Herbalism and Natural Remedies

Natural Remedies in Ancient Times

For centuries, cultures across the globe have researched, grown, and used herbs and other flora naturally occurring in nature, to potentially battle a vast array of diseases, symptoms, and discomforts.

Known as herbal or “folk” remedies, these remedies are sometimes based on superstition and false information, but ancient cultures that used traditional medicines – most notably China, Japan, and India – are still using them today when research and synthetic drugs are at their most capable. In fact, in China, one-fifth of the present pharmaceutical market is traditional remedies!₁

There’s an ancient list of medicinal herbs, written around 3000 B.C., called the Shennong Ben Cao Jing,₂ which outlined the plants beneficial to humans. Those with “stimulating properties” and no adverse effect, such as cinnamon and licorice root, were known as “noble herbs”.

Others, including ginger and cucumber, were called “middle herbs”. “Low herbs” were those that often proved poisonous (rhubarb, for instance).₃

In the 11th century A.D., an Iranian physician compiled The Canon of Medicine, which is considered an immensely influential text.₂ In addition to outlining the humors and temperaments (you may have heard of those – hot, cold, dry, moist), the tome lists hundreds of medicinal substances (natural in that they were not combined with any other) and rules for experimenting with new drugs.

Renewed Interest in Natural Remedies

Today, lots of words are bandied about to describe natural medicines – holistic, alternative (which is funny, considering they’re technically the original methods), and complementary. Society’s growing willingness to seek “alternatives” to popping an ibuprofen or gulping down bismuth is a promising turn away from the quick-fix mentality adopted in the past century.

Thanks to the internet, anyone can find a list of herbs that might offer relief for almost anything that ails them. Though the potential, negative effects of over-ingestion are a bit harder to find, many people seem content to do little more than add recommended spices to their food from time to time, a purportedly healthful act that is unlikely to have dangerous results.

Herbs that Heal

Here are just three of the countless herbs and plants that can potentially tackle common concerns in a natural way:

• Tumeric: anti-inflammatory properties can ease the pain and swelling caused by Arthritis.
• Cinnamon: the spice’s extract can reduce blood sugar, and in turn allows your body to regulate your insulin more naturally. (Just be sure to say no to that ridiculous cinnamon challenge, which is dangerous.)
• Ginger: eases stomach ache by battling free radicals (the time-honored use of ginger ale for an upset tummy)

Notably, sites sharing potential at-home remedies often remind people seeking natural remedies to consult their doctor, and to never assume a plant will heal you just because it grew out of the earth. While this is true, we would argue that the inverse holds true, as well. Always research whatever medicine your doctor prescribes to you! 

The Potential Therapeutic Benefits of Cannabis 

While we’re on the topic of plants that might have a positive influence on the human body, it’s impossible not to mention marijuana. Especially with the recent craze around CBD and the potential therapeutic properties that have been attributed to that cannabinoid. So, what is it? Is cannabis going to heal the human body and turn us into the gods we’ve always dreamed of? Not necessarily. But it does hold promise!

Recent research compiled in the National Library of Medicine, points to anecdotal evidence that cannabis and the cannabinoids contained within the plant do indeed have therapeutic properties (source 4). Considering the long list of ailments that users claim are benefited by the use of marijuana, we recommend you take a look for yourself. As mentioned earlier, it is always best to consult with a licensed physician before using any perceived “medicinal” plant, especially those with psychotropic effects. Thankfully, high-CBD strains are an excellent alternative to strains with high-THC amounts, as these offer a lovely experience without the mind-alteration. Win-win!

For some of the highest quality high-CBD cannabis seeds, feel free to check out our online seed bank! We offer one of the best germination guarantees in the industry, so you can rest assured that your order is safe and secure. Peruse tons of positive reviews left by satisfied customers and read the wonders that have been experienced thanks to our top-shelf marijuana seeds. One thing is for certain… you will not be disappointed! On the off-chance that you are, our attentive staff here at Growers Choice Seeds is always willing and ready to take on your concerns and resolve your query as quickly and efficiently as possible. The customer comes first at GCS!