HERBS - natural medicine

Plants and herbs have always been humanity's drugstore.  Phytotherapy, or healing with herbs, was prevalent in the ancient cultures of the Middle and Far East, Greece and Rome. The ancient doctors were herbalists.  Even our grandparents knew a lot about plants and herbs and how to prepare decoctions, infusions, poultices or ointments to cure common disorders.  During the thousands of years of human existence, people have been attracted to the properties of various plants, and tried, and often succeeded, in using them to heal themselves.  Vast amounts of information have been collected and tested but much of this information has never been written down; knowledge of folk medicine and herbs was passed from generation to generation by word of mouth. 

Herbalists

The old herbalists believed that all plants were intended to be used by humans.  The shape, colour and habitat of plants were clues to their healing properties. 

• Yellow flowers were tried for jaundice
• Red flowers for cleansing the blood and
• Ginseng as a panacea because its roots are shaped like the human body.

Habitat of plants & herbs is also important. It was assumed that plants growing in wet places, along rivers or in swamps, could cure colds and rheumatism.  In one case at least they were perfectly correct as Willow bark, used for centuries to cure colds, headaches and rheumatism, was found to contain salicin, a glycoside which is the precursor of salicylic acid, the substance later isolated and used in aspirin.

Pharmaceutical companies have begun to search for plants that can cope with the diseases that are associated with our modern life style. Stress, coronary disease, ulcers, rheumatism, and other ailments have already yielded to the power of plants.  Even anti-tumour properties have been found in several species.
However, feeling threatened by the ever increasing popularity of natural medicine, drug companies often try to discredit herbal formulas and in many cases bring out the same formula at a later stage but brand it as a drug!

How do herbs work?

The exact reason for the positive effect that herbs exert on the human body is not always known. It is evident, however, that the nutrients stored within the plants' cellular structure are in forms that are easily metabolised by the gastric juices, enzymes, and hormones of the body. The therapeutic action of herbs comes from alkaloids, organic nitrogenous compounds that cause certain chemical reactions within the body. Herbs also contain minerals, vitamins and tissue salts that help the body to resist disease, strengthen tissues and improve the immune & nervous system. They also contain glycosides, which are important sugars for the proper functioning of the heart and bloodstream.  Tannins present in herbs aid recovery from illness by preventing the passage of harmful bacterial.

How to use herbs as natural medicine

In order to receive the beneficial effects that can be obtained from herbs, the herbs must be consumed regularly for long periods of time, sometimes indefinitely. There are exceptions, such as golden seal, which if taken too long can put the illness into retrogression. Herbs should be kept in air-tight containers away from heat light and dampness to prevent deterioration of their active ingredients.

Herbal medicine safety

Important note:  if a herb does not agree with you, or if you feel adverse effects, discontinue using the herb and find one that does agree with you.  Herbs are potent and need to be respected.  Practice moderation and seek the advice of a qualified Herbalist.