Herbal Remedies in Europe
Banning herbal remedies would make lavender an endangered species as far as natural health is concerned.
Yet in Europe there is a push to ban many medicines that contain herbs and this could have a knock-on effect for those who prefer natural products rather than those that are chemically produced.
Natural Plant-Based Remedies
While many will often visit the GP or the pharmacy to get remedies for colds, coughs and the like; most of us are probably not aware that about 80% of the world relies on remedies that are plant-based. This includes those of us in so called “advanced industrialised nations”.
For those people who choose to use pharmaceutics; more than 50% are plant-based. So why then is there a push for limiting natural and plant-based medicines in Europe?
The EU will be looking to change the rules and this will be interesting to watch from afar and see what effect it will have both here in Australasia and beyond.
Natural Remedy Usage Increasing
However it is worth noting an ever growing number of people are turning away from chemically based products as they become aware of the side-effects of many products that are offered them.
I know lavender products are gaining in popularity and I keep finding out about more, as I research this amazing aromatic herb.
History of Lavender
If we look at the history of lavender; we note that it has been around for thousands of years. And down through the ages it has been used successfully to treat different conditions.
It has many medicinal properties and continues to be gaining in popularity in the 21st century.
Acknowledging Local Natural Remedies
While Europe debates the use of herbs; here in Australia we are at last beginning to appreciate the indigenous peoples’ way of life; including their natural medicinal remedies that are plant-based.
I have learned much from programs that have not only demonstrated their survival skills in our harsh climate, but also their delicious ‘bush tucker’ recipes. Quandongs come readily to mind; being used for both medicinal and food purposes.
The way they apply the supply of abundant natural products in their surroundings to their lifestyle; is evident in how they survived without western medicine for thousands of years. Even the early explorers have used quandongs to ward off scurvy, as they have high vitamin C content.
Importance of Natural Remedies
For me, this clearly demonstrates the importance of plants including herbs, continuing to be made available for health & well-being.
This of course would include the lovely lavender. Lavender an endangered species … for the sake of our health; hopefully not ever.
Related Articles
Lavender for Health
Why Choose Organic Lavender
Return to Home Page from Lavender An Endangered Species
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{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
Patricia
I am surprised to hear that in Europe they are considering banning the use of some herbs, they are usually way ahead of Australia in their thinking. I am all for natural herbs. I actually studied herbal medicine 20 years ago with Dorothy Hall and practiced as a herbalist/naturopath for a short while. So I always look for the natural way before any pharmaceuticals. Comfrey was a herb that was banned about 20 years ago that is an example of how the AMA gets scared of what they don’t know and so then bans a product instead of exploring its uses. Would hate for any other products to end up this way.
Belinda
Hi Belinda
I was surprised too when I found the article! Hopefully they will come to their senses and realise that natural remedies have far fewer side-effects.
I am writing more articles that hopefully will be a pleasant surprise to my readers. At last qualified researchers and medicos are at least being more open and exploring the benefits of the lovely lavender and other natural products.
Patricia Perth Australia
I love being able to find a more natural alternative. I am allergic to a few medicines…some strange ones that aren’t common for people to be allergic to. So I am super paranoid when it comes to taking any medicine. I always try to find a natural alternative if I think nature can’t just take its course.
Well done Melinda wise choice. Less side effects and much better for you. The use of natural health products has really grown here in Australia which is very encouraging.
Patricia Perth Australia
Hi Patricia
My mother-in-law uses Lavender frequently for its salubrious properties.
I find it relaxes tired muscles very well but sometimes the scent can be overwhelming. What do you think?
Natural products are indeed becoming more popular and widely used here in Australia.
Thanks for sharing.
Michael
Hi Michael
It depends what lavender products you use. If it is a good quality organic lavender product it should not be too overwhelming. Sadly some lavender products use lavandin and this maybe why you have found some to not be as subtle as others.
You are right, the natural health market is growing here in Australia which I see as a good thing as so many medicines have side effects whereas most natural products are safe to use.
Patricia Perth Australia
We, here in eastern world, still use herbs for most of the common diseases. And I’m surprised to see we are taught and push to use lots of pharma tabs and syrubs. We started destroy our habbit. I could boil 5 or 6 leaf of Tulsi for about 10 munutes and drink to cure common cold and caugh, but find it more easier to buy 5 or 6 tabs of citrizene and cough-syrups. Why we in Asia are following the same path from where Europe is turning back?
Hi Suresh
Thanks for visiting and taking time to comment about this important topic. You are so right to ask the question. Why do people who have for years used natural health remedies start using pharmacopia with all its side effects?! So many of us are looking to natural products because we have seen all the side effects of a lot of traditional western medicine. Also there are heaps of medical studies now being done that show that the lovely lavender has many uses and I am enjoying researching and writing about them on my blog. Hope you visit again and get to discuss more on this topic.
Patricia Perth Australia
Hi Patricia:
You are doing so great with your niche. Most of the plants in use have natural effects because of their natural composition. Lavender is an special natural herb recognized from the ancient world and still used.
Patricia I believe that human health and well being needs natural products for remedies. Though I do not use them, just the cultural influence.
Talk again
Fran Aslam
Hi Fran
Thanks for your continued support of my blog. Much appreciated. A lot of people are now embracing a more organic lifestyle and looking to more natural remedies for their health & well-being. With a lot of research being done it is also helping spread the word.
Patricia Perth Australia