Now, more than ever, people are looking for ways to support their health and reduce their exposure to potentially harmful substances. For some, this may involve exploring herbal options alongside their current healthcare routine. However, before making any changes to your prescribed medications, it's important to understand how herbal medicine works and consult with a healthcare provider.
Herbal medicine, similar to functional medicine, focuses on addressing the underlying factors that may contribute to health concerns. Because of this, no single herbal formula will work the same for every individual. Herbs can have a variety of effects and may be used for different purposes. A detailed consultation with a qualified healthcare practitioner is recommended to find the most suitable herbs for your personal health goals.
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Exploring Herbal Medicine
One common question I receive as an Integrative Practitioner is, "What herb can I take for my condition?" While it would be convenient if there were a simple answer, health is complex. We often rely on quick solutions, like taking a pill for a headache or other symptoms, without considering lifestyle, diet, and other factors that can influence our well-being.
Lifestyle changes, including diet and activity levels, can play a significant role in supporting overall health. When working with an Integrative or Functional Medicine practitioner, the focus is not solely on replacing pharmaceuticals with natural alternatives. Instead, the goal is to support the body's natural healing processes while addressing underlying factors. Herbs and supplements are intended to complement your health journey, not replace prescribed treatments.
Understanding Herbal Medicine
I am a strong advocate for herbal medicine and often incorporate it into my practice. However, I would not recommend replacing a patient's prescribed medication with an herbal alternative without also addressing the underlying health factors. Let's explore some potential benefits of herbal medicine.
Single herbs and herbal formulas can be effective when used appropriately. There are numerous research studies on Traditional Chinese Medicine that suggest potential health benefits.
Plants can be used for various supportive purposes. For example, hawthorn berry has been traditionally used to support digestive health and maintain healthy blood pressure levels. In traditional Chinese medicine, hawthorn berry is often recommended to help support cardiovascular health.
Some studies suggest that hawthorn may act as a vasodilator, which means it may help relax blood vessels and support healthy blood pressure levels.
Let's examine two different studies on blood pressure and hawthorn berry to understand its potential effects.
Study #1
A 16-week study involving 79 people with type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure found that those who took 1,200 mg of hawthorn extract daily experienced more significant blood pressure improvements compared to the placebo group.
Study #2
Another study with 21 people who had mildly elevated blood pressure noted no significant differences between the hawthorn-extract and placebo groups.
Why did the results differ? This highlights the importance of personalized herbal recommendations based on individual health factors.
Blood pressure can be influenced by various factors, including stress, nutrient deficiencies, and other health conditions. If high blood pressure is not primarily due to constricted blood vessels, hawthorn berry may not be as effective. It's crucial to work with a healthcare provider to identify the most appropriate approach for your specific needs.
Collaborating with a Functional Medicine Practitioner
If you're considering lifestyle changes to support your health, starting with diet and activity levels can be beneficial. These are often key components of a health plan developed with an integrative practitioner.
Once you find a practitioner, they can conduct a thorough assessment of your current health status. They may recommend functional medicine labs to help identify underlying factors and guide your health journey, including any adjustments to your current medications and the use of herbs to support your overall well-being.
Summary
Herbal medicine is not intended to replace pharmaceuticals directly. Instead, herbs can be used to support your health journey. They have a range of potential effects and may be used for various purposes, but not every herb will be suitable for everyone with the same health concerns. This is because each person's health situation is unique.
If you're interested in exploring herbal options, consider working with an Integrative or Functional Medicine Practitioner. They can help guide you through the process and support you in making informed decisions about your health.
Something to Keep in Mind
Healing is a gradual process, but starting today can lead to positive changes over time. Instead of focusing solely on "what herb can I take for this," consider exploring the factors that may have contributed to your current health situation.
To learn more about functional medicine and related topics, check out our magazine, which offers articles and case studies to help you understand root cause medicine.
If you are a practitioner, we recommend exploring Rupa University, which offers free live classes for Functional Medicine Practitioners.
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