When turning towards Mother Nature for health remedies, it is important to separate the ones that really deliver and the ones that will offer a placebo, at best. Naturopathic medication is no scam and has a sound scientific underpinning, but the waters can be muddied somewhat by the range of natural remedies out there which simply don’t work. Kiya Longevity, a company offering naturopathic consultations via advanced telehealth technology, stress that, thankfully, people soon learn what works and what doesn’t. Accordingly, the most popular herbal remedies out there are, broadly, the ones that work best. 

The Basis of Modern Medicine

A word on the foundations of modern medicine is certainly worthwhile if we are to understand just what a great benefit herbal medication – and, for that matter, naturopathic medications in general – can be. While we often hear about newly synthesized drugs and hold images in our heads of lab technicians in white coats and a general idea of artificiality, this is actually totally misleading. While new drugs are certainly often synthesized under lab conditions, the basic chemical foundations of them overwhelmingly come from nature. That is the first reason to trust natural remedies. 

The other reason is that naturopathic medicine is actually nothing particularly new or controversial. Have you ever been to an acupuncturist? Have you ever been for a massage to sort a bad back? Have you ever done any exercise? All of these are totally natural remedies and are therefore technically a form naturopathic medicine – and nobody can deny that they work.

The Most Popular Herbal Medicines 

So, what are the most popular herbal medicines out there and, perhaps more interestingly, why are they so popular? 

Echinacea

Echinacea is a native plant of North America and has accordingly been used in many native American remedies for treating a variety of ailments. Today, it is a popular remedy for wounds, burns, toothache, sore throat, and an upset stomach. The roots have the strongest effect but pretty much every part of the plant can be taken medicinally. It is normally brewed into an infusion and drank. 

Ginseng 

Ancient Chinese medicine is the source of a great variety of our modern natural remedies, and Ginseng is an exemplary remedy from this culture. It is used in traditional Chinese medicine to reduce inflammation, boost immunity, improve brain function and to increase energy levels. 

Gingko Biloba 

Usually known simply as Gingko, this is a medicine derived from the maidenhair tree and is another plant used traditionally in Chinese medicine. What makes Gingko so effective is that it contains a variety of antioxidants which can confer numerous health benefits. Gingko is said to be an effective treatment for heart disease, dementia, mental difficulties, and sexual dysfunction. 

Elderberry 

Elderberry is an ancient herbal medicine usually consumed as a syrup put into a drink or as a lozenge for sucking. There is actually pretty strong clinical evidence that elderberry can shorten the duration of flu symptoms, which is thought to derive from the antioxidants it contains as well as its proven antiviral properties.

St John’s Wort 

The small yellow flowers of St. John’s Wort are usually used to make a tea, pills, or concentrated extracts. Traditionally, St. John’s Wort was known to be an effective treatment for wound healing and to alleviate insomnia. These days, it is well known as an effective treatment for mild to moderate depression.

There are plenty of other popular herbal remedies, all with varying amounts of clinical data to back up their effectiveness. But the continued popularity of such medications is evidence of the remarkable healing potential of totally natural substances.