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Echinacea used in natural remedies. Photo courtesy Weleda [UK] Ltd. Nature gives from herbs, flowers and bark from trees
Natural remedies form a significant part of what is now termed 'alternative' or 'fringe' medicine. What this means is that the natural substances involved have not been subjected to the conventional scientific processes of laboratory and field trials that have to be carried out in the case of new drugs developed for use by the NHS or other conventional medical bodies. But, this does not imply that natural remedies, because they have not been subjected to conventional scientific tests, are not effective. Many countries and indigenous peoples around the world rely on natural remedies as their main source of medical treatment. Always take advice from your doctor, pharmacist and manufacturers of natural remedies, to ensure that it is not dangerous to take a remedy alongside a prescribed drug.
The Chinese have developed a highly sophisticated field of herbal and natural therapies over many centuries, some of which have been adopted by western medicine. In India the medical system of Ayurveda which is some five thousand years–old, also utilises herbs and natural remedies. There is a whole field of study waiting to be undertaken as new remedies are born and we continue to search for the answers to all our problems. Sources: Royal College of Psychiatrists website: www.rcpsych.ac.uk | National Institute of Medical Herbalists website: www.nimh.org.uk. Additional sources of information: Bookshops, on the high street and online, commercial health publishers, manufacturers and providers of health products and services, relevant government departments, NHS organisations and local libraries. Health advice: Always consult with your GP or healthcare professional. From your browser | Email the page | Email the page link | Print the page | Add page to favourites ········································································································································
Handy guide to wellbeing series | For you, family and friends
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The oldest form of medication in the world is the use of natural remedies like herbs, flowers, the bark from trees, minerals and the water from natural springs. Aspirin, for example, is derived from willow bark and digitalis from the foxglove, and has long since been adopted by orthodox medical practitioners [see Allopathic medicines section].
For example, Weleda [UK] Ltd has manufactured natural remedies and bodycare products since 1925. The Weleda bodycare range, for men, women and children, can be purchased from high street retailers and from Weleda's own online shop.