7 Popular Health Trends in Natural Medicine for 2022

The world of natural medicine has been growing at a rapid pace in recent years. This is partly due to the emergence of new health trends that offer people therapeutic alternatives for relieving their ailments.

There is no shortage of new and exotic products and practices to try out.

Let’s look at seven recent health trends in natural medicine and why they are becoming so popular.

Acupuncture for Chronic Health Problems

Acupuncture isn’t exactly a new practice, given that it dates back to 2500 BCE in China. This alternative medicine relies on penetrating the skin using thin metallic needles. Such needles are carefully “activated” using specific movements or electrical stimulation.

Acupuncture users claim the practice has helped them with chronic pain and mental health problems such as depression. This practice is usually low risk as long as the practitioner is skilled and uses sterile needles. Consider trying this practice if you aren’t afraid of needles.

Hemp Oil for Muscle Pain Management

Hemp oil is another supplement that has been gaining popularity over the years. This oil is often confused with CBD oil, as both are products of hemp plants. However, hemp oil is produced by cold-pressing hemp seeds and contains little to no CBD.

Hemp seed oil offers numerous health benefits because it contains three essential polyunsaturated fatty acids. These are alpha-linolenic acid, linolenic acid, and gamma-linolenic acid. These acids are believed to reduce the skin dryness and itchiness associated with conditions like eczema.

Hemp oil creams and topical ointments carry linoleic acid, which many believe to help reduce pain and reduce the body’s concentration of “bad” cholesterol and total cholesterol. This lowers your risk of developing heart disease and strokes.

Some people may also reach for hemp oil to combat inflammation and lower blood pressure. However, studies have yet to confirm its effectiveness in these areas.

Hemp seed oil is currently sold in a variety of forms. Such oils can be consumed orally without difficulty. This oil is also integrated into topical products such as moisturizers and creams. Such products can be applied to the skin directly to help with different skin conditions.

Probiotics for Stomach Health

The human body contains many types of bacteria. Some of these are “bad” bacteria that cause illnesses, while others are “good” bacteria that keep your body healthy and functioning well. These “good” bacteria are known as probiotics. This human body forms such bacteria at a young age but does not produce it in adulthood.

Some people may develop an imbalance in their gut bacteria after reaching adulthood. This can cause issues such as digestion problems, unexpected weight changes, and fatigue. These individuals may seek out external probiotics to help restore this balance.

These external probiotics are found in foods such as yoghurt, kefir, tempeh, and kimchi. Some companies also create supplements that contain probiotics to help restore your gut balance.

However, some studies have cast doubt over whether these external probiotics can survive exposure to stomach acids and bile salts.

Yoga for Strength and Flexibility

The ancient practice of yoga has boomed in popularity during the pandemic. This is partly due to the fact that it can be practised indoors and without the need for an instructor. You can simply get yourself a yoga mat, possibly a calming supplement such as green vein kratom to get you in the mood, and you're good to go!  

Yoga originated in northern India over 5,000 years ago and is touted as being able to improve your strength, flexibility, and balance. Many people also believe that practising yoga regularly can help improve your mental health.

Many believe that yoga can indeed help with strength and flexibility. The practice also teaches you to calm your mind and be present in the moment. This may help you improve your mental well-being.

Melatonin for Sleep Issues

Millions of people across the country suffer from sleep issues from time to time. Those with chronic insomnia may seek relief in the form of addictive sleep medications. Others have been reaching for a more natural supplement: melatonin.

The human body typically produces melatonin naturally. This hormone helps control your circadian rhythm and causes you to feel sleepy at night. Taking melatonin supplements may help people who suffer from persistent sleep issues.

Such supplements are believed to produce very few side effects, making them great alternatives to prescription sleep medications, which carry higher risks.

Experts recommend taking between 0.5 mg and 3 mg of melatonin per day to help with sleep issues. Taking higher doses may result in unwanted sleepiness during the daytime.

Fish Oil Supplements for Cardiovascular Health

You may already be aware of the health benefits of eating certain fish types. These aquatic creatures are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids that are believed to keep your heart healthy and reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Omega-3 fatty acids are also believed to serve as a vasodilator. This means they help increase oxygen transportation to your skeletal muscles during exercise, thereby allowing you to go for longer without becoming exhausted.

People who can’t incorporate Omega-3-rich fish such as salmon, cod, or herring in their regular diet should consider having fish oil supplements instead. These contain a high amount of Omega-3 and can help you boost your body’s levels of this incredible fatty acid.

Ginkgo Biloba for Mental Health

Many herbal roots and vegetables such as ginseng and lavender gained popularity over the years. However, they pale in comparison to Ginkgo Biloba. This supplement has grown to become one of the most popular products in the natural medicine market for its numerous health benefits.

Ginkgo contains high concentrations of terpenoids and flavonoids, which are believed to produce antioxidant effects. This may help keep body tissues healthy with age.