WELLNESS FROM THE ROOT

Men are discovering a different option beyond prescribed medications and finding a healthier lifestyle.

Written by Dr. Johny R. Tice

Dr. Johnny R. Tice is a Clinical Assistant Professor at The University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa)-Capstone College of Nursing and serves as the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Concentration Coordinator.

[ LIFE ] [ LIFE ]

Reconnect with your inner spirit to find more balance and consistency in life.

At some point or another, you’ve been seen by a healthcare provider and more than likely “prescribed” a medication to treat some sort of health condition … right? Well, did you know that there is perhaps an herbal medicine or “natural remedy” that could have been used as a treatment alternative or complement? What I am referring to is “herbal medicine,” which is a nonprescription form of medicine derived from plant sources including: leaves, stems, flowers, seeds, and roots. Herbal medicine dates back well over 5,000 years and has become more prevalent over the last fifty years. Many frequently prescribed medications today have plant-based or herbal origin including aspirin (from willow bark), digoxin (from foxglove), and morphine (from the opium poppy). Recently, herbal medicine has been highlighted in the prevention and treatment of the novel COVID-19 virus with such herbal tinctures as elderberry, ginger, and turmeric. As African American men, we carry some staggering negative health statistics, such as the lowest life expectancy and highest cancer death rates of all ethnic groups. Similarly, we die the most from heart disease, cancer and accidents that, in many cases, can be mitigated through better individual health practices. Exploring the health benefits and use of herbal medicine can be a

Sexual Function Support

Gingko Biloba Maca Ginseng

Garlic Hawthorn Grape Seed St. Johns Whort Lemon Balm Kava Kava

Cardiovascular Health Support Mental Health Support

Sleep Support

Black Cohosh

Nutmeg

Valerian

General Immune Support

Black Elderberry Echinacea Marigold

TRANSFORMING THE LIVES OF MEN www.codemmagazine.com

SUBSCRIBE TODAY

first step in achieving and maintaining better health. A wide range of common conditions can be treated and managed with herbal medicines from minor aches and pains to chronic conditions such as asthma, high blood pressure, depression, and diabetes. Furthermore, herbal medicines can be used to support wellness and prevent illness from viruses such as those that cause the common cold, seasonal allergies, different types of cancers, and maintenance of mental and digestive health. (See Chart) While there are numerous health benefits from the use of herbal medicines, it’s important to know herbal medicines can cause unpleasant side effects such as mild to moderate rashes, headache, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea but are usually non-life-threating and in many cases diminish after initial use.

Because herbal medicines can interact when taken with other prescription and over the counter (OTC) medications, as a rule of thumb, it’s always a good idea to discuss any herbal medicine(s) of interest with a healthcare provider before taking them. Herbal medicine use should always be reported when a medication usage profile is collected from you by a healthcare provider. The US Department of Health and Human Services has two great sources of information related to herbal medicines: 1) The National Institutes of Health: Office of Dietary Supplements, and 2) National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. These two resources provide in-depth information such as fact sheets with background information and the previously mentioned side effect profiles related to herbal and other supplemental treatments.

Healthier practices start with you and it is time to make healthy living a priority. I challenge you to you to take this information to devise a plan to live a longer, healthier life and I ask that you share this information with your family, friends, and others in your community. With this knowledge and insight, you have the ability to not only improve your health but to advance the overall health of the African American male.

Now is the time to act — here’s to your good health! ●