By Rini Sharma:
Consumption of allopathic medicines even for minor ailments will give you the relief that you desired for but, in the long run they prove to be detrimental for your health. Major ailments can be treated with these medicines but, a shift to the natural remedies is required for the minor ones.
For common illness like cough, one can take tiny pills made with a paste of powdered jaggery, dry ginger powder, tulsi leaves and ghee. For upset stomach, boiling pomegranate leaves in a cup of water, straining and drinking it brings quick relief.
According to a study, four out of every five Indians use traditional medicines for cure and about 430,000 registered medical practitioners are there in the country providing valuable services to the community.
Some herbs that are promising and have real benefits are:
1: Aloe Vera
An ancient plant whose pulp extracted from its fleshy leaves is used in cosmetics and skin creams. It is also used for medicinal purposes in Egypt, Greece, India, Japan and China. Its extract contains 75 potentially active ingredients that include vitamins, minerals, enzymes, sugars, fatty acids and hormones. It has antiseptic, has healing properties and can be applied topically or consumed internally.
2: Fenugreek Seeds
It is a herb whose medicinal properties are known for many decades now. The crushed or powdered seeds have been used externally and internally for curing the problems like boils, hives and ulcers. It is consumed to increase appetite, counter appetite loss and reduce blood sugar. It is good for hypertension, diabetes and cholesterol and also beneficial for people who do not suffer from these conditions.
3: Garlic
People who eat this herb from the onion family have fewer problems of gastric cancer, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. This can be consumed in the raw form or in the form of garlic capsules. It helps in keeping the gastric problems at bay.
4: Tulsi
The leaves of this sacred plant Tulsi, or the holy basil, helps reduce acid secretion and heals ulcer. It contains beneficial compounds called phyto-chemicals known for its antiviral, antioxidant and antibacterial properties. It also enhances the immunity and promotes wellness. It is good in cold and cough and can be consumed as leaves or the tulsi capsules available in the market.
5: Turmeric
The boiled, dried and powered underground stem of the plant is used as a colouring and flavouring agent. This staple herb works for almost everyone and is effective in cold and flu. It helps in building up the immunity. The paste of turmeric when applied on the wounds can do wonders.
The fact that herbal products are playing a greater part in the quest for our wellness cannot be over ruled but, that does not mean that every natural product is always safe. Precautions and checking the product becomes a necessity in such cases.