Celebrating Herbal Prescription Interaction Awareness Month, Dr Sanjay Jain Provides Tips for Alternative Herbal Remedies and Better Health
Washington, DC (PRWEB) July 31, 2014 -- Alternative medicine, using herbs and whole foods as a method of regaining and maintain health, is gaining popularity among people in a culture that's been using chemical-laden prescription medications for decades. Many are taking a step back in time and embracing the benefits of the herbs that nature has so graciously provided.
"Mother Nature has given us some special plants that can be very helpful," says Dr. Jain in his book Optimal Living 360: Smart Decision Making for a Balanced Life. "Aspirin comes from willow bark; taxol, a cancer drug, comes from the Pacific yew tree; and digitalis, a cardiac drug, is from the foxglove plant family." He also notes that more than 7,000 compounds used in pharmaceuticals come from plants. On their own, most of the items from nature's pharmacy provide helpful benefits, but without the negative side effect of modern medicine.
Herbals to Consider Using
Upon consultation with a medical professional, consider using these three, readily available herbals in daily life:
Aloe- This common house plant can be used topically on injured parts of the body to promote healing and reduce inflammation and pain. It's best used in it's most natural state; break off a piece, open it up and apply to the skin for fast relief.
Garlic- Don't underestimate the power of garlic, or be put off by its potent smell. Their tiny bulbs pack a punch when it comes to nutrition, and is anecdotally said to lower levels of LDL cholesterol. Don't be afraid to use garlic liberally; chop up several cloves to add to tomato-based sauces or stir-fries. For a quick dish that whips up easily, dice four medium size tomatoes, drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and top with a sea salt, chopped garlic, fresh basil and oregano to taste.
Green Tea- Known for it's high levels of antioxidants, green tea is refreshing all year round. The plant sterols in the tea aid in reducing the risk of heart disease.
Before tossing prescription medicines out and buying a basket full of herbal supplements consider these tips from Dr. Jain:
Always check with a physician before consuming supplements. Both doctors advocating alternative medicine and those conventionally trained will be able to give advice on which supplements are harmful in combination with medications or existing health conditions.
Buy quality supplements. When it comes to health, money should never be the deciding factor. Choose a product that has a good reputation and comes from a manufacturer who guarantees standardized doses. If money is an issue, choose one high-quality item over multiple low-quality ones.
Choose single ingredient supplements. Multi-vitamins and herbal formulas boast many benefits, but whenever possible, choose supplements that contain just one herb rather than a whole array.
Buy dried herbs in small batches. Fresh herbs are always superior to dried, since the beneficial components deteriorate over time. For those who must buy dried herbs for teas and soups, buy small batches and smell them to make sure they're still fragrant.
Using herbals as part of daily life and for medicinal purposes is a great way to stay healthy, courtesy of Mother Nature. As always, check with a medical professional before taking any supplements.
About Dr. Sanjay Jain:
Sanjay Jain, M.D. MBA is a New York Times and USA Today Best Selling author, accomplished medical doctor, health expert, life coach and inspirational keynote speaker who has dedicated his life to helping people find their purpose by achieving a meaningful life that they deeply cherish.
Sanjay Jain is U.S. trained and a board certified physician with over 15 years of clinical experience. He holds certifications in Diagnostic Radiology, Integrative Medicine, and Healthcare Quality and Management. He is a graduate from the accelerated BS/MD program at The Northeast Ohio Medical University. He has diversified experience in the private practice, academic, and integrated multispecialty settings.
He was a former assistant professor at The Ohio State University where he also obtained his MBA at the Fisher School of Business. The combination of which has given him a unique voice and understanding of the many issues we face today in a real and practical sense.
Follow Sanjay on Twitter at @sanjayjainmd. His new book, Optimal Living 360: Smart Decision Making for a Balanced Life(Greenleaf) is available in stores now!
Ginny Grimsley, News and Experts, http://sanjayjainmd.com, 727-443-7115 Ext: 207, [email protected]
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