There are two main philosophies around the treatment of illnesses. The conventional approach looks at disease as the actual problem, whereas the holistic approach, which utilizes herbal remedies, sees the disease as an outcome of systems dysfunctioning within the body. In conventional medicine, the illness is treated as a series of symptoms seen as a result of the illness that unfortunately occurred within the body. Medicinal treatments function to soothe these symptoms and enable management of the disease. Unfortunately, these "medicines" are wrought with negative and uncomfortable side effects. This is because treatment usually involves poisoning and killing the bad bacteria, cells, mold, or whatever that has been identified as bringing on the illness. However, this also means that the good cells, bacteria, and so on, which are the very components most needed during illness, are also killed, casualties of the treatment. The result is that such treatments further weaken the systems within the body, leaving it even more susceptible to illness, which often create a vicious downward spiral of illness followed by treatment, followed by more illness, and possibly death.

Another philosophy, the holistic approach, uses natural healing methods, including herbal remedies, which enable the body to heal itself. The practitioner doctor looks at the body as a whole, viewing all systems working harmoniously together to run the amazing machine that is our body; this is where the word "holistic" comes from. When there is a breakdown within one or more systems, the doctor looks for the cause of the breakdown, such as the body being exposed to too much continued stress and over-tiredness, resulting in a shortage of certain vitamins or minerals, all which contribute to the system lacking the materials needed to run efficiently. Herbs can be chosen to add needed vitamins and minerals to gradually and gently balance deficiencies within the body. The above is just a simple example of how herbal remedies can be incorporated into care. In many cases, herbal remedies can be used to augment specific areas within the body. An example would be the body suffering from an invasive virus causing cold or flu. Eating large amounts of raw garlic will quickly stop the virus in its tracks. This is because garlic, called the number one antibiotic for herbs, contains allicin, a strong antibiotic agent, and sulphur compounds, which strengthen the immune system as well as fight infection. An antibiotic remedy, called the "Enhanced Garlic Formula", calls for 1 part each of garlic powder and powdered calcium ascorbate (form of vitamin C) mixed with ¼ part Cayenne powder (L. Thomas, 1992).

One of the benefits around the use of herbal remedies is there are almost never any negative side effects, when used correctly. Carefully chosen herbs work gently on the body, and are not intrusive. Also, because it is natural, herbs tend to complement the body’s systems, instead of working or fighting against them. Herbal remedies can be used as both a preventative measure as well as a way to help balance the body when it has broken down and is suffering from chronic illness, such as cancer, stroke, heart attack, or high blood pressure. For example, hawthorn- dried berries, leaves, or flowers- is the primary herb for toning and strengthening the heart and cardiovascular system. It is a very safe internal herb for the heart, and can be used for congestive heart failure and angina, among other conditions. Hawthorn increases blood flow to the heart muscle itself, counteracting death resulting from heart attack, which is from lack of blood flow to the heart. The recommended dosage of hawthorn for those with heart disease is 300-450 milligrams every day. As a preventative measure, 100-150 mg will do. Of course any treatment should be overseen by a qualified doctor well versed with the actions and interactions of herbs, and may be used jointly with conventional medicine. However, many have found herbal treatment to work well enough on its own, when care is being properly directed from a qualified person.

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