The realm of alternative medicines is often shrouded in skepticism and mystery. While some may indeed lack credibility, many have shown their worth as valuable options for health and healing. Unlike conventional medications, alternative remedies rarely bring about harm, making them worthy of consideration. Here are a few alternative medicines I can personally endorse based on my own experiences.
Tea Tree Oil
I once had a persistent lump on the side of my nose. It grew slowly and would occasionally bleed. After having it for years, I sought medical advice, which couldn’t conclusively determine if it was cancerous. In my search for an alternative solution, I stumbled upon tea tree oil at a health-food store for a mere $6. Applying a drop to the lump daily, I was astounded to see it disappear completely in less than six weeks.
Coincidence? Hardly likely after enduring the growth for years. Several years later, I encountered a similar issue on my neck. Unable to recall my previous remedy at first, I eventually found a clue in old notes and treated the new lump with tea tree oil, which was even larger than the first. In approximately six weeks, it too vanished.
St. John’s Wort
While hiking in Canada, I sustained a deep cut on my foot. Turning to St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perfolatum), known for its anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal properties, I mashed up a few leaves and applied them to the wound, changing them periodically. The speed at which the cut healed was truly remarkable.
St. John’s Wort has gained recognition as an alternative medicine and is widely used as an anti-depressant, with multiple studies supporting its effectiveness. Some individuals also employ it for temporary mood enhancement, although this aspect is not yet scientifically substantiated. Personally, I’ve experienced an elevated mood for a couple of hours after consuming tea made from the plant, albeit subjectively and anecdotally.
Valerian Root
When my wife experiences cramps and pain, nothing brings relief like a cup of valerian root tea, readily available in many stores. Valerian root’s potency as a relaxant is undeniable. However, it can be too strong for some individuals. For a milder option to induce relaxation, chamomile is a suitable alternative, available in tea form. When sweetened with honey, it makes for a soothing bedtime drink.
The world of alternative medicines is teeming with options. I’ve quelled a headache by chewing on willow twigs and alleviated diarrhea with oak bark, though I must emphasize caution as the latter can strain the liver in high doses. I’ve even witnessed a friend’s poison ivy rash vanish overnight through the application of jewelweed juice.
Admittedly, I have experimented with numerous alternative remedies that proved ineffective. Nonetheless, the collective cost of these unsuccessful attempts likely doesn’t match a single doctor’s visit. In contrast, the successful ones remain untapped by conventional medicine. When it comes to alternative medicines, conducting your own research can be enlightening and transformative.