Will Herbal Clinics Become the New Normal in U.S. Hospitals?
More and more individuals are seeking alternative solutions to improve their health and well-being. One such method involves using herbal remedies. Herbal remedies are not only gaining individual recognition, but their use and effectiveness is also grabbing the attention of conventional doctors throughout the United States.
According to a new nationwide government survey (1) more than one-third of U.S adults use Complementary and Alternative Medicine which includes herbal remedies. Most recently, The Cleveland Clinic, one of the country’s top hospitals opened one of the first hospital-based herbal clinics in the United States, providing their patients with a more natural and holistic approach to health care.
So Why the Shift?
Presently, many illnesses are treated with pharmaceutical drugs composed of inorganic compounds that the human body cannot recognize, properly absorb or digest. These inorganic compounds do not address the root cause of sickness and disease, but instead release harmful toxins into the blood stream.
These toxins can cause several harmful side-effects which complicate health issues even further. Have you watched or listened to the latest pharmaceutical advertisement and the possible side-effects that can be produced by taking a specific prescription? These advertisements alone are enough to cause anyone to experience high levels of stress and anxiety.
On the contrary, herbal remedies are primarily organic and plant-based and come in many forms to include leaves, roots, flowers, bark, roots and seeds and have the natural ability to work in harmony with the body to bring it back into a place of alignment, healing and restoration.
It’s important to remember that our bodies are organic and composed of elements such as oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, calcium, and phosphorus. Unlike pharmaceutical drugs, herbal remedies are also organic making them 100% compatible with the human body. It’s these major differences that are awakening countless individuals to the efficacy of herbal remedies.
A Blueprint for the New Normal
The fact that The Cleveland Clinic is establishing what could be considered the national blue-print for integrating herbal clinics into U.S. hospitals speaks volumes. Healthcare workers are beginning to understand that a missing link exists within our current health care system. “Today’s patients are looking for a medical model that addresses both prevention and treatment of chronic disease using natural approaches in combination with Western medicine,” said Melissa Young, M.D., internist and integrative medicine specialist at the Tanya I. Edwards, M.D. Center for Integrative Medicine, part of Cleveland Clinic’s Wellness Institute.
Herbalist at the Cleveland Clinic will prescribe blends based on research which has shown that herbs may be used to help manage diabetes, decrease cold/flu symptoms, manage chronic pain, increase energy, improve breathing, digestion, sleep, and menopausal symptoms, and help address menstrual cycles if infertility is an issue (2).
Powerful Herbal that Heal
Before reaching for that prescription drug, consider using an herbal remedy. Below are a few recommendations to help you get started, all of which can be found at your local farmer’s market, Whole Food Market or grocery story. Keep in mind that using Certified Organic herbs is always best to avoid ingesting toxic pesticides and chemicals that are detrimental to your health. As a precaution, always consult with your doctor or medical expert before trying any new form of treatment.
Cilantro
This herb is a powerful digestive aid and cleansing agent capable of removing heavy metals and other toxic agents from the body. This herb can be added to fresh vegetable juices or blends.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a yellow powder made from the related flowering plant. Unlike other types of herbs, turmeric works best in fighting joint pain when it is taken orally. Chamomile
Chamomile
Chamomile is an excellent herb for treating children’s colic and is used by adults for nervous stress, sleep disorders, infections, and stomach disorders. This herb can be enjoyed as a cup of warm soothing tea.
Ginger
This spice is found in many cooking cabinets, but this herb is also widely used in alternative medicine. It’s known to have anti-inflammatory properties, reduce nausea and aids with digestion.
To discover more about the healing power of herbal remedies consult your doctor, herbalist or visit The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM).
Does your doctor currently use herbal or natural remedies as a part of their treatment plan for patients? If so, let us know about it.
1. Barnes P, Powell-Griner E, McFann K, Nahin R. CDC Advance Data Report #343. Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use Among Adults: United States, 2002. May 27, 2004.
2. Cleveland Clinic Among First In U.S. To Open Hospital-based Chinese Herbal Therapy Clinic, March 5, 2014
