Sickle cell disease or disorder covers a spectrum that could range from mild to severe. It is associated with episodes of severe pain called sickle cell crises. When the red blood cells become blocked in the blood vessels, they cause excruciating pain.
Over the years, herbal supplements have been used for relief as they massively reduce pain and aches. People are now looking for alternative herbal supplements and their usage is increasing worldwide. These are products derived from plants and/or their oils, roots, seeds, or flowers. Herbal supplements have been used for many centuries. They are believed to have healing properties. Depending on where you live, some natural supplements may be more affordable and accessible than conventional medicines. People nowadays prefer them because they align with their personal health ideologies.
Herbal supplements, sometimes referred to as botanicals, have been used for medicinal purposes for many centuries and they continue to gain popularity among consumers today. These supplements are marketed for the prevention and management of many diseases. Currently, an estimated 75% of the world’s population have used or are using some type of herbal supplements.
What are the forms of herbal supplements?
Herbal products come in different forms and may be used internally or externally. The forms include liquid extracts, teas, tablets, capsules, bath salts, oils, and ointments.
Aloe vera, for example, is used typically for burns, psoriasis, and osteoarthritis. It is also used in the oral form for digestive issues such as gastritis or constipation.
Chamomile is used to treat sleeplessness, anxiety, stomach upset, gas and diarrhoea. It is also used for skin conditions. However, people with ragweed allergy need to be careful in using it.
Fish oil has omega-3 fatty acids. Its primary components are healthy fats that your body needs. Omega-3 may help prevent chronic inflammation and ease symptoms associated with arthritis pain. Fish high in omega-3 include herring, mackerel, salmon, and tuna.
Ginger is used to ease nausea brought about by surgery, chemotherapy, or motion sickness. And sometimes, it’s used to treat arthritis and other joint pain. But ginger may cause problems with blood clotting, heart rhythms, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels. Check with your doctor before taking this if you are on blood thinners or have diabetes.
Moringa is a peppery leaf and is often eaten as a vegetable. It is also dried and ground into the powder used for soups and curries. It has iron, potassium, and calcium. The leaf has nine essential amino acids, and vitamins A, B, and C. It’s full of protein and can be used as a substitute for meat, fish, and eggs. Moringa leaf has been used to treat malaria, arthritis, skin diseases, and diabetes. Moringa bark extract has been used to treat stomach issues, anaemia, diabetes, and other conditions. It’s full of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin C, calcium, and potassium. You can eat it raw, boil or crush it. Moringa seeds can also be pressed into cooking oil. Moringa is packed with phytochemicals and antioxidants. It may also be antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory.
Peppermint oil is used to treat digestion problems such as nausea, indigestion, stomach problems and bowel conditions.
Turmeric has been used in Ayurvedic and Chinese herbal medicine for over 4,000 years. It is used for cooking and medicine alike. The active ingredient in it is curcumin. It’s been shown to be anti-inflammatory, which can help with decreasing RA swelling and tenderness.
Rosemary is a Mediterranean shrub that has been widely used as a food spice and fragrance in cosmetics. Rosemary has also been praised for its medicinal benefits like relieving muscle pain and treating indigestion. Rosemary contains antioxidants, which can help to reduce inflammation in the body.
The complementary treatments covered here shouldn’t replace your current medications. When it comes to your health, always ask questions when in doubt.
Just like conventional medicines, herbal medicines will affect the body and can be potentially harmful if not used correctly. They should therefore be used with the same care and respect as conventional medicines. Also, be sure to check you’re purchasing these products from reputable sources.
As the popularity of these supplements continues to increase, some people elect to use them in place of traditional medications. It is important that the consumer be informed about the safe use of herbal supplements before taking them. There are several factors to consider prior to using them. While these are considered to be natural supplements, they may still cause interactions and serious adverse effects, as well as exacerbate certain medical conditions. Patients with certain conditions are at a greater risk of developing adverse effects when using herbal supplements.
If you are considering using a herbal supplement, you should be aware that it may interact with both prescription and non-prescription medications and can cause adverse effects.
It is important to learn about potential benefits and side effects of herbal supplements before you buy any. Be sure to talk to your doctor, especially if you take any medicines, have a chronic health problem, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Herbal products can pose unexpected risks because many supplements contain active ingredients that have strong effects on the body. For example, taking a combination of herbal supplements or using supplements together with prescription drugs could lead to harmful, even life-threatening results.
If you would like to get in touch with me about sickle cell, do so, via email: [email protected] And do check out my blog: https://www.dailylivingwithsicklecell.com/ My book on Sickle Cell – HOW TO LIVE WITH SICKLE CELL and my other books are available for purchase on www.amazon.com
