Everyone responds differently to health care, and when traditional methods aren’t doing the job, many people explore other options. Natural medicine is a popular option, with botanical medicine being a subset. This approach offers many potential benefits and may be what you’re looking for.

4 Botanical Medicine Questions Answered

What is it?

Botanical medicine, also called herbal medicine, uses naturally occurring plants and botanicals to treat health issues. It’s an ancient practice that has been around for thousands of years and is often recommended alongside exercise, healthy diet, and traditional care. Plants have many medicinal properties that are often helpful for managing side effects or improving health needs, which is the focus of this natural medicine practice.

How is it different from pharmaceuticals?

Pharmaceuticals use manufactured compounds to treat conditions and side effects. While they can come from plants, they’re engineered in labs. This is why they often create side effects, like gastrointestinal issues, insomnia, or fatigue. Botanical natural medicine uses living and dried plants and extracts that haven’t been altered or synthesized. Natural healing compounds benefit the entire body rather than targeting specific side effects—a drastic departure from pharmaceuticals.

What plants are used?

There are countless plants, herbs, extracts, seeds, and bark used in botanical medicine. An herbalist or alternative medicine doctor is highly trained to understand how each interacts with the body. Common examples include gingko, soy, Echinacea, papaya, poppy flowers, and yerba mate. Each has unique health benefits to manage pain, side effects, and provide whole-body benefits.

Is it safe?

Herbal medicine is safe when advised by a trained natural medicine doctor. Patients can have allergic reactions to some plants, and mixing some herbs may create adverse effects. A physician is trained to anticipate how a patient will respond to the treatment so they can be confident in the results.

If you’re interested in exploring botanical and natural medicine, contact Ellenburg Center for Natural Medicine Inc. This holistic practice, led by Dr. Michael J. Ellenburg, offers alternative care to Anchorage, AK, residents. They focus on treating conditions rather than side effects, and you’ll find a variety of naturopathic services available. Call (907) 563-2366 to schedule a consultation and visit their website to learn more about their naturopathic treatments.