Exploring the Ingredients
of Natural Medicines

Exploring the Ingredients of Natural Medicines

Talk about natural medicines, and the odds are good that consumers will automatically be thinking about Chinese herbs.

Talk about prescription medications, and consumers associate hard to pronounce names that hold little if any meaning to average people who do not happen to have a doctorate in chemistry or associated fields.

Sadly, the disconnect between consumers and prescription drugs has led to a dangerous focus on alternative medicines which has spawned a whole host of purveyors of allegedly healthy supplements that contain substances which are either banned or heavily regulated by the Food and Drug Administration unbeknownst to the consumer.

Fortunately those who are ready to begin exploring the ingredients of natural medicines do not have to look further than either a certified alternative health practitioner or even the Internet to get in depth information on how the ingredient is derived, what its healing properties are, and also what cautions, if any, must be taken when ingesting these substances.

Here is a listing of the four most commonly found ingredients in natural medicines of Chinese origin:

1. Jujube is a kind of fruit that appears in a cornucopia of natural medicines and it is considered the herbal answer to chemical psychotropic drugs.

The fruit is harvested and dried, and then it is carefully ground into a very fine powder which may be placed in capsules for use as a dietary supplement or it may be used to fill teabags to be drunk as needed.

Jujube is associated with fostering a sense of relaxation, as a sleep aide, and also as a way to relieve anxiety brought on by stress.

Buy Drugs It is important to know what the medication is called, and for how long you should you be taking it. You should be aware of the best time to take the medication (before bedtime, while eating, or should you not take it before, during or after eating? It is wise to know what the generic name for your medication is so that when you purchase it at a pharmacy, you can verify that it is available in generic form, which should save you money. Double check when it is filled to be sure that what you are getting is the proper generic drug. Drugs and Medicine

 

2. While there is no cure for the common cold even in Chinese medicine, the Chinese bellflower is thought to be the kind of plant that will soothe coughs brought on by colds.

Made from the root of this beautiful plant, the use in teas is most common.

Drugs Pills The nicotine patch is a transdermal administration, which falls under the parenteral category. Epidural and inhalation medications are special medications because they are delivered in special body cavities (spinal/lungs). Drugs and Medicine

3. Who does not know the ginger root which is not only a staple in the produce section but also in the herbal remedy aisle of the local health food store?

When ingested as a drink, it is said to help ease morning sickness during pregnancy and also help calm upset stomachs across the board.

4. Constipation and dry mouth may be counteracted by using the root of Mondo grass which may be found in many areas in China.

Some have suggested that it is the fact that root is ingested with sufficient water that will relieve these symptoms and that the true culprit is actually dehydration rather than the medicinal properties of the root, but those who firmly believe in exploring the ingredients of natural medicines argue against this assertion by pointing out that even well hydrated individuals using the root were able to overcome either constipation or dry mouth until the root was ingested.

Keep in mind that taking even natural medicines as opposed to prescription drugs and over the counter pills is a practice sometimes fraught with danger, and you will be wise to educate yourself on the substances contained in the natural medicines prior to taking them!