In a time when lifestyle diseases like hypertension, heart disease, and diabetes are ever on the rise, the need to focus on well-being is at an all-time high. In the U.S., 6 in 10 people have a chronic disease, and 4 in 10 people are presently suffering from two lifestyle diseases.
There has been a call for individuals to be more conscious and strive to live a better lifestyle. Orthodox medicine has been the conventional way of treating these diseases, though it does more of a management procedure than actual cure and hence the need for better treatment.
All this and more is why a new form of treatment is on the rise; it is known as holistic health or alternative treatment. Holistic health incorporates conventional medicine, diet, exercise, environmental measures, attitude, lifestyle modifications as well as the use of natural products which not only look to cure the patient’s current illness but prevent its future occurrence by introducing non-invasive remedies and improving an individual’s life force. This is why the US is taking a specific interest in holistic health as it has a huge chance of reducing health casualties. Learn more about the potential benefits that natural remedies can have on mental health conditions such as depression in this article from BetterHelp.
Holistic remedies cut across health, beauty, and lifestyle. We would be highlighting some natural products and how they improve well-being.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera is a succulent medicinal plant from the plant algae family that has been used for hundreds of years. It contains vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and amino acids that make it appropriate for healing skin injuries such as sores and burns. It is used for first and second-degree burns. Reports show that aloe vera is five times more effective than drugs in healing burns. It contains polyphenols that help to stifle the growth of certain bacteria in the body that infects the body.
It is also very useful in preventing tooth decay and plaques, which are also common lifestyle deficiencies. It is also useful in treating mouth ulcers when applied as a gel. Aloe vera latex can also be used to treat constipation, the compound responsible for this is known as aloin, which has laxative effects. Aloe vera is also used hugely in the beauty and skincare industry, as it prevents wrinkles. It has been confirmed to slow aging by increasing collagen production and skin elasticity as well as reducing the redness of the skin (erythema).
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is an extract of peppermint leaves used mainly in cooking as a dietary supplement. It is an aromatic herb in the mint family whose main component is menthone. Peppermint oil can be used to treat headaches, nausea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and cold. It gives relief from itching and skin-related complications. It is an active agent used for flavoring in mouthwash, soap, and cosmetics.
In dealing with IBS, which includes constipation, peppermint oil relaxes the muscles of the GI tract, decreases pain sensation, produces an anti-inflammatory effect in the bowels, and also affects bacteria that are harmful to the bowels. It has also been combined with caraway to treat dyspepsia. It is also used to reduce nauseating feelings. It is also the main ingredient of aromatherapy. Peppermint oil provides relief from pain and migraine. It is used in the skincare world to reduce itching and grow hair.
Honey
Honey is a natural product that is high in beneficial plant compounds and antioxidants, which reduces heart attacks, strokes, and chances of cancer. It also helps reduce blood pressure. Honey reduces LDL cholesterol levels. LDL cholesterol is the fatty build-up in the arteries that lead to stroke and heart attack; it then raises the HDL cholesterol level that is needed for the body. Research shows that honey reduces the LDL cholesterol level by 5% and increases HDL cholesterol by 3.3%.
Honey also reduces blood triglycerides levels, and increased triglyceride levels are responsible for the increase in a heart attack. Once this is reduced, it also reduces insulin resistance, which is a major trigger for type 2 diabetes. Honey helps arteries in the heart dilate, thus increasing blood flow and reducing the risk of blood clot formation. Honey is also used as a healing balm. It is used to heal burns as well as foot ulcers found in diabetes patients. This healing attribute is a result of its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory characteristics.
Marijuana
Marijuana is a psychoactive substance gotten from the cannabis plant and is used in holistic health treatment to treat chronic pain, anxiety, depression, Crohn’s disease, etc. It is grown and classified into strains. There are three strain types, namely Indica, Sativa, and hybrid.
Indica gives a soothing effect, and induces a state of calmness that makes the patient feel sleepy and happy. From these characteristics, you can tell that the Indica is the most suitable for chronic pain, insomnia, anxiety, and appetite problems.
Sativa is mostly known for inducing euphoria, energizing effects, and mood-lifting. These characteristics make it suitable for treating depression — the hybrid which combines the functions of Indica and Sativa. The hybrid is used to treat illnesses with a variety of symptoms at different stages, such as Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, and more. Marijuana improves lung capacity, burns fat, and regulates seizures, among others.
To access marijuana in most states such as New York that have only legalized it for therapeutic use you will need a medical marijuana card, getting a New York medical marijuana card is easy as it can be done online. To apply online, you need a practitioner’s certification form to attest that there is a qualifying condition. Then you will be required to upload your ID card number, and your caregiver’s information. Then proceed to pay the application fee.
CBD oil is another way to reap the benefits of cannabis, especially in those areas where it’s not legalized. Plus, it doesn’t cause addiction and other risks. If you happen to live in the UK and looking for some great tried and tested recommendations for CBD oils, you can go through this post by EcoWatch to help pick the one that is best for your needs.
Medicines are not always one size fits all and that is when holistic remedies come to the rescue. Whether you avoid medicines or prefer natural remedies in general, the ingredients we listed come in handy when you want to cure yourself holistically.
