Compared to traditional medicine, holistic health promotes wellness not only by addressing the body and mind, but one’s emotions and spirit as well. After all, it is believed that they are connected to each other—as a disruption in one can negatively affect the others.
To maintain this balance, many holistic medicine practitioners promote the use of various herbal medicines and natural remedies. Here are their known benefits for holistic health.
Restores the Body
According to research, prolonged or repeated exposure to stressful circumstances can affect the body’s biological responses. While these may be restored through sleep, wound healing, and antioxidant production, they may be disrupted due to stress, depression, and other negative emotions.
Unfortunately, these stressors can end up slowing the rate of repair. If the body is not yet fully restored when another stressor comes along, it may suffer from impaired wound healing, disrupted sleep, and insulin resistance, to name a few.
The good news is medicinal plants and natural remedies may help restore the body, allowing it to heal, regulate, and protect itself from such stressors.
Let’s take a quick look at some prominent examples:
Ginseng
Ginseng, or Panax ginseng, was derived from the word ‘panacea,’ meaning cure for all and source of longevity. It can boost nervous and immune system function, and it’s also been heralded for its anti-stress and antioxidant activities. Given these properties, many studies have shown it to be beneficial against diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.
Ginkgo Biloba
With its antioxidant properties, Ginkgo biloba may help protect the brain and the liver. It may also help prevent aging, inflammation, platelet aggregation (clot formation), and infections.
Boosts Mental Health
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One’s mental and physical health are intertwined. Just as conditions such as depression increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, the presence of such illnesses may lead to the development of some mental conditions as well.
Expectedly, herbal and natural remedies may help boost mental health in a variety of ways.
For example, the cannabidiol in CBD gummies may help reduce anxiety by limiting the heightened activity of the limbic system. Studies show that it offers some antipsychotic effects as well.
Chamomile, which can be taken in the form of tea or essential oils, may also help reduce anxiety by lowering activity in several brain regions.
Regulates Emotions
Emotions play a big role in holistic health.
Negative attitudes, such as helplessness and hopelessness, can deplete the brain’s ‘happiness’ chemicals. It can also affect the immune system and lead to hormonal imbalances, resulting in chronic stress. In the long run, this can lead to diabetes, heart disease, and stroke, to name a few.
Meanwhile, repressed or poorly managed anger can lead to infections, digestive ailments, and cardiovascular disease.
As emotions are connected to all aspects of health, physical issues such as diabetes can lead to excessive worrying and/or low self-esteem.
By regulating various emotions, herbal and natural remedies can help promote holistic health. Dandelion root, for example, may help clear the body of emotions such as anger and fear. Eleuthero, which is an adaptogen, may help improve mood and make one more resilient when dealing with stressful situations.
Enhances Spiritualism
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Spirituality, which is the connection to something greater than oneself, is essential for attaining overall wellness.
According to many herbalists, natural remedies may help enhance this aspect of holistic health. After all, plants are said to have a profound and transformative impact on one’s spiritual self.
Take the case of Mucuna, which activates the mind-body pathways, leading to more profound awareness and perception. Bobinsana, which is frequently used in South America, may help enhance psycho-spiritual states and promote spiritual connections.
Indeed, studies have shown that good spiritual health can lead to better physical and mental health. According to a Harvard report, those who engage in spiritual community participation (e.g., attending mass regularly) live healthier lives, have lower rates of depression and suicidal ideation, and are less likely to suffer from substance abuse. Researchers attribute their spirituality as a major influence on their medical care decisions.
Tap Into Nature’s Healing Potential
As multiple studies suggest, herbal medicine and natural remedies can help promote holistic health by keeping the body, mind, emotions, and spirit ‘balanced’. But as with other therapies, make sure to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any herbal regimen.