“One of the biggest issues today is our disconnect from nature—a trend that alarmingly extends even to younger generations.” Robin Nguyen
Part 7: Herbal Medicine: Nurturing Children’s Health & Minds
Excessive worry and a lack of traditional knowledge among today’s parents can severely impact a child’s well-being. Many minor ailments could be effectively treated with herbal remedies; however, there is an overreliance on chemical medications.
When I was a child, Vietnam’s economy was less developed, and we did not have access to the wide range of modern medicines available today. Instead, most ailments were treated using traditional methods. For example, we relieved eye discomfort with steamed Vietnamese coriander and treated shingles with mimosa pudica and garlic.
In contrast, many parents today compromise their children’s physical and mental health by over-vaccinating and taking them to the hospital for every minor condition. They often do not realize that hospitals frequently administer antibiotics, which, once the treatment ends, can lead to recurring ailments and a perpetual cycle of poor health.
I, however, have maintained good health without frequent hospital visits, thanks to my basic knowledge of herbal remedies. It saddens me to witness the proliferation of pharmacies in Vietnam and other countries, which I believe has diminished the value of our cherished traditional treatments and medicines.
Mother Nature provides us with everything for free—if only we learn from her. Remember that everything we have comes from nature: the food we eat, the homes we live in, the clothes we wear, even the innovations we create. The more we take without respect, the greater our debt becomes, and eventually, we must pay that price in one way or another.
Author: Robin Nguyen
