Herbal Medicine

What is Herbal medicine?

Introduction

Utilizing a plant's parts for therapeutic ends includes but is not limited to the plant's seeds, berries, roots, leaves, bark, and flowers. Outside of mainstream medicine, herbal treatments have a long history of use. Herbal medicine is gaining popularity as new studies and better methods of analysis and quality control demonstrate its efficacy in treating and preventing disease.

History 

A wide variety of plants have been employed for therapeutic purposes since before written history began. There are references to the use of plants for therapeutic purposes in papyri from as early as 3,000 B.C.E., from China and Egypt. Traditional medicinal systems, such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, use herbal remedies. 

What are examples of herbal medicines?

1. Valerian 

Valerian is a popular remedy for insomnia and anxiety. Though valerian has been studied for its potential as a sleep aid, the evidence is inconclusive. In the United States, valerian is commonly added to foods like root beer for flavoring. 

2. Saw Palmetto 

Benign prostatic hypertrophy can cause urinary symptoms, which can be alleviated with saw palmetto (BPH). However, it has not been shown to be helpful for this problem in recent research. Mild headache and stomach distress are the only reported adverse effects.

3. Saint John’s wort 

Antidepressants include Saint John's wort. Studies demonstrate a modest improvement in depressive symptoms for people with mild to moderate depression after taking it regularly for 12 weeks. However, it is unclear if this method is useful for people with clinical depression. 

4. Milk thistle 

In addition to its effects on cholesterol and cancer cell proliferation, milk thistle is used to treat a variety of liver disorders. The Mediterranean is the cradle of the milk thistle plant. Over the course of the last several thousand years, this Herbal Medicine has been used to treat a wide range of ailments, most notably liver issues. Benefits of milk thistle for liver illness are debatable, according to research.

5. Goldenseal 

The anti-diarrheal and anti-inflammatory properties of goldenseal have made it a popular natural remedy for a variety of conditions. Additionally, it has antiseptic properties. The same can't be said for its effectiveness in curing the common cold. The plant alkaloid berberine can be found in goldenseal, and it has been used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for thousands of years. 

6. Ginseng 

Tonic, aphrodisiac, and sometimes even curative, ginseng has several uses. The intricacy of distinguishing between "vitality" and "quality of life" contributes to the research community's lack of confidence in the intervention's efficacy. 

7. Gingko 

Asthma, bronchitis, tiredness, and tinnitus are just some of the ailments that have been helped by ginkgo leaf extract. Memory is boosted and dementia and other brain illnesses are warded off with its help. Slight efficacy has been seen in a few studies. 

8. Ginger 

The anti-nausea and motion sickness properties of ginger have made it a household name. Evidence from studies suggests that ginger can help with nausea and vomiting, especially during pregnancy and chemotherapy. 

9. Garlic 

Many cultures employ garlic because of its culinary versatility and its medical benefits. Antibacterial, cardioprotective, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory activities have all been observed in garlic's isolated components. 

10. Feverfew 

For high body temperatures, fever was a common remedy. Its use has spread for the alleviation of migraines and arthritis. Migraine can be avoided by using a few preparations, according to certain studies. If the leaves are chewed, it can cause sores in the mouth and stomach upset. 

11. Echinacea 

Echinacea is widely used for its antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties as well as for its ability to speed up wound recovery. Although echinacea has been the subject of numerous research, none have found that it significantly reduces cold symptoms or significantly speeds up recovery time. 

Health Benefits: Herbal medicine

1. Empower Yourself 

Whether you're frustrated with the conventional medical establishment or you just want more say over your health care, herbal remedies can provide you that freedom. Traditional practitioners educate their patients on how to stay healthy, deal with chronic diseases, and get better.

2. Holistic Health benefits 

Traditional medicine emphasizes the whole person and restoring and preserving the body's natural equilibrium, in contrast to many symptom-focused modern treatments. Your alternative medicine doctor will listen to what your body is telling them and then tailor a treatment strategy to your individual needs and symptoms.

3. More Accessible 

The cost of medical treatment continues to rise. Without coverage, it's difficult to afford even a visit to a family doctor, much less the expense of any medications that may be needed. Herbal medicines are typically less expensive than their synthetic counterparts since they are made from abundant natural materials rather than in a laboratory. As a result, they are more accessible than prescription drugs.

4. Fewer Side Effects 

Antibiotics are a standard treatment for bacterial infections, but even the most often prescribed antibiotics can induce unpleasant side effects like diarrhea and cramping, as well as more serious side effects including heart palpitations and convulsions. Alternatively, herbal remedies tend to have less of a negative impact on the body. 

Natural remedies have fewer adverse effects when used properly. You might be able to lessen your need for synthetic pharmaceuticals and their potential negative effects if you switch to natural remedies instead.

What are the 10 Herbal medicines?

1. Amplalaya 

As far back as ancient times, the Chinese were already using ampalaya. Many hospitals and medical centers all over the world have examined the efficacy of Ampalayaas a herbal treatment.

2. Tsaang Gubat 

The Philippines are home to a plethora of shrubs, including the Tsaang Gubat. Tsaang Gubatha's high fluoride concentration makes it useful as a mouth gargle for avoiding tooth decay, in addition to its traditional uses (such as a disinfecting wash after childbirth, a treatment for diarrhea, and an all-around healthy tea).

3. Niyog – Niyaogan 

Low-lying areas on the outskirts of forests, such as gardens and backyards. A species native to the Malaysian region and the tropics of Asia.

4. Akapulko 

The Philippines are home to a shrub known as akapulko. Different parts of the country have given it different names.

5. Sambong 

Sabong, a tropical plant, has incredible healing properties. It's a member of the Compositae family and has numerous common names in different regions. In the Visayas, it is called bukadkad, whereas in the Ilocos region, it is called subsud. The DOH has acknowledged that this plant meets all of the criteria for approval.

6. Yerba Buena 

Tea and herbal medication made from Yerba Buena have been used for generations to treat pain (analgesic). Long before the arrival of the "white men" to the Americas, it was in widespread use among the indigenous peoples. The effectiveness of this traditional remedy is now supported by scientific evidence. 

7. Bawang 

Not only is this herb a frequent herbal remedy in Filipino homes, but it is also a common kitchen staple due to its widespread use as a seasoning in Filipino cooking. The garlic grown in the Philippines, known as bawang, is stronger in flavor than its foreign counterparts. Long recognized for its medical value, its efficacy in treating soldiers' wounds and infections during World War II proved definitive. 

8. Guava 

Bayabas, often known as guava, is a popular tropical fruit that is eaten by many. This plant is widely spotted in the backyards of Filipino households throughout the country, and is grown for its fruit and traditional medicinal applications. This plant is one of the most widely used therapeutic plants in the Philippines, as numerous studies have revealed that nearly every portion of the plant has medicinal characteristics and usefulness.

9. Ulasimang - bato 

It's a short herb, reaching a maximum height of only 1.5 feet. Wild pansit-pansitan grows in shady, moist places like crevices, walls, yards, and even rooftops. The heart-shaped leaves and succulent stems of the pansit-pansitan plant are topped by a spike of small flowers. When the tiny fruits ripen, they release a single seed that spreads the plant's genetic material by falling to the ground. Because it has analgesic effects, this herbal plant is commonly used as a traditional treatment for gout. 

10. Lagundi 

The Philippine Department of Health has recognized it as one of the top ten herbal medications for its efficacy and therapeutic value. Inhalant mediators called leukotrienes are released in the lungs during an asthma attack, but research shows that Lagundi can block their synthesis. 

Conclusion

If you've had it with pharmaceutical pharmaceuticals and modern treatment, you might want to investigate the benefits of herbal remedies. To learn more about how herbal medicine can restore your health from the inside out, go to a doctor versed in alternative medicine or a skilled traditional healer. Never buy something without first verifying its legitimacy with a trustworthy company. When purchasing herbal supplements or medications, be wary of those made in other countries. If you notice any adverse effects while using any herbal remedy, contact your doctor immediately.

FAQs: Herbal medicine

Q. Is herbal medicine a drug?

Ans. No, Herbal supplements or medicines are classified by the FDA as food, not drug.

Q. What are the top 5 herbs?

Ans. Here are some herbs:

• Oregano
• Rosemary
• Basil
• Mint
• Cilantro

Q. How effective is herbal medicine?

Ans. When it comes to treating mental health issues, especially those related to stress, herbal medicine has been shown to be highly successful. Stress might be the result of social isolation, anxiety, or a lack of confidence.

Q. What is the importance of herbal products?

Ans. Certain therapeutic herbs can kill disease-causing bacteria thanks to their disinfecting properties. The growth of infectious disease-causing pathogens is likewise suppressed by these factors.