14 Major Ways That Herbal Products Affect the Body

What if better living was just a supplement away?

Herbal products and supplements are a great way to achieve a happier and healthier life. Unfortunately, many people don’t know about how these products can affect their bodies.

Curious about what herbal products and other naturopathic healing can do for your body? Keep reading to discover the answer!

leaves and branches

1. Anodynes

Anodynes (known as analgesics in the medical world) are found within plants and help to alleviate pain. This provides an easy and natural way to deal with all kinds of pain you may be experiencing.

In some cases, the plants contain other elements that can help with specific kinds of pain. For example, antispasmodics can help with cramps and tense muscles. And soporifics can help you get to sleep, making them the perfect “pre-bedtime” supplements!

14 Major Ways That Herbal Products Affect the Body | Naturopathic Dr

2. Astringents

Astringents have a relatively simple function. Simply put, they take your body’s tissues and help them to contract. Because of that, astringents have a number of possible uses.

If you are suffering from diarrhea, astringents can help you out. And you can even gargle them as a way to heal with a painful sore throat–just as good any remedy from grandma!

Interestingly, astringents can also stop injuries from bleeding and sores from running. 

14 Major Ways That Herbal Products Affect the Body | Naturopathic Dr

3. Alteratives

Once upon a time, the idea of “detox” was typically reserved for those experiencing substance addiction problems. Now, though, many people look for foods, drinks, and supplements to help detox their bodies in the name of health.

Alternatives are a great way to do this. They help detoxify your body and are particularly useful if you are getting over a nasty illness.

With alternatives, you won’t just recover more quickly. You’ll feel better than ever once you do!

14 Major Ways That Herbal Products Affect the Body | Naturopathic Dr

4. Antiseptics

You’re probably already familiar with some of the benefits of antiseptics. Growing up, it’s likely that your family would apply antiseptics to your body whenever you got cuts and scrapes.

That’s because antiseptics run interference on microbes and help to protect your body from infection. While they may feel painful when applied to your injury, they seriously help you heal.

14 Major Ways That Herbal Products Affect the Body | Naturopathic Dr

5. Cardiacs

What do cardiacs do? In this case, the name says it all: cardiacs help to make your heart stronger.

Of course, your heart is no laughing matter. Don’t take any cardiacs without the supervision and recommendation of your doctor!

14 Major Ways That Herbal Products Affect the Body | Naturopathic Dr

6. Carminatives

Carminatives have a fancy name. As Steve Brill and Evelyn Dean point out, the name is derived from the George Bizet opera Carmen.

Despite the fancy etymology, carminatives are very down to earth: they help with digestive problems and can help remove gas from your body.

14 Major Ways That Herbal Products Affect the Body | Naturopathic Dr

7. Demulcents

Pain on the inside can feel like hell. Fortunately, demulcents can help you soothe some of this hellish misery.

Demulcents, when taken internally, can do things like absorb water and keep those damaged tissues safe. This helps to reduce pain and can even speed up your internal recovery.

14 Major Ways That Herbal Products Affect the Body | Naturopathic Dr

8. Diaphoretics

Sweating is annoying, but did you know it can be a good thing? When you have a fever, sweating helps to get the fever out of your body.

Diaphoretics can help stimulate perspiration. That helps you make a recovery from your fever, one drop of sweat at a time!

14 Major Ways That Herbal Products Affect the Body | Naturopathic Dr

9. Diuretics

Like sweat, you may not think you’d ever want to urinate more often. However, regular urination can help with issues such as high blood pressure (which is why a doctor may prescribe you water pills).

Such pills are diuretics, and they are also available in a natural form. However, you must remember to not use diuretics without the supervision of your physician.

14 Major Ways That Herbal Products Affect the Body | Naturopathic Dr

10. Emollients

While demulcents are taken internally, emollients are taken externally. Their purpose? Emollients help to deal with painful skin irritation.

That’s why emollients are often prescribed to patients who are suffering from skin problems such as psoriasis. And while they are not a magical cure-all, emollients are the first step towards healthier skin.

14 Major Ways That Herbal Products Affect the Body | Naturopathic Dr

11. Emmenagogues

As annoying as menstruation can be, menstruation difficulties are even worse. That’s why emmenagogues are so useful.

Emmenagogues do a little bit of everything when it comes to menstrual health. That includes inducing menstruation and eliminating painful cramps.

While large doses of this can have serious effects on your body, small doses can be a real lifesaver for those experiencing menstrual problems.

14 Major Ways That Herbal Products Affect the Body | Naturopathic Dr

12. Rubefacients

If you suffer from arthritis, there is an alternative to expensive medications or simply suffering through the pain. Instead, you can use rubefacients.

Rubefacients help promote blood flow on top of your skin. Because of that, they help to ease arthritis and other chronic pain issues you may be experiencing.

14 Major Ways That Herbal Products Affect the Body | Naturopathic Dr

13. Stimulants

You’re probably already aware of the effects that stimulants can have on your body. They help to increase circulation and improve your metabolism.

While too much of certain stimulants can be a bad thing (we’re looking at you, caffeine), stimulants in mild doses are beneficial to your body. They can help clear up internal obstructions and even warm you up (which certainly makes coffee a “one, two” punch).

14 Major Ways That Herbal Products Affect the Body | Naturopathic Dr

14. Tonics

Of all the items on this list, tonics are possibly the most controversial. That’s because there is not a general medical consensus on what they do.

Generally, tonics are supposed to help strengthen your body. And many cultures have relied on tonics to improve strength for centuries.

Of course, tonics are like any other herbs on this list. If you’re skeptical, you can test tonics out for yourself!

Who knows? You may discover a new and natural way to feel stronger and healthier each day.

Herbal Products: Planning For Your Future

Now you know what various herbal products can do for your health and your lifestyle. But do you know who can help create the perfect naturopathic regimen to boost your health and energy?

We specialize in naturopathic medicine, genetic nutritional counseling, far infrared sauna therapy, and women’s health. With our help, you can chart an exciting new direction for a happier and healthier life.

To see how we can help you become the best possible version of yourself, contact us today!

About The Author:

Dr. Karen Threlkel, Naturopathic Physician, Washington DC

Dr. Karen Threlkel, Naturopathic Physician, Washington DC

Dr. Threlkel received her degree of Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine from The National College for Naturopathic Medicine (now called The National University of Natural Medicine) in Portland, Oregon. She also holds a Bachelor Degree in Kinesiology from The University of Maryland. She is licensed in Naturopathic Medicine by the Government of the District of Columbia Department of Health. Dr. Threlkel is a member of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, past president & current member of the Washington DC Association of Naturopathic Physicians.

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