Pharmaceuticals play an important role in our everyday lives. The advancements in modern medicine have provided us with medications and supplements to address everyday ailments or meet our daily vitamin and supplement requirements. However, especially in the context of medications required to treat ailments, it’s important not to exceed the dosage prescribed by the manufacturer and physician, as doing so can lead to further complications.
People rely on herbal medicinal products to address everyday ailments and supplement their daily nutritional needs due to the fewer side effects compared to modern laboratory-synthesized medications. However, it is important to emphasize that these products also come with a recommended dosage specified by the manufacturer. The Johns Hopkins Medicine website mentions that these products are manufactured from botanicals or plants and are used to treat ailments or maintain health. Moreover, a lot of over-the-counter medications are also made from botanical products which are purified components and regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
These products are available in various forms, providing consumers with flexibility in how they choose to use and administer them. These forms include, but are not limited to:
- Teas and infusions
- Tinctures
- Herbal capsules and tablets
- Oils and salves
- Powders
- Herbal soups
- Herbal extracts
- Patches
- Bath products
- Inhalants
- Chews and candies
- Lozenges
Who Can Use Them?
Generally, herbal medicinal products are safe for people to use. However, other variables must also be taken into account. It is important to consider that everyone has different reactions to numerous individual ingredients, therefore, it’s advisable to check the ingredient list of the products you intend to purchase to ensure that none of the ingredients may affect your well-being. One must also consider their medical conditions before taking these products since ingredients may contraindicate. Let’s delve further into who can safely use these products.
Pregnant and Nursing Women
Pregnant and nursing mothers should exercise caution when taking herbal products, as some ingredients may interfere with their child’s growth. However, liniment oils, such as lavender, chamomile, and ylang-ylang, are safe and may even help alleviate stress in pregnant and nursing mothers.
Children and the Elderly
There may be a variation of dosages and safety considerations for children and the elderly. When it comes to children, it’s essential to calculate the dosage correctly, while the elderly may have contraindications with other medications and conditions to consider. It is always advisable to exercise caution with medication in general and to follow the recommended dosage provided by manufacturers.
From Kitchen Cupboard to Medicine Cabinet
There are numerous ingredients that one can find in their kitchen that can be used to treat illnesses at home. Here are a few ingredients you can use for herbal medicinal products and what you can use them for.
Honey
This kitchen ingredient has numerous antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a suitable option for coughs and sore throats and is also used for wound care, and is often used as a base for herbal syrups. As revealed in an article entitled Honey and Health: A Review of Recent Clinical Research, honey has been traditionally used as treatment of eye diseases, bronchial asthma, infections of the throat, tuberculosis (TB), thirst, hiccups, exhaustion, nausea, and more.
Ginger
Ginger-root is generally famous for its anti-nausea components and can be used to minimize motion sickness, morning sickness in pregnancy, and nausea in general. Ginger is also utilized in relieving digestive issues and anti-inflammatory benefits. For more information on the benefits of ginger, check out this article discussing how it can alleviate period pains, osteoarthritis, and more.
Garlic
Garlic, known for its powerful natural antibiotic properties and immune-boosting effects, can help combat infections, lower blood pressure, and support heart health. It is often consumed raw or added to meals for its medicinal benefits. The therapeutic uses of garlic include cholesterol reduction, antihypertensive effects, and anticarcinogenic qualities. Garlic herbal capsules are also available for purchase in the market
Cinnamon
It is a popular for its capability to help regulate blood sugar levels and improve sensitivity to insulin. Cinnamon is also used for soothing digestive uneasiness and as a warming ingredient to herbal teas. Cinnamon is being promoted as a diabetes dietary supplement, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and other gastrointestinal issues.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is used in numerous health-related matters. This includes aiding digestion, supporting weight loss, and helping to maintain blood sugar levels. Moreover, ACV is often consumed in diluted water. Additional benefits include preventing heartburn by fighting germs and more. There are various ACV herbal medicinal products available to purchase online in the local market.
Malunggay
Moringa leaves or Malunggay has numerous health benefits. It is rich in numerous vitamins, these vitamins include A, C, B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B6 and Folate. Malunggay is also rich in minerals such as magnesium, iron, phosphorus, and zinc. Malunggay is also popularly known to combat inflammation.
Ampalaya
Although known for its bitter taste, ampalaya has much more to offer when it comes to providing the body with nutrients. Ampalaya is known for being rich in vitamin C, a vitamin essential in the prevention of diseases, formation of bones, and healing of wounds. Moreover, this herbal ingredient is known to assist in reducing blood sugar levels when ingested.
Where to Purchase Herbal Products in the Philippines?
The mentioned products are readily accessible to Filipino consumers. Herbal products in the Philippines are available for purchase both online and in traditional marketplaces such as supermarkets and pharmacies. Online shopping platforms also provide a wide range of brands and deals for consumers to choose from and make purchases.
Conclusion
Herbal medicinal products have gained immense popularity and accessibility among Filipino consumers. Shanne offers herbal capsules as a daily dietary supplement with no contraindications, making them safe for use alongside other medications. Furthermore, Shanne Liniment oil, a cooling liniment, is suitable for pregnant women, muscle pain, joint pain (including rheumatism and arthritis), and more. Three of the kitchen ingredients found above namely: malunggay, ampalaya, and garlic can be found in Shanne Herbal products, and these products can now be conveniently purchased online with just a click. Check out our products.
