Naturopathy is a form of alternate medicine system which uses natural remedies to promote health and wellbeing and its roots can be traced back to other healing practices like Ayurveda and Chinese medicine. It is a holistic approach to wellness that addresses the root cause of illness rather than treating symptoms. People practicing naturopathy believe that body can heal itself and provide treatments which are designed to support and enhance the healing process. Naturopathy offers a wide range of natural remedies that can be effective for a variety of health conditions. By working with a naturopathic practitioner, people can develop personalized treatment plans that support their body’s natural healing process and promote optimal health.
Naturopathy is based on basic principles:
- Do no harm by using non evasive therapies.
- Treat the person not the disease by taking into account physical, emotional and spiritual aspect.
- Identify and address the root cause rather than symptoms.
- Prevent illness through better lifestyle practices.
- Educate people on how to maintain their health and Support body’s natural healing process.
People have used natural remedies from herbal teas to essential oils for a thousand years now. In recent years interest in naturopathy has grown, people are now seeking alternatives to traditional medicine system. Let us explore some of the natural remedies that have become popular in recent years.
Echinacea:
Also known as purple coneflower, is a natural remedy used to support immune system Native to North America and Canada, has become common supplement to treat common cold and respiratory infections. Studies have shown that the herb can reduce severity and duration of cold and flu symptoms. The leaves and roots of the plant is used in traditional medication and comes in various forms like teas, tinctures and capsules. It is a widely used herb in naturopathic medicines due to its immune booster and infection fighting properties.
BENEFITS:
- Boosts immune system and fights infection.
- Used to treat sore throat, bronchitis and urinary tract infections.
- Has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Ginger:
Native to Southeast Asia, ginger is a versatile natural remedy used to treat variety of conditions. It has been used for thousands of years to treat cardiovascular, digestive and other disorders. Ginger reduces muscle pain, improves brain function, improves insulin sensitivity, helps lower blood pressure and reduce cholesterol levels. Ginger can be used in many forms like fresh, dried, tea and supplements.
Benefits:
- Ability to relieve nausea, bloating and improve digestion.
- Helps reduce inflammation in body and alleviate pain.
- Immune boosting properties, helps prevent infections.
- Reduces motion sickness and morning sickness during pregnancy.
- Anti-viral properties to treat respiratory conditions like cold and flu.
- Helps lower blood sugar.
Turmeric:
It is a popular herb used for various therapeutic properties. Turmeric can be used in various forms including fresh, dried or as supplement.
Benefits:
- Has strong anti-inflammatory properties to alleviate pain.
- Improves digestion and reduces bloating and gas.
- Helps prevent infections by stimulating natural defenses of body.
- Has antioxidants which protect body against damages caused by radicals.
- Improves skin conditions like acne, eczema and psoriasis.
- Improves liver function and protects against damage.
- Helps reduce cholesterol levels, prevent blood clots and improve blood vessel function.
Herbal Tea:
Herbal tea is a popular form of naturopathy that has been used for centuries to promote health. Herbal teas are made by using herbs, spices flowers or plant parts in hot water. These can be consumed hot or cold. Some of the popular teas are: Chamomile, Peppermint, Lemon balm and hibiscus.
Benefits:
- Promotes relaxation by reducing stress.
- Improve digestive issues like bloating or gas.
- Improves digestion and removes nausea and vomiting.
- Used to promote cognitive functions and reduce anxiety.
- Prevent colds and flu.
- Lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Chamomile:
Chamomile is a versatile herb that has many uses in naturopathy. It can be used to promote relaxation, treat digestive problems, relieve menstrual cramps, and alleviate allergies, among other health conditions. Chamomile is an herb that comes from the daisy family. There are two main types of chamomile: German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) and Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile). German chamomile is the most commonly used type of chamomile in naturopathy. Chamomile contains a number of active compounds, including chamazulene, apigenin, and bisabolol. These compounds are believed to have anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, and sedative effects. Chamomile can be taken as a tea, supplement, or used topically as an oil or cream. To make chamomile tea, steep 2-3 teaspoons of dried chamomile flowers in hot water for 5-10 minutes. Chamomile supplements are available in capsule or liquid form.
Benefits:
- Chamomile is often used to relieve anxiety and promote relaxation. It is believed to have a calming effect on the nervous system, which can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and stress. Chamomile can also be used to treat insomnia and other sleep disorders.
- Chamomile is used to treat digestive problems, including gas, bloating, and indigestion. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects, which can help soothe the digestive tract and reduce symptoms of digestive discomfort.
- Chamomile is used topically to treat a variety of skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis, and acne. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which can help soothe and heal the skin.
- Chamomile is used to relieve menstrual cramps and other symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It is believed to have anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects, which can help reduce cramping and other symptoms of PMS.
- Chamomile is used to relieve symptoms of allergies, including hay fever and allergic asthma. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory and antihistamine effects, which can help reduce inflammation and other symptoms of allergies.
Lavender:
Lavender is a fragrant herb that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its soothing and calming properties. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is a small flowering plant that is native to the Mediterranean region. It is a member of the mint family and has a strong, pleasant scent. Lavender contains a number of active compounds, including linalool, linalyl acetate, and terpinen-4-ol. These compounds are believed to have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and sedative effects. Lavender can be used in a variety of ways, including as a tea, essential oil, or in topical preparations such as creams and lotions. To make lavender tea, steep 2-3 teaspoons of dried lavender flowers in hot water for 5-10 minutes. Lavender essential oil can be used in aromatherapy, added to a bath, or applied topically to the skin.
Benefits:
- Lavender is used to relieve anxiety and promote relaxation. It is believed to have a calming effect on the nervous system, which can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and stress. Lavender can also be used to treat insomnia and other sleep disorders.
- Lavender is used to relieve pain and inflammation associated with conditions such as arthritis and muscle soreness. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, which can help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Lavender is used to treat respiratory problems, such as coughs and colds. It is believed to have antimicrobial and antiviral effects, which can help reduce symptoms of respiratory infections.
- Lavender is used topically to treat a variety of skin conditions, including acne, eczema, and psoriasis. It is believed to have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help soothe and heal the skin.
- Lavender is used to relieve headaches and migraines. It is believed to have analgesic and calming effects, which can help reduce the severity and frequency of headaches and migraines.