Today, herbal medicines are used for a variety of reasons by a variety of people. Kiesch said those most likely to use herbal medicines are those self-treating for the prevention of illness, those preferring a more organic lifestyle or the medically uninsured, among others. Especially for those who can treat themselves. Herbal medicines are also used by those afflicted with diseases that have no known cure, including chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. Many people take herbal medicine not only when they are sick but to help them deal with the physical stress and fatigue the body experiences.
Herbal medicine works to aid the body by giving it the extra push it needs to fight a disease.
David Milbradt Some preventative uses for herbs include Echinacea and Astragalus for immune system boosting, St. John's Wort for mild depression and seasonal affective disorder, Kava kava for anxiety and nervousness, Valerian Root and Hops as a sleep a id, Stinging Nettles for allergies and nourishment and Milk Thistle for liver and blood cleansing, Quigle said. Unlike modern drugs, most herbs come in lower dosages and are generally categorized as naturally growing vegetations used to help humans perform their basic bodily functions. In contrast, prescription drugs work faster due to the concentration of the dosage, Milbradt said. For example, one could use modern medicine to ease pain in postsurgical situations but also could use herbal medicine to heal less intense ailments such as cold, flu and headaches. Each specific type of medicine is designed to do one thing, and by unknowingly mixing the herbs and drugs, unwanted side effects could occur, Milbradt said.