Natural Therapies: Prescription Natural Medicine and Sleep Disorders

Why can’t we mention prescription medications by name?

In accordance with guidelines and regulations set out by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Association (TGA), we are unable to disclose the names of our treatments until you have completed a consultation with a Polln doctor and have been deemed eligible for treatment. 

Here at Polln, we prioritise your safety and well-being. These measures have been put in place to ensure that you are able to discuss all treatment options with a qualified medical professional who specialises in the prescription of natural medicines and can help tailor your treatment plan to suit your individual needs. 

All medications prescribed by our Polln doctors have been approved for use in Australia. 

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Neurological conditions can pose significant challenges to individuals and their loved ones, affecting not only physical health but also mental and emotional well-being. These conditions often require long-term management and personalised treatments.

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Neurological conditions include a wide range of disorders, including multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and neuropathic pain. These conditions can have a wide range of symptoms, from seizures and muscle spasms to cognitive impairment or chronic pain.

Traditional drugs for neurological conditions can be an important part of neurological condition management, but they can come with limitations, such as unwanted side effects, varying efficacy, and the potential for dependence. This has led many patients and healthcare professionals to explore alternative treatments for adjunct therapies like natural therapies.

Prescription natural medicine, sometimes referred to as natural therapies, is gaining recognition for its potential to relieve symptoms associated with various neurological disorders in some patients. The active ingredients found in prescription natural medicine may help modulate pain perception in the brain, reduce inflammation, and potentially improve overall neurological function.

Read on to find out how prescription natural medicine may help some patients with symptoms associated with neurological conditions and how to safely explore options for natural therapy treatments. 

What Are Neurological Conditions?

Neurological conditions, also referred to as neurological disorders or diseases, encompass a broad spectrum of medical conditions that affect the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. 

These conditions disrupt the normal functioning of the nervous system, leading to a wide range of symptoms and health challenges. Neurological conditions can be caused by factors, such as genetic factors, infections, injuries, autoimmune responses, and degenerative processes (ageing-related changes).

Diagnosis, treatment, and management of neurological disorders typically involve a multidisciplinary approach, with neurologists and other healthcare professionals working together to provide comprehensive care.

Neurologists specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of neurological conditions, employing a combination of clinical assessments, imaging studies, and laboratory tests to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. Once diagnosed, patients often receive tailored treatment plans that may include medications to manage symptoms, physical therapy to improve function, surgical interventions to address specific issues, and, in some cases, lifestyle modifications.

Lifestyle modifications can be particularly important in the management of certain neurological conditions. These modifications may involve dietary changes, exercise regimens, and adaptations to daily routines to optimise the patient's quality of life and overall well-being. 

The goal is to empower individuals affected by neurological conditions to lead as fulfilling and comfortable lives as possible, despite the challenges posed by their condition.

Types of Neurological Conditions

While neurological conditions share a common thread of affecting the nervous system (brain, spinal cord, and nerves), neurological conditions cover many different kinds of disorders. Each neurological condition, like Parkinson’s or Epilepsy, has its own specific causes and symptoms, which makes the field of neurology quite complex.

Some common neurological conditions include:

• Epilepsy
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
• Chronic Pain
• Migraines
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
• Parkinson's Disease
• Neuropathy (damage or dysfunction of the peripheral nerves)

Each neurological condition presents its unique challenges in terms of diagnosis and management. Treatment approaches vary, and they often involve a combination of medications, therapies, and lifestyle modifications tailored to the specific condition and individual needs.

How Prescription Natural Medicine May Affect Neurological Conditions

Prescription natural medicine and prescribed natural medicine treatments may help some people manage some of the complex symptoms of neurological disorders.

While ongoing research is still uncovering exactly how prescription natural medicine interacts with neurological conditions, here are a few ways it might affect some patients: 

• Managing Neuroinflammation: The two main active ingredients in prescription natural medicine, have anti-inflammatory effects. They interact with the body's endocannabinoid system, which regulates immune responses and inflammation.

It has been suggested that prescription natural medicine may help slow down the progression of conditions like multiple sclerosis in some patients by reducing neuroinflammation, as inflammation is a key factor in nerve damage.

• Immune System Modulation: Active ingredients within prescription natural medicine treatments may affect how the immune system responds in some patients, especially in neuroinflammatory autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's. 

Prescription natural medicines may control the release of cytokines and other immune signalling molecules, which helps in calming down an overactive immune response. This is significant for conditions like Guillain-Barré syndrome and lupus, where an overly active immune system is a characteristic feature.

• Pain Alleviation: Neurological conditions often bring persistent pain that can seriously affect a person's life. Prescription natural medicine may help manage pain symptoms in some patients due to its pain-relieving properties. This can be especially helpful for people with conditions like diabetic neuropathy, which causes nerve pain due to diabetes, or trigeminal neuralgia, a condition causing severe facial pain.

• Seizure Control: Prescription natural medicine and the active ingredients found within these treatments may aid in the management of seizure disorders such as epilepsy. Neurological Symptom Management: Beyond inflammation and pain, prescription natural medicine treatments may address other distressing symptoms commonly associated with neurological conditions, including muscle spasms, tremors, and cognitive disturbances.

Remember: The efficacy of prescription natural medicine can vary from person to person and may depend on many factors, including your condition, the specific natural medicine treatment prescribed to you, and the dosing regimen.

As with any medical treatment, prescription natural medicine carries potential side effects and interactions with other medications. If you’re interested in learning more about natural therapy treatments, we recommend speaking to an authorised prescriber or a doctor who specialises in the prescription of natural medicine treatments to adequately weigh the risks and benefits. 

Possible Risks of Prescription Natural Medicine for Neurological Conditions

It's important to be aware of the potential risks associated with prescription natural medicine for neurological conditions. 

These may include: 

• Cognitive Effects: Depending on the active ingredients present and their concentrations, prescription natural medicine might lead to cognitive effects, including impaired memory and concentration.

• Interactions and Side Effects: Just like any medication, prescription natural medicine could interact with other medications you're taking. Side effects, though potentially fewer than with traditional medications, still warrant careful consideration.

• Psychoactive Effects of Active Ingredients: The psychoactive nature of active ingredients may not be appropriate for people with certain mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. 

A comprehensive discussion with a caring medical professional can help you navigate possible risks and make an informed decision about whether prescription natural medicine could be right for you and your lifestyle. 

The Wrap Up

Living with a neurological condition can be a significant and long-lasting challenge. It requires a constant effort to manage symptoms, adapt to their limitations, and seek comfort and function despite ongoing neurological issues. Prescription natural medicine may provide hope for those dealing with conditions like epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and neuropathic pain when other treatments have failed to provide relief.

Prescription natural medicine, under the guidance of experienced healthcare professionals, can offer people new possibilities for people with neurological conditions to improve their quality of life and manage symptoms.

Remember: to qualify for access to prescription natural medicine treatments in Australia, you must have experienced a chronic condition for over three months and have tried other treatments that were either ineffective or resulted in unwanted side effects.

Neurological Conditions: FAQ

Can Multiple Sclerosis Be Cured?

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune neurological condition with no known cure at present. While there is no cure for MS, various treatments aim to manage its symptoms, slow disease progression, and improve patients' quality of life. Prescription natural medicine has shown promise in alleviating some MS symptoms, such as pain, muscle spasms, and spasticity in some patients.

However, it should be viewed as a complementary therapy rather than a cure. Research on the long-term effects and optimal use of prescription natural medicines for MS is ongoing, and its effectiveness can vary from person to person. 

Individuals with MS should work closely with healthcare professionals to develop comprehensive treatment plans tailored to their specific needs and conditions.

Do Parkinson's Symptoms Come and Go? 

Parkinson's disease is characterised by both motor and non-motor symptoms, and their presentation can indeed fluctuate, with periods of symptom exacerbation (known as "on" periods) followed by relative relief (known as "off" periods). These fluctuations are often a result of the interplay between the disease progression and the effectiveness of Parkinson's medications, particularly levodopa.

Some people may experience the "wearing-off" phenomenon, where the medication's effects diminish before the next dose, leading to a return of symptoms. Prescription natural medicine has been explored as a potential adjunct therapy to help manage Parkinson's symptoms during "off" periods, offering relief from issues like tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia in some patients. 

‍Why can’t we mention prescription medications by name?

In accordance with guidelines and regulations set out by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Association (TGA), we are unable to disclose the names of our treatments until you have completed a consultation with a Polln doctor and have been deemed eligible for treatment. 

Here at Polln, we prioritise your safety and well-being. These measures have been put in place to ensure that you are able to discuss all treatment options with a qualified medical professional who specialises in the prescription of natural medicines and can help tailor your treatment plan to suit your individual needs. 

All medications prescribed by our Polln doctors have been approved for use in Australia.

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Dealing with cancer is an incredibly challenging journey, not only for patients but for their loved ones too. Chemotherapy, while effective in targeting cancer cells, often brings along a slew of daunting side effects that can make treatment even more difficult.

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Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and rashes, or diarrhoea are just a few of the additional issues that chemotherapy patients face.

Chemotherapy-induced side effects are notoriously challenging to manage. Standard medications used to reduce them don’t always provide effective relief, and can even create additional complications. In recent years, studies have shown that prescription natural medicine has emerged as a promising alternative that holds potential in mitigating some of the adverse effects of chemotherapy.

‍This natural approach to symptom management has been gaining recognition within both the patient community and the medical field. Under the supervision of a medical professional, the therapeutic active ingredients in prescription natural medicine may offer relief from nausea, vomiting, pain, and other debilitating symptoms associated with chemotherapy for some patients.

If you or a loved one are undergoing chemotherapy and have not found effective relief through conventional therapies, doctors who are experienced in the prescription of natural medicine are here to guide you through this therapeutic option, ensuring that you receive the care and support you need throughout your journey towards better health and quality of life.

What Are Chemotherapy Side Effects?

Chemotherapy and immunotherapy are effective in targeting cancerous cells in many types of cancer, including breast cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, leukaemia, and many others. However, chemotherapy can also cause a range of short-term and long-term side effects due to its impact on healthy cells and tissues in the body.

These side effects can vary in severity from person to person and depend on the specific chemotherapy drugs used. Some common chemotherapy side effects include:

• Nausea and Vomiting: Chemotherapy is often designed to be toxic to cancer cells, which can trigger nausea and vomiting. These symptoms can be acute (occurring shortly after treatment) or delayed (occurring days after treatment). Anti-nausea medications are often prescribed to manage these symptoms
• Fatigue: Chemotherapy-induced fatigue is a common side effect that can have a debilitating effect on a patient’s quality of life. It’s more than just “feeling tired”, Chemotherapy-induced fatigue can feel mentally and physically exhausting. This fatigue can persist for weeks or even months after treatment
• Hair Loss: Many chemotherapy drugs can cause hair loss, including hair on the scalp, eyebrows, and eyelashes. Hair usually grows back after treatment ends
• Loss of Appetite and Weight Changes: Chemotherapy can affect the sense of taste and appetite, leading to weight loss or gain
• Mouth Sores: Chemotherapy can cause mouth sores and mucositis, making it painful to eat or drink
• Digestive Issues: Patients may experience diarrhoea, constipation, or other gastrointestinal problems during chemotherapy
• Skin Changes: Skin may become dry, itchy, or sensitive to sunlight. Some chemotherapy drugs can cause rashes or skin discolouration
• Cognitive Changes: Some people undergoing chemotherapy report cognitive changes often referred to as "chemo brain." This can involve memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and mental fogginess
• Peripheral Neuropathy: Some chemotherapy drugs can damage peripheral nerves, causing symptoms like tingling, numbness, or pain in the hands and feet
• Emotional and Psychological Effects: Coping with cancer and its treatment can lead to emotional distress, stress and anxiety, depression, and changes in mood

How Can Prescription Natural Medicine Potentially Help Manage Chemotherapy Side Effects?

Prescription natural medicine has shown promise in alleviating several chemotherapy-induced side effects. The potential benefits of prescription natural medicine in managing these side effects are mostly attributed to the active ingredients that interact with the body's endocannabinoid system. 

Here's how prescription natural medicine may help some patients to manage the side effects of chemotherapy: 

• Nausea and Vomiting: Prescription natural medicine has antiemetic properties that may help reduce nausea and vomiting in some patients. It can potentially support patients who do not respond well to traditional anti-nausea medications

• Appetite Stimulation: Prescription natural medicine may help stimulate appetite, addressing chemotherapy-induced loss of appetite and weight loss. This can be particularly important for maintaining nutritional status during cancer treatment

• Pain Management: Prescription natural medicine has analgesic (pain-relieving) properties and may be effective in managing chemotherapy-related pain for some patients, including nerve pain (neuropathy) and bone pain

• Anxiety and Stress: Chemotherapy can cause anxiety and emotional distress. Some active ingredients found in prescription natural medicine have anxiolytic properties, and may help reduce anxiety and improve mood for some patients as a result

• Sleep Improvement: Prescription natural medicine may aid in improving sleep quality for some patients experiencing insomnia or sleep disturbances due to chemotherapy

• Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Prescription natural medicine has anti-inflammatory properties that may potentially reduce inflammation for some patients and alleviate symptoms related to chemotherapy-induced mucositis and skin issues
• Neuropathy Relief: Some patients develop peripheral neuropathy as a side effect of chemotherapy. Prescription natural medicine may help manage neuropathic pain and discomfort

• Reduced Use of Opioids: By providing effective pain relief for some patients, prescribed natural medicine treatments may reduce the need for opioid medications, which can have significant side effects and risks of dependence

• Anti-Spasticity: In cases where chemotherapy-related muscle spasms or spasticity occur, prescription natural medicine may provide relief. By relaxing muscle contractions and reducing the intensity and frequency of spasms, prescription natural medicines may improve comfort and mobility for some individuals undergoing cancer treatment

• Combination Therapy: Prescription natural medicine may be used in conjunction with other medications to manage side effects. This can lead to a more well-rounded and personalised treatment approach

Remember: the use of prescription natural medicine in cancer care is a topic of ongoing research, and its effectiveness and potential risks and side effects can vary from person to person. It is important to note that prescription natural medicines are not a primary treatment for cancer and cannot cure cancer.

Additionally, the type of natural medicine treatments prescribed, dosages, and administration methods should be carefully considered and discussed with a healthcare provider experienced in the prescription of natural medicine to ensure safety and optimal results.

Possible Risks of Prescription Natural Medicine for Chemotherapy Side-Effects

While prescription natural medicine shows promise in managing some chemotherapy side effects, it is important to understand the potential risks and side effects associated with its use.

The impact of prescription natural medicine can vary depending on individual factors, the specific products that have been prescribed, and the method of consumption. Here are some possible risks to consider when using prescription natural medicine for chemotherapy side effects:

• Psychological Effects: Prescription natural medicine products with high levels of certain active ingredients, can induce psychological side effects. These may include anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations, and impaired cognitive function. Individuals with a history of mental health conditions, such as anxiety or schizophrenia, may be at greater risk of experiencing these side effects

• Dependency and Withdrawal: Long-term, consistent use of prescription natural medicine can lead to dependence. Attempting to reduce or cease the use of the prescribed natural medicine treatment may result in withdrawal symptoms, including irritability, mood swings, insomnia, and loss of appetite

• Impaired Cognitive Function: Prescription natural medicine can impair cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and decision-making. This may raise concerns, particularly for individuals needing mental sharpness for tasks like driving or operating heavy machinery

• Interaction with Medications: Prescription natural medicine has the potential to interact with certain medications, either by enhancing or diminishing their efficacy. Individuals using medications should consult healthcare professionals to assess potential interactions before incorporating prescribed natural therapies into their regimen

• Potential Adverse Effects on Chemotherapy Side Effects: While prescription natural medicine may offer relief to some chemotherapy patients, it may not be suitable for everyone. In some cases, it might exacerbate side effects such as nausea, vomiting, or underlying digestive issues

When considering prescription natural medicine as a complementary therapy for chemotherapy side effects, remember to talk to an Authorised Prescriber or a doctor who specialises in the prescription of natural medicines about the risks and benefits before starting a course of treatment.

A specialty practitioner can provide guidance on whether prescription natural medicine is an appropriate option, assist in selecting the right dosage and strain, and closely monitor for potential side effects or interactions with existing medications.

The Wrap Up

Cancer treatment, especially chemotherapy, can be incredibly challenging and is often accompanied by many distressing side effects that can affect patients and their loved ones. Nausea, vomiting, pain, and the many other issues that come with chemotherapy can be overwhelming. 

Conventional treatments may not always provide sufficient relief and can even introduce new complications.

While there is still much more research to be done, prescription natural medicine may provide some people with a natural alternative for chemotherapy side-effect management. By harnessing the active ingredients found within the medication, prescription natural medicine treatments may offer relief from a wide range of symptoms, helping make cancer treatment more bearable for some patients.

If you or a loved one is navigating chemotherapy, expert doctors are available to help you, discussing the potential benefits of this therapeutic option.

Chemotherapy Side Effects FAQ

How Can You Minimise the Side Effects of Chemotherapy?

There are many ways to minimise chemotherapy side effects. Firstly, open communication with your treatment team and oncologist is essential, as they can tailor your treatment plan and prescribe different natural and conventional medications to manage symptoms effectively.

In recent years, prescription natural medicine has emerged as a promising addition to potentially help alleviate various chemotherapy side effects, including nausea, vomiting, pain, and loss of appetite. Consulting with a healthcare provider experienced in natural medicine can help you explore its potential benefits while ensuring safe and effective use alongside traditional treatments.

Maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, managing pain, and incorporating supportive therapies like exercise, psychological support, and complementary therapies can further enhance your ability to cope with chemotherapy side effects. 

How to Help Chemo Nausea?

Managing chemotherapy-induced nausea can be a challenging aspect of cancer treatment, but there are several strategies to help alleviate this discomfort. Your treatment team and oncologist can prescribe anti-nausea medications (antiemetics) tailored to your specific needs.

Additionally, you may want to consider discussing the use of prescription natural medicine with a healthcare provider experienced in its administration. Some patients find that natural medicine treatments can be helpful in reducing nausea. However, it's essential to ensure legal and safe access and consult a healthcare professional for guidance.

Incorporating complementary approaches like acupressure wristbands, ginger, dietary adjustments, and mind-body techniques can also provide relief. These methods, combined with staying hydrated, avoiding triggers, and staying informed about your treatment plan, can help you cope with nausea and improve your overall quality of life. 

Why can’t we mention prescription medications by name?

In accordance with guidelines and regulations set out by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Association (TGA), we are unable to disclose the names of our treatments until you have completed a consultation with a Polln doctor and have been deemed eligible for treatment. 

Here at Polln, we prioritise your safety and well-being. These measures have been put in place to ensure that you are able to discuss all treatment options with a qualified medical professional who specialises in the prescription of natural medicines and can help tailor your treatment plan to suit your individual needs. 

All medications prescribed by our Polln doctors have been approved for use in Australia.

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Digestive problems, like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), can cause discomfort and frustration. These conditions often lead to unpredictable bouts of pain, bloating, and bowel irregularities, making everyday activities a challenge.

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Digestive problems, medically known as gastrointestinal conditions, are disorders and ailments that affect the digestive system, which includes the stomach and small and large intestines. Common gastrointestinal conditions include IBS, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and diverticulitis.

Conventional treatments for gut problems often include a mix of traditional pharmaceutical medications, lifestyle changes, and dietary restrictions. However, these solutions don’t always provide relief, are hard to maintain, or may come with unwanted side effects.

Prescription natural medicine, also referred to as natural therapies, is gaining scientific recognition for its potential to manage symptoms associated with digestive problems in some patients. 

It’s been shown to help some patients with inflammation and pain, or even help with uncomfortable symptoms like diarrhoea, constipation and nausea. 

Prescription natural medicine may help some people improve their gut health naturally and provide a natural treatment alternative for conditions like IBS and IBD. 

Read on to explore the science behind prescription natural medicine and digestive problems, and how you can explore natural therapies in Australia.

What Are Gastrointestinal Diseases?

Gastrointestinal (GI) conditions, also called digestive disorders, are a wide range of medical issues that affect the digestive system, including the oesophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.

These conditions can disrupt the normal functioning of the digestive system, leading to a variety of uncomfortable symptoms and health complications. Digestive conditions can arise from a myriad of causes, including genetic predisposition, infections, dietary factors, autoimmune responses, and lifestyle choices.‍

Diagnosis, treatment, and management of digestive conditions can be exhausting and time-consuming. It can be difficult to get a diagnosis quickly, as many gastrointestinal conditions share many of the same symptoms. In fact, people with IBS can wait up to four years to get a diagnosis.

Effective condition management often requires a collaborative effort among healthcare professionals specialising in gastroenterology, nutrition, and other relevant fields, like prescription natural medicine experts. Gastroenterologists are experts in diagnosing and treating these conditions, utilising a combination of clinical evaluations, imaging tests, and laboratory assessments to pinpoint the issue accurately. 

Types of Gastrointestinal (GI) Conditions 

Digestive conditions encompass a wide spectrum of disorders that affect the gastrointestinal (GI) system, ranging from common issues like acid reflux to more complex conditions such as irritable bowel disease (IBS) or Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Some common gastrointestinal conditions include:

• Acid Reflux (GERD): Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), occurs when stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus, causing symptoms like heartburn, chest pain, and regurgitation.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): IBS is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder characterised by abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhoea, constipation, or a combination of both.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): IBD includes conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, which involve chronic inflammation of the digestive tract, leading to symptoms such as severe diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and weight loss.

• Diverticulitis: This condition occurs when small pouches (diverticula) in the colon become inflamed or infected, causing abdominal pain, fever, and changes in bowel habits. Prescription natural medicine may help some people manage acute pain, but patients will typically need antibiotics to treat diverticulitis.

• Gastroenteritis: Commonly referred to as "stomach flu," gastroenteritis involves inflammation of the stomach and intestines, leading to symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps.

• Peptic Ulcers: These are open sores that develop on the inner lining of the stomach or the upper part of the small intestine, often caused by infection with H. pylori bacteria or the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Prescription Natural Medicine and Gastrointestinal (GI) Conditions 

Prescription natural medicine may hold promise in providing some relief for a variety of gut symptoms associated with common gastrointestinal (GI) conditions. These symptoms can often disrupt daily life and diminish the quality of life for those affected.

Prescription natural medicine may help some people:

Reduce Abdominal Pain

Prescription natural medicine may help reduce abdominal pain for some patients – a common and distressing symptom found in numerous GI disorders, including Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Crohn's Disease, and Ulcerative Colitis.

By modulating pain perception and mitigating gut inflammation, prescribed natural medicines may provide much-needed relief to those grappling with chronic abdominal discomfort. This relief can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals burdened by such symptoms.

Reduce Nausea and Vomiting

Prescription natural medicine can potentially help reduce nausea and vomiting, which are common in gastrointestinal conditions such as IBS, gastroenteritis, and GERD. Some active ingredients found within prescription natural medicines have well-established anti-nausea properties, rendering theman effective resource for managing both acute and chronic nausea in some patients.

Diarrhoea and Constipation 

In gastrointestinal (GI) conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), individuals often experience diarrhoea, constipation or both. Prescription natural medicine offers potential relief for some patients by aiding in the regulation of bowel movements.

For those dealing with diarrhoea, certain active ingredients found in natural medicines can slow gut motility, potentially reducing the frequency of bowel movements. On the other hand, the muscle-relaxing properties of prescription natural medicine may be particularly beneficial in alleviating constipation, providing individuals with more comfortable and regular bowel function.

Why can’t we mention prescription medications by name?

In accordance with guidelines and regulations set out by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Association (TGA), we are unable to disclose the names of our treatments until you have completed a consultation with a Polln doctor and have been deemed eligible for treatment. 

Here at Polln, we prioritise your safety and well-being. These measures have been put in place to ensure that you are able to discuss all treatment options with a qualified medical professional who specialises in the prescription of natural medicines and can help tailor your treatment plan to suit your individual needs. 

All medications prescribed by our Polln doctors have been approved for use in Australia.

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Pain can be extremely challenging for patients, medical professionals, and caregivers. It significantly impacts not only the physical well-being of those experiencing it, but can also affect people’s emotional and psychological health.
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Pain can be difficult to treat and manage long-term. Patients often live with seemingly relentless discomfort and frequent disruptions to their daily lives. That’s why it’s so important for medical professionals to provide pain management plans that consider the individual's unique conditions and needs.

While traditional pharmaceutical pain medications, like opioids or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), have been the go-to solution for pain management in the past, they often come with undesirable side effects and the risk of dependence.

Prescription natural medicine, also known as natural therapies, is becoming more recognised by patients and the medical community for its potential to provide pain relief in some patients through a more natural approach. 

Read on to find out how prescription natural medicine may help manage pain in some patients, understand the risk of these treatments, and how you can explore options for prescription natural medicine treatments in Australia.

Types of Pain

Pain is not experienced in the same way by everyone. It can manifest in various sensations, including aching, burning, stabbing, or throbbing sensations. There are various types of pain, each originating from different sources and affecting different areas of the body. 

Some common types of pain people seek help for include:

Back Pain

This is one of the most prevalent types of pain, often stemming from conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or muscle strains. Around 85% of people experience chronic back pain.

Arthritis Pain

Arthritis is the most common cause of pain, affecting roughly one in two adults. Conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can lead to chronic joint pain and inflammation.

Neuropathic Pain

Caused by damage or dysfunction in the nervous system, neuropathic pain can result from conditions like diabetic neuropathy, post-herpetic neuralgia, or nerve injuries.

Headaches and Migraines

Tension headaches and migraines can cause ongoing pain, often accompanied by other symptoms like sensitivity to light and sound. Prescription natural medicine has been shown to help decrease pain intensity, and daily pharmaceutical use and dependence.

Fibromyalgia

This is characterised by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tenderness. People with fibromyalgia are sometimes told that their pain can’t be treated, but research shows treatments, like prescription natural medicine treatments can help.

Pelvic Pain

Conditions like endometriosis, interstitial cystitis, and chronic prostatitis can lead to pelvic pain.

Abdominal Pain

Conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn's disease, and gastritis can result in ongoing abdominal pain.

Cancer Pain

Some forms of cancer, especially when they spread or press on nerves, can lead to pain. This kind of ongoing pain often requires treatments that can be used alongside chemotherapy or radiation.

Neck Pain

Similar to back pain, conditions like cervical disc degeneration or muscle strain can cause pain in the neck region.

Pain after Surgery or Injury

Sometimes, pain can persist long after a surgery or injury has healed, leading to pain conditions.

This is not an exhaustive list of conditions that can lead to patients experiencing pain — in fact, many illnesses, musculoskeletal problems, injuries, surgeries, or cancers can lead to ongoing pain.

Whatever the cause of your pain, it is important to talk to your doctor about potential treatments that can help you find relief and improve your quality of life.

The Endocannabinoid System and Pain Modulation

Learning how to manage pain naturally can be challenging. Fortunately, prescription natural medicine provides a safe and effective option for many patients. This is because the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes in the body, interacts with the active ingredients found in prescription natural medicine.

These active ingredients can bind to receptors within the ECS, potentially modulating pain perception, inflammation, and even mood. 

As a result, prescription natural medicine has gained attention as a potential way to alleviate pain for some patients, especially in cases where traditional treatments may be inadequate or accompanied by unwanted side effects.

However, it's important for patients to work collaboratively with their doctors to determine the appropriate dosage, strain, and mode of consumption to ensure the best possible outcomes while considering individual medical histories and needs.

Is Prescription Natural Medicine a Safe Treatment for Pain?

One of the potential advantages of prescription natural medicine in pain management is its potential to offer relief without the same level of risk associated with traditional pain medications for some patients. 

Opioids, for instance, can lead to dependence, tolerance, and overdose. In contrast, some people experiencing pain who are taking prescription natural medicine may have a lower risk of dependence and overdose. 

Remember: while prescription natural medicine treatments may be a safer alternative for some, it’s still important to talk to your doctor about potential risks. The psychoactive effects of certain active ingredients found within some prescription natural medicines, for example, can impact cognitive function and may not be suitable for people with bipolar or schizophrenia.

The Wrap-Up:

Prescription natural medicine may be an effective natural alternative for some patients when it comes to managing their pain. While traditional pain medications often come with side effects and risks, including addiction and overdose, Prescription natural medicine may provide a lower-risk option for some patients.

Prescription natural medicine treatments may help reduce pain in some patients by interacting with the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS) to regulate pain, mood, and inflammation.

If you’re interested in exploring prescription natural medicine to help manage your pain, we recommend speaking to an authorised prescriber or a doctor who specialises in the prescription of natural therapies.

Pain: FAQs

How to Get Medications for Pain?

To manage pain and obtain pain medications, we recommend you start by consulting a healthcare professional, for accurate diagnosis and personalised guidance. Non-medication approaches like physical therapy and relaxation techniques should be considered first. 

Prescription natural medicine may help some patients manage their pain, but it’s important to speak to an expert who has experience in the prescription of natural medicines to have an open discussion about potential risks and benefits first.

Make sure you follow legal and ethical guidelines and communicate openly about your pain level and experiences. Regular monitoring and adjustments to the treatment plan may be necessary. 

Remember that a holistic approach, which could involve lifestyle changes and emotional support, is often effective in managing pain.