In the West, we like to
think of our world as modern and of our medical system as
sophisticated. Yet, with the wide array of illnesses, diseases and
disorders that continue to escalate in scope and number, it might be
time to explore another way of evaluating and maintaining health. Many
people are doing just that, exploring the realm of natural health.
The basic premise of natural health is that when the body is nourished
and maintained optimally, it is able to heal itself naturally. Better
yet, it can prevent the occurrence of disease in the first place. In
other words, we wouldn't need the interventions of our medical system
in many cases after all. Instead, we can create the environment and
conditions that allow the body to heal itself in which optimum health
can be assured.
A healthy lifestyle is the cornerstone to natural health. Prevention
is the foundation. Natural health is not about being a health fanatic,
but more a health conscious person. This means holistic health,
encompassing the whole person, body, mind and spirit.
Natural health practitioners believe that prevention is each
individual person's choice, and that each is capable of taking active
responsibility for their own personal health and well being. The
healthy lifestyle that is encouraged involves eating fresh whole
foods, taking nutritional supplements as needed, ensuring regular
physical exercise, and managing the sources and levels of stress in
the environment.
Despite the best intentions and prevention, disorders of the body
might develop. When concerns do arise, natural health treatment can
include everything from vitamins and supplements, to massage therapy,
to homeopathy, to acupuncture, to other forms of energy work. By
definition, natural healing methods address the whole person; they are
holistic, rather than focusing on a specific disease or body part that
is affected.
While the natural health approach is to prevent the occurrence of
serious infectious diseases or any medical emergencies, it never
condones treating these apart from traditional medical intervention.
There is nothing that prevents natural healing methods from being used
side by side with conventional medical treatment. In many cases it can
support the effectiveness of the medical treatment by building the
immune system and bolstering health in other body systems.
While there have been efforts to pass legislation that requires a
prescription for dispensing vitamins and supplements, none have yet
been passed - at least not at the national level - in the US. There
are laws and regulations that govern the "practice of medicine" that
natural health practitioners cannot violate. But, by and large,
natural health is still an unregulated field. This lack of regulation
can be good and bad. Ultimately, some middle ground will be reached
overseeing safe practices while ensuring choices in health care.
With its focus on prevention, natural health is the lifestyle choice
among millions of people today who choose to take responsibility for
their own well being. It emphasizes a holistic approach to health and
healing, creating the optimal environment for the body to thrive, and
employs natural strategies when imbalance does occur. The interest in
and pursuit of natural health is more in demand today than ever
before.
Take a look at just
one small sample of the healing powers of herbs. Bug bites are fairly
common, especially during the summer months. You don’t have to spend a
fortune on medications, just look in your backyard or in your kitchen
to find the natural solution to taking out the “sting and pain” of a
bug bite.
Take a look in your
general store and you'll find plenty of manufactured ways to keep bugs
off of your skin and to heal bug bites. These commercial sprays and
remedies are usually quite effective, but many of them contain
chemicals that are harmful to your body or the environment, and you
may find yourself having a worse reaction to them than you would have
had to any bug! Well, what other option is there, then? Herbs that you
can find in specialty store or oftentimes in your own backyard are a
natural, non-toxic, and equally effective way to combat bugs and bug
bites.
Tea tree oil,
lavender essential oil, and peppermint essential oil are the three
types of oils most recommended by herbalists for their ability to
neutralize the toxicity of a bug bite, stave off itchiness, and reduce
skin inflammation. An undiluted drop or two of any of these oils can
be applied directly onto the skin or bug bite, or add a few drops into
clay, honey, or baking soda mixtures first to increase their efficacy.
If you want another essential oil to keep bugs away, choose one that
has a spicy, pungent, or woodsy odor, such as cedar wood, citronella,
eucalyptus, and rosemary.
The plantain plant 
makes its home along the roadways and in the backyards
of American homes as an unassuming weed. Give it a closer look and
learn about its "drawing" properties and you have another treatment
for bug bites. Simply take the fresh herb (or you can dry it out),
chop it finely, add water, and then apply this mixture to a sting or
bite. You should feel the area begin to warm; this means that the
toxins are being drawn from the skin. Continue adding more plantain to
the bite until the swelling and pain has subsided.
Although harmful in
other forms, tobacco as a topical herb possesses
many
medicinal properties. A small bunch of loose tobacco leaves, combined
with water or apple cider and turned into a paste, can be applied
topically to a bite to help ease pain and can remain on the skin until
the swelling has subsided. However, if you notice the area becoming
irritated,
wash away the paste completely.
So, the next time
you're looking to find a way to stop the bugs from bugging you, look
no further than at what nature has provided for you!
Save money and use nature's gifts to heal your bites, diseases, and any ailments you have today, for a healthier tomorrow, right now! Subscribe below for my series on holistic healing ...
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