Did you know that herbal medicine, aka botanical medicine is older than recorded history? And, recorded history is roughly 5000 years old.
It makes one think about the relationship between botanical medicine and modern/allopathic medicine; which emerged after the industrial revolution. Although both have their great successes and not so successful protocols, the two working together, would certainly make a more well rounded approach to wellness. If allopathic medicine seems to be more disease- care related and botanical medicine provides an approach to body balance -homeostasis, they should be working in tandem as an integrated health system. And, we do have some integrative medical practices, but not enough.
When I think along these lines, I wonder what great discoveries might be made by a foot or hand doctor that also knows reiki?
Or a dentist that is educated in the Chinese tongue diagnosis?
What about finding and treating the source of an ailment versus its symptoms?
If chemo therapy which most of the time is not laser focused would be paired with immune support herbs, would the overall impact to the body be less destructive?
It’s questions like these when I wish I had more knowledge and more time to study these types of questions and healing options.
Recently I have been doing more research related to the components of my book, Your Journey to Aging Well. And, after a year of pandemic lull, this reading has re-energized my focus.
Below is a short and “scratch the surface ” list of some of the herb and vitamin information that has been refreshed for me. It is up to you to look further into the healing affects and recommended use of these.
Arnica (can be topical with oil/lotion or in tablet form) -helps heal a body that is bruised, injured or recovering from surgery
Tea – the I-theanine contained in tea has been known for amino acid protection of neurons in the brain; green tea can help with stress;
Magnesium – supports bone health, helps with blood pressure control, as well as heart and joint health
Vitamin D – supports bone health as well and helps reduce risk of some cancers, decreases risks of fractures.
What I often don’t see in mentioned in articles about vitamin D is that it is a fat-soluble vitamin, which means that it performs better when taken with a healthy-fat food. My go to is avocados. Other fat -soluble vitamins include A, E, and K.
There is much more to share in this herb/plant section. Stay tuned!