What is Traditional Medicine?
An explanation of traditional medicine and its benefits
As the saying goes, “Your health is your wealth”. Many people are constantly looking to restore or boost this ‘wealth’, either by visiting their local GP or seeking out a practitioner of traditional medicine.
What is traditional medicine?
In simple terms, traditional medicine uses age old practices to prevent, diagnose, improve or treat illness. The World Health Organisation defines it as “sum total of the knowledge, skills and practices based in the theories, beliefs and experiences indigenous to different cultures.”
People have handed knowledge of traditional medicine down through generations. Practitioners use plants and herbs found in the natural environment to provide comfort and relief from pain and sickness. Around the world, many people who do not have access to drugs and hospitals still rely on traditional medicine.
Old meets new
Modern medicine uses drugs to treat and cure illness, rather than naturally occurring substances. In many cases, people who aren’t well find a trip to the doctor and a prescription will sort out their problem.
However, some of us aren’t comfortable with the chemicals used to make modern drugs. Others have unpleasant side effects or find that the drugs they’re taking just don’t work.
If you have a medical concern, you may choose to use a combination of modern and traditional medicine. You might stick with one or the other, depending on what you feel works best for your individual situation.
Does traditional medicine work?
The fact that traditional medicine has been around and handed down through generations gives it credibility. The good news is that many age-old anecdotal cures have now been proven by scientific research to be legitimately effective.
One example of this is the Aloe Vera plant, which has been used for centuries to revitalise skin and treat wounds. Studies from around the world have found that the gel of the plant can be used as a toothpaste, to relieve constipation and to treat burns. The plant has been confirmed by scientists to have antioxidant properties and to be effective in treating skin subjected to radiation therapy.
Sea Buckthorn is another plant that has been proven to have genuine benefits. The leaves, flowers and fruits have been confirmed in university studies to act as antioxidants and have a proven effect on inflammation.
Scientific research has shown that Sea Buckthorn is able to strengthen immunity and is effective in treating skin ulcers and wounds. Controlled studies have concluded that supplementing with Sea Buckthorn oil may alleviate eczema symptoms and reduce the discomfort from other skin conditions.
Most of us have enjoyed the pomegranate fruit and cranberries …. but did you know they too have been heralded by traditional medicine? As extracts, free from fructose, they can be of great assistance to reduce oral bacteria that can lead to infections, inflammation, dental plaque, tooth decay and gingivitis.
There is no doubt that traditional medicine has its place alongside modern medicine. The best way to find out its effectiveness is to try it for yourself.
We are not healthcare or medical professionals and the information contained here is not to be taken as medical advice. It is recommended that you consult you healthcare professional prior to taking any supplements and always read the label, use only as directed, and if symptoms persist, see your healthcare professional.