What is herbal medicine?
Plants naturally contain ingredients that are biologically active and have a specific effect in your body. The fact that some prescription medications, like atropine and digoxin, were originally created from plants highlights the potency of herbal medications.
When the active ingredients are extracted, herbal medications can treat illnesses, prevent disease, and help maintain ongoing wellness. By carefully choosing the herbs to meet your individual health needs, Dr. Jones provides medications that have a strong therapeutic effect while also maintaining a healthy balance in your body.
What form will my herbal medicine take?
Herbal medications are available in several forms, such as:
- Tea, which is made by placing stems, roots, or bark into boiling water to extract the active ingredients
- Powdered herbs, which are usually mixed with hot water
- Chinese patent formulas, which are premade pills or tablets
- Syrups, which are thicker liquid extractions used to soothe a cough or sore throat
Dr. Jones may also create a topical treatment by mixing herbs with oils, ointments, or dressings. This type of herbal treatment is great for relieving tight and sore muscles.
What health conditions are treated with herbal medications?
There are many plants in the world that produce a very large number of different bioactive ingredients. As a result, herbal medications are available to treat virtually every health problem, from colds and headaches to allergies and chronic fatigue.
These are a few examples of the conditions Dr. Jones may treat with herbal medications:
- Skin conditions: Eczema, rosacea, and acne
- Gastrointestinal conditions: Inflammatory bowel disease and constipation
- Respiratory conditions: Asthma, coughs, and allergies
- Gynecological conditions: Menstrual cramps, endometriosis, and infertility
- Urinary system conditions: Chronic urinary tract infections
- Psychological disorders: Depression, anxiety, and stress
Dr. Jones frequently uses herbal medicine to treat pain, where it’s especially effective for pain following trauma and for improving sleep that’s disturbed due to pain.
Is it safe to mix herbal medication with prescription medication?
The active ingredients in your herbal medication can interact with other therapies you may take, including herbal supplements, prescription medications, and over-the-counter medications. It’s important to tell Dr. Jones about all the supplements and medications you take so he can be sure they won’t interact with your herbal medication.
If you’d like to receive natural herbal medicine to prevent or treat disease, call Kevin Lance Jones, OMD, LAc, or schedule an appointment online.
