Medicines are primarily for health care and strengthening the immune system. Taking in medicines on the first sign of a symptom is the first step of prevention so the virus could not progress to the secondary or third level of the disease. Consumers now seeking for alternative medicine, other than synthetic ones, trigger the sudden up rise of natural health products in the market.

Natural health products have their origin way back prehistoric times. Ancient medicine men would usually boil the roots, flowers, stem, bark or commonly the leaves of an herb and claim of its soothing effect on any illness. But because of the current technology, the benefits and efficacy of natural health products in combating a particular disease are now being thoroughly researched.

There are several clinical tests done proving that natural health products are indeed have a scientific basis for its effectiveness. More than 80,000 plant species, both hard to find herbs and even the most common ones, are now being used as active components in natural health products.

Today, herbal pharmaceutical manufacturers increase their production every year because of the big demand for natural health products. The fast trend of the herbal medicines in the market provoked the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to insure quality and safety in natural health products. In fact, close to 25% of US prescription drugs are herbal medicines.

There are a number of benefits why consumers opt for natural health products as alternative to synthetic medicines. Natural health products lessen your intake of unnecessary chemicals and preservatives other medicines might have. They could also reduce the inception of the usual health problems associated with synthetic medicines such as stomach aches and allergies among others. Natural health products are also earth friendly because their compositions can easily be broken down and harmlessly released to the environment unlike chemical substances.

Natural health products strongly suggest the correlation of the mind and the human body in combating all known diseases. The concept of energy healing and the natural capacity of the body is the fundamental theory of natural health products. If coupled self-discipline, clean environment and a balance diet, natural health products would take its full effect, thus, eliminating the core problem area of the illness rather than offer a short-term relief.

Below are the most common plants that are contained in majority of most natural health products.

Common name: Chamomile
Scientific name: Chamomilla recutita
Traditional use: Mouthwash, oral mucositis, indigestion

Common name: Devils Claw
Scientific name: Harpagophytum procumbens
Traditional use: Low back pain

Common name: Feverfew
Scientific name: Tanacetum parthenium
Traditional use: Migraine, Rheumatoid Arthritis

Common name: Garlic
Scientific name: Alium sativum
Traditional use: Blood Pressure,Cholesterol Lowering, Antibacterial, Antifungal

Common name: Ginseng
Scientific name: Panax quinquefolius
Traditional use: Increase stamina

Common name: Ginger
Scientific name: Zingiber officinale
Traditional use: Seasickness

Common name: Aloe Vera
Scientific name: Aloe ferox A. barbadensis
Traditional use: Burns, abrasions, skin injuries

Common name: Astragalus
Scientific name: Astragalus membranaceous
Traditional use: Strengthen immunity

Common name: Bilberry
Scientific name: Vaccinium myrtillus
Traditional use: Cardiovascular, improve blood circulation

Common name: Evening Primrose
Scientific name: Vitex agnus-castus
Traditional use: Menstrual Irregularities

Common name: Witch Hazel
Scientific name: Hamamelis virginiana
Traditional use: Varicose veins, bruises

Common name: Valerian
Scientific name: Valeriana officinalis
Traditional use: Sedative, sleep aid anxiety, insomnia, nervous irritability

Common name: Peppermint
Scientific name: Mentha piperita
Traditional use: Indigestion, irritation and inflammation of the gums

Common name: Milk Thistle
Scientific name: Silybum marianum
Traditional use: Improve liver function, protect against liver damage

Common name: Dandelion
Scientific name: Taraxacum officinale
Traditional use: Improve promote bile flow and liver function

Common name: Cranberry
Scientific name: Vaccinium macrocarpon
Traditional use: Prevent urinary tract infections

Above is a very short list of medical herbs found in natural health products in the market today, there are thousands more and another thousand yet to be discovered.

Just a quick reminder, be sure to check on the label of whatever natural health products you want to purchase, verify if it would be suitable to your illness. Although you can get natural health products over the counter, it always best to consult a doctor first before buying anything you would intake for your medication.

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