Health & Wellness: Natural Wellness

Health & Wellness

By Nanette Wiser

Sometimes called holistic or alternative therapies, today natural wellness is used side by side with Western and mainstream medicine. Perhaps you see a provider already for pain relief, stress reduction or another condition.

If not, some excellent practitioners in Pinellas County can be found in these pages such as Bodhi Massage Therapy & Wellness, Kripalu Yoga, The Centre, Achieve Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine, Ancient Healing Acupuncture & Herbs Clinic, Mobile Therapeutic Massage, Helios Health, Maddy Spa, Paradise Foot Spa, 2 Reds Massage, Florida’s Natural Farmacy, The Goods and more. Be sure to check out Camilla Nichols, M.S., on Holistic Health monthly; to book a wellness or healthy eating consult, email her at info@simplethings.world.

Why not spring into wellness by trying one of these complementary therapies? Choose among herbal therapy, aromatherapy, massage therapy, reflexology, music therapy, therapeutic touch, yoga, meditation, aquatic therapy, spiritual healing practices, acupuncture, homeotherapy, Chinese medicine, exercise therapy, humor and laughter therapy, relaxation exercises, guided imagery, nutrition therapy, emerging therapies, and relevant apps. Learn more at www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/alternative_medicine/

The use of herbal products and supplements has increased during the last 30 years with approximately 80% of people worldwide relying on them for some part of primary healthcare. Herbal therapy or botanicals include dietary supplements and herb dispensed as brews, powders, poultices, ointments or pills. Getting your doctor’s input is essential, especially when taking other medications; it’s important to know the interactions in advance. Be sure to purchase from a respected purveyor in person or online. 

Herbal therapy dates back to early civilizations and is used by Native American and other cultures as part of their wellness regimes. In Ayurveda, aloe vera is known as the king of medicinal plants, lucky for us as it grows well in Paradise. 

Some commonly used herbs with therapeutic value are echinacea (immune stimulant and anti-infection agent), garlic (anti-hypertensive, antibiotic), ginger (anti-nausea, anti-spasmodic), ginseng root (increased stamina, decreased fatigue), kava kava (calming) and St. John’s wort (nausea, anti-depressant). Other popular herbal treatments are aloe vera (topically for burns, psoriasis, and osteoarthritis), black cohosh (hot flashes, night sweats) and chamomile (sleeplessness, anxiety, upset stomach, gas). Saw palmetto may help increase testosterone levels, improve prostate health, reduce inflammation, prevent hair loss, and enhance urinary tract function.

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