Different Forms of Herbal Medicine
There are lots of compliments concerning herbal medicine yet the facts we have is not enough proof that they are totally safe to be taken.
You must consult your doctor first before taking any herbal meds for you won’t know if it can harm you body. Another thing is that, you should also be informed about the different forms of herbal medicine to know if it’s real or just imitations.
The following are the different forms of herbal medicine:
Essence- These are herbs in a form of herbal oil processed through cold pressing and steam distillation, which is one of the famous forms of herbal medicine. This form is gaining popularity because most people prefer to be pampered through massage using these essential oils that provide immediate relief especially from muscle pains.
Pills and Capsules- Most people hesitate on taking herbal meds in its raw form for some have unbearable smell and taste. Good thing they are also in pill and capsule form. To obtain such form, the herbs are ground into powder although in this form, the medicinal purpose is not meant to be a specific cure. Like for example the Ampalaya capsules which can only improve your diabetes, but eventually curing it.
Infusions- Usually, the process only takes several minutes which mostly includes the delicate part of the plant like its leaves, seeds and fruits.
Poultice- In some situation, herbs should be applied in a form of poultice by which herbs are macerated or chopped into tiny pieces and is directly applied on skin. These are usually done if you have skin diseases or rather skin irritation.
Raw- Ancient people take herbal medicine through its raw form. But most of us today can’t endure the taste and odor of some herbs. So, scientist advice to just take it through the form of tea for it can effectively release its herbal power rather than taking it raw.
Tinctures- It’s the liquefied form of herbal medicine.
Decoction- The process usually takes 45 minutes to an hour and a half, which involves extraction of a certain part of the plant such as the berries, roots and even the herb-bark.
Knowing all the different types of herbal medicine is not enough to follow self-prescription. Always remember to seek some advice from your doctor for assurance. Prevention is always better than cure!