If someone ran a research study to determine if gasoline helps start campfires, the answer would be a definitive “yes”. But the study wouldn’t answer your most important question: Is gasoline the best way to start my campfire? With safety in mind, there might be a better option. Pharmaceuticals are healthcare’s gasoline. They’re great for emergencies, but they are often used by default without considering safer alternatives first. Although clinical research supports many medical uses for herbs, most people don’t take them seriously. Read on for a blissful introduction to herbs and their true value for holistic health.
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What Herbs are Not
Herbs are not drugs. Comparing herbs to pharmaceuticals is like racing boats against cars. Both are equally appropriate in different circumstances, so it would be ridiculous to make them compete. Herbs are not for extreme interventions like pharmaceuticals and surgeries. Instead, herbs supply nutrients, antioxidants, and active compounds just like any other food. That complexity can produce different results from person to person, which makes research difficult. It’s no surprise that man-made chemicals have bigger reactions that are easier to document in clinical trials. That doesn’t mean drugs are always the best option. The risk of side effects has to be weighed against the potential benefits. Whenever extreme measures aren’t necessary, herbs have the potential to improve your health in a way that’s low-risk and non-invasive.
Placebo Effect
Most herbal remedies have been passed down through tradition, rather than modern science. Therefore, it can be hard to filter out the psychological biases and placebo effects. But that’s no reason to scoff at tea drinkers. We shouldn’t discard ancient knowledge simply because herbs lack research funding. Since most herbal remedies are relatively safe and cheap, the risk of being wrong is low when herbs are used appropriately. The act of self-care can improve your health in many ways. If you believe in the benefits, you’re more likely to see them as your body responds to positive thoughts and actions.
Know Thyself
Consciously making herbs part of your daily life can be a fun adventure! First, figure out your primary goal. Do you need to elevate your cooking game? Do you want a healthier lifestyle with increased immunity? Are you seeking safe treatments for mild symptoms? All this can be accomplished with herbs! Whatever your reason is, know that it’s a rewarding experience and your body will thank you for nourishing it.
Unfortunately, herbs don’t always work the same for everyone. Using them effectively requires personal experience. The effects are often subtle and slow. You might not notice changes for weeks or months in some cases. People have lost faith in traditional methods because modern medicine has created unrealistic expectations. You can’t expect food to behave like drugs. If you’re expecting instant results, you’ll be disappointed. Botanicals often require more careful observation to detect the subtle changes that happen in your body. Commit herbs to your routine, and you’ll gradually discover the gifts they bring.
Nature’s Bliss
It’s obvious how important nature is for supporting a healthy lifestyle. Think of how calming it is to take some time in a green park full of trees after a long day of work, or how grounding it is to walk barefoot in the sand on a beautiful beach. People who utilize nature find peace in their hearts and minds. As we see it, plants are just another great way to bring nature’s healing wonders into our bodies. Plants and herbs are nature’s gifts, with nutrient diversity that supports our bodily functions. Daily herbs, fruits, and vegetables fortify our bodies with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals we need to survive and thrive in this challenging world.
All the Cool People Are Doing It
The most successful people understand the importance of supporting their physical health because it empowers them to accomplish greater things in life. From Oprah Winfrey to Tom Brady, you’d be amazed how the smartest people take their healthy morning habits seriously. This includes juicing fruits, vegetables, and herbs on a daily basis.
Where to Start
Here’s a quick suggestion: try sprinkling a seasoning herb blend in your next meal. It might surprise you with deliciousness! Do some experimentation to find what works for different cooking situations. If you are up for a bigger challenge, you can try juicing your favorite fruits, herbs, and vegetables.
Chances are you’re already consuming herbs from the food you eat. Oregano, garlic, rosemary, thyme, and onion are just a few examples of aromatic herbs that are commonly used for cooking.
Tea is another easy way to implement herbs. Having tea before bed helps us wind down, sleep better, and develop a routine that creates long-term health benefits.
Here are just a few examples of well-known herbal remedies:
- Sleep aid – Lemon Balm, Valerian, Chamomile
- Inflammation – Turmeric
- Cold relief – Oregano (oil), Garlic (crushed), Echinacea, Elderberry
- Heartburn – Marshmallow Root (tea)
- Mild Depression – St. John’s Wort (extract)
- Stress – Holy Basil, Ginseng, Ashwagandha
For those who want convenience, there are extracts in liquid or pill form that you can take on the go. Be careful which supplements you buy though because not all supplements come from reputable suppliers. Look for organic products that are unpolluted from chemicals. Here are a few organizations that test for contaminants and certify product quality:
- National Sanitation Foundation
- National Products Association
- United States Pharmacopeia
- ConsumerLab.com
- Government
Use blisspointers.com to find reputable suppliers for all your herbal needs. We only recommend suppliers who put in the extra effort to make the high quality products.
Conclusion
Good health is a lifestyle choice. It takes a lot of physical and mental work, and for some, it’s a spiritual journey too. No matter your knowledge level or beliefs, you can benefit from holistic health.
Before trying any herbal treatment, make sure you consider the contraindications, your medical condition, and the seasonal availability. Consult your doctor before attempting to treat any medical condition.
We welcome you to the world of healing herbs. We can’t wait for you to enjoy the bliss nature can offer. If you are interested to know our favorite herbs and how we use them, we curated the Herb Glossary where you can find descriptions, quick recipes, and research resources.