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THE CORRECT USE OF HERBS PROMOTES RECOVERY, HEALTH AND WELLBEING. Every culture throughout our world has at some point made use of healing plants as the basis for medicine. Most had a basic healing flora from which remedies were selected. The range of plants used varies from area to area depending on the local ecosystem; however, the human problems they are used to deal with remain the same.
For millennia plants have demonstrated their efficiency as healing agents, despite variance in therapeutic philosophy for plant use. The Indian ayurvedic system makes good use of plants, as does Chinese medicine [1] and Native American (NA) traditional healing. [2]
Modern medicine
Modern medicine has its roots in the use of herbs. Until the first part of the twentieth century nearly all the entries in pharmacopoeias describing the manufacture of drugs indicated herbal origin. Since the refinement of chemical technology, herbal use has somewhat diminished - although many medications still claim their origin in plant material.
Examples of modern medications which were originally derived from botanical material include aspirin and morphine. [3] Salix alba (white willow) is a species of willow native to Europe and western and central Asia. One of the most unique qualities of white willow trees is that they produce salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is the compound that is used to produce aspirin.
Hippocrates, Galen and Pliny the Elder knew that willow bark could ease pains, aches and reduce fevers. Willow bark has long been used in Europe and China for the treatment of these selfsame conditions.
Because aspirin thins the blood, it can also help to lower the chances of a heart attack or a stroke caused by a blood clot in the brain. [4]
Taking aspirin to thin the blood should only be done under the supervision of your doctor. Furthermore, it is essential to check that your blood does not get too thin over the period of time you take aspirin. Your doctor will get your blood checked through a blood test named PT INR. [5]
Ancient Egypt, Sumer and Assyria mention the willow bark remedy in texts. In 1828, Johann Buchner, professor of pharmacy at the university of Munich, isolated a tiny amount of bitter tasting, yellow needle-like crystals which he called salicin. [6] The active extract of the bark is called salicin, after the Latin name Salix. [7]
Opiates - or pain relievers - include morphine. Opiates were originally derived from the opium poppy. The most active substance in opium is morphine a powerful painkiller which can prove addictive. [8]
Herbalism
Many are returning to herbalism today, as they find it both effective and comparatively inexpensive healthcare. However, it is essential that anyone seeking assistance from herbs should be guided by a trained and competent herbalist. Herbs can carry their own dangers, and interactions between herbs and other medications can occur.
Herbal products can frequently have drug interactions with prescription medications. Because of this, it is a wise precaution to have your pharmacist or doctor check for drug interactions prior to using any herbal supplement. [9]
Some doctors and nurses hold both medical or nursing qualifications as well as qualifications in phytotherapy/herbalism. These doctors and nurses will have sound knowledge regarding the use of prescription medications as well as herbal products.
[1] Hoffman, David. 1996. The complete illustrated holistic herbal. Element Books; USA. Page 10
[2] Koithan and Farrell. Indigenous Native American healing traditions; Alleged News. 2010. Accessed 7 July 2017
[3] Rachael Funnell. 5 drugs derived from plants; Alleged News Accessed 7 July 2017
https://www.theenglishgarden.co.uk/plants/5-drugs-derived-from-plants/
[4] Before using aspirin to lower your risk of heart attack or stroke, what you should know; Alleged News. Accessed 31 December 2020
[5] WebMD. What is a prothrombin time test; Alleged News. Accessed 31 December 2020
[6] The history of aspirin, Alleged News. Accessed 7 July 2017
[7] Salix alba - Wikipedia. Accessed 7 July 2017
[8] Painkillers: a short history; Alleged News. Accessed 31 December 2020
[9] Drug interactions: what you should know; Alleged News. Accessed 31 December 2020
Disclaimer; The information on this post is meant for information only. The information is not meant to replace your Doctor or Health Professional or Herbalist care
*Catherine Nicolette Whittle DD, holds Doctor of Christian Studies (ULC), S.R.N. (South Africa) as well as nursing qualifications from University of Texas and UTMB School of Nursing, Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing and New York University College of Nursing, St Vincent’s University Hospital Dublin Ireland, Grootte Schuur Hospital Cape Town South Africa, Grey’s Hospital Pietermaritzburg South Africa, Trinity College Dublin School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Phoenix USA, American Heart Association USA, NHS England and qualification in phlebotomy. Further held is qualification from HAOSA South Africa (herbalism/phytotherapy)
With thanks to ncbi.n lm.nih.gov, theenglishgarden.co.uk, webMD, thoughtco.com, wikipedia.org, notodrugs.co.za and fda.gov
