural aids in their practice, and more and more medical doctors are joining the trend toward alternative healing.