1. Herbal Supplements
People use herbal supplements to stay healthy or treat health conditions, yet unlike medications, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t mandate that these products undergo clinical tests or meet manufacturing standards with regard to clinical testing or side effects. Furthermore, some may interact with certain medicines or cause unexpected side effects.
Herbal medicines, or botanicals, come in the form of capsules, pills, tablets, teas and lozenges and vary greatly in consistency and type. While technically considered dietary supplements, herbal medicine can have strong impacts on our bodies that some could even find harmful. Furthermore, as herbal products do not undergo the same rigorous testing or manufacturing processes as medications do and they could interact with prescribed or over-the-counter medicines; having access to an experienced herbal practitioner is therefore key in improving safety and efficacy.
2. Homeopathic Medicine
Similar to herbal supplements, homeopathy remedies have become an incredibly popular and legal health practice. Unfortunately, however, their regulation differs greatly from that of medications; therefore claims about being able to increase alertness or cure cancer may have no scientific basis at all.
Homeopaths use ingredients known to cause specific symptoms, and then dilute it down until there’s virtually no trace of its original substance left – this process is called succussion. Unfortunately, this makes it hard to know whether a remedy actually works; however some homeopaths believe the process leaves an imprint of the original substance that may give some clues as to whether it does or doesn’t. Allium cepa (derived from onions), for instance, can help treat runny noses; Chamomilla can treat teething/colic issues; and Sulphur aids any itchy conditions triggered by hot weather.
4. Nutritional Supplements
Many people who have difficulty taking pills may turn to nutritional dietary supplements as an aid, spending an estimated $60 billion a year. Americans consume multivitamins and digestive aids as well as muscle builders and age defiers – these may play an essential part in overall health but should always be taken after consulting a doctor first. Since much of this industry remains unregulated, consumers must exercise caution when choosing products with miracle-claims or too good-to-be true benefits; some FDA regulated substances may exist; however there may also be unregulated ones out there that make promises too good-to be true benefits; both entities need be taken from where appropriate sources in order to protect their wellbeing and safety.
5. Meditation
Meditation has its origins in ancient philosophies and world religions, yet does not necessitate specific beliefs or practices to practice effectively. Multiple studies show that people who practice regular meditation experience changes in their brain function as a result.
These changes may help them better manage stress, which has been linked to some mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. Patients suffering from medical or mental health conditions can incorporate meditation into their treatment plans for maximum wellness benefits.
Find a form of meditation that resonates with you and begin practicing today! For beginners, guided meditations (audio recordings with an instructor guiding the process; available on YouTube and podcast apps) might be good place to start; otherwise try body scanning: starting from your head down toward the body, paying close attention to each movement as you go down.
