Herbal healing can be a somewhat controversial subject. To some people, natural remedies are outdated and useless. To others, natural remedies are far superior to manmade medicines and invasive treatments. I like to take a middle ground, and use natural remedies to supplement other treatments.
You may have seen my occasional struggles with sinus infections here in the Health Blog. Because I’ve had chronic sinusitis and ended up having surgery to cut away infected tissue in my sinuses, I try to be very aware of what’s going on in my sinuses. At the first sign of pressure, I break out my trusty sinus rinse kit and start flushing my sinuses with warm salt water. Twice, I’ve managed to fight off a full-blown infection with natural remedies — the salt water rinses, extra rest and fluids to help my body fight infection, and a daily dose of Echinacea and goldenseal.
But I’m also more than willing to visit the doctor if the sinus infection gets worse. Just because I’ve been successful twice doesn’t mean I’ll never need to see the doctor again. And just so you know — it was an ear/nose/throat specialist who first introduced me to the idea of a sinus rinse for treating sinus infections.
Basically, I feel like mild health issues — like the first stirrings of sinus problems, an upset stomach or indigestion, or a temporary bout of insomnia — can be treated naturally. If symptoms worsen or persist for more than a week, I’m headed for the doctor’s office. I certainly wouldn’t try to treat a serious wound, a broken bone, or a serious infection at home. There are times when I trust my own knowledge and research and there are times when I want a medical expert to take over. But that’s only for me and my health issues.
If you are interested in natural remedies, I think the first thing to do is research. Learn about the health issues you want to treat. Learn about the herbs and other treatments that have been used for your particular symptoms, and what the success rate is. Think about your comfort levels with a particular treatment. Sipping an herbal tea is relatively easy. Do you feel able to measure, mix, and use herbs in a poultice or ointment?
There’s lots of information here in the Health Blog to get you started, if you’re interested in natural treatments for common or minor health issues. And if you have any questions for me, don’t hesitate to ask!