Having written a few reviews of the history and usage of some of the more common herbs, I thought that I would write a piece on the general background of how herbs are used in the modern era, the history of herbal prescription and some safety factors to be taken into consideration.
The roots ... Read review
Having written a few reviews of the history and usage of some of the more common herbs, I thought that I would write a piece on the general background of how herbs are used in the modern era, the history of herbal prescription and some safety factors to be taken into consideration.
The roots of modern medicine can be seen as recorded threads that spiral back through history over five thousand years. If written history went back further, ... ...using the natural world to provide cures and dietary supplements since the dawn of time. It is only in more recent times that the use of herbs and plants has been seen as something seperate from the daily intake of foods. As we have become more detached from the enviroment around us, we have lost the skills needed to use it to our fullest advantage, and it is only with this realisation that we are beginning to understand what we have lost, how we ... more
Having written a few reviews of the history and usage of some of the more common herbs, I thought that I would write a piece on the general background of how herbs are used in the modern era, the history of herbal prescription and some safety factors to be taken into consideration.
The roots of modern medicine can be seen as recorded threads that spiral back through history over five thousand years. If written history went back further, Im sure it would be apparant that mankind has been using the natural world to provide cures and dietary supplements since the dawn of time. It is only in more recent times that the use of herbs and plants has been seen as something seperate from the daily intake of foods. As we have become more detached from the enviroment around us, we have lost the skills needed to use it to our fullest advantage, and it is only with this realisation that we are beginning to understand what we have lost, how we recover that knowledge and the importance of putting it back in our lives.
Without dwelling on the specific history of individual herbs, suffice it to say that many common modern drugs are a direct result of ancient knowledge and experimentation. The word drug itself comes from an early German word "droge" meaning to dry, as in drying of herbs. The link goes beyond word origins, as many of the contents of the modern bathroom cabinet also prove the ancient lineage. Asprin for example was originally created from combining White Willow Bark and Meadowsweet. Spirea, the old scientific name for Meadowsweet gives us the root for the name Asprin. Even modern drinks have origins in medical practices. Most carbonated drinks derive from herbal remedies and even Coca-cola originated as a headache remedy. The kola nut from which it is derived has a history of use against repiratory illness and the drink has been linked in recent times as being useful as a preventative medicine against asthma in children. Ginger was taken in China thousands of years ago as a tea infusion to prevent indigestion and was used in Elizabethan England as a stomach soother, a tonic that resulted in todays Ginger Beer.
Todays Herbs are sold in a variety of ways and homefully the following will help sort out some of the problems of knowing what to buy.
Bulk Herbs. The most natural form of herb is in its dried form. Generally sold loose and charged by the ounce, this is the raw ingredient for any of the other forms of processed herb. This is also the form that is cultivated by the kitchen gardener and can be used as in its freshly gathered form, or dried for later use. Drying is an easy process in most cases and is as simple as hanging the gathered crop above the cooker for a few days so as to eliminate the moisture from the plant and prevent rotting. Once dry they can be left hanging or stored in jars.
Oils. This is the concentrated essence of the herb and is used often in aromatherapy in this form. Many herbs in such a concentrated form are poisonous, even the ones that are perfectly safe in other forms, and as such oils should only be used for external use.
Tablets. The modern pill is the result of the Shakers, who were leading herbalists as well as fine craftsman in the early days of the USA. By 1830, they were selling herbs by mail order and found that if they drilled peg holes in wood and then hammered dried herbs into them, they formed a concentrated tablet that travelled well and was stored easily.
Teas. One of the easiest ways to use dried herb is as an infusion or hot water extraction. Infusions are generally prepared as teas but steeped longer, 10-20 minutes. Infusions are best drunk cool and as many herbs are bitter to the taste, honey or sugar should be added as required to make the drink more pallettable.
Tinctures. These are highly concentrated alcohol extracts made by seeping herbs in alcohol (vodka is a suitable and readily available source for this) for a few weeks. The result is a concentrated form of the herb, only a few drops should be taken at a time and is best taken added to fruit tea.
As this is meant to be a small over view of how herbs are available, dosages required will vary. If bought over the counter then consult the retailer, if using home produced herb remedies it is still best to consult a practitioner until you become familiar with the pros and cons of the plant you are using.
There are many specific reviews on this site for the uses of and recipes for garden herbs, but if you are looking for some specific information on one particular plant then let me know and I can research the item and post a review. In the meantime I hope the above is a useful insight into how herbs are available and a general taste of how you use them. Watch out for more related information in the future.
Advantages: Readily available Disadvantages: Can be dangerous without the associated knowledge
Let me say from the start that I am not a qualified Herbalist, a 1960's 'flower child' nor 'New Age' follower. Originally, I'm a 'Country Boy' who works with and alongside nature and, as a result, has spent many years trying to understand her better. From that standpoint, I believe that I enjoy a better lifestyle than most people do. On the one hand I live in the modern world with all the conveniences that brings. But on the other hand I have choices, ... ...the decisions, dictates, fads, fancies and fashions thrust upon me by society or modern living. By knowing something about what Mother Nature has to offer, I have increased my choices many fold, but probably the greatest gift I have received is to be able to do without the 'Rat Race.' The gifts from Mother Nature are available to all; we only need some knowledge to be able to reap immense benefits. So I invite you to join me for a while, open your ...
Chips 18.08.2002
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of *Herbal Medicine in general*
Advantages: Natural products Disadvantages: Can be expensive
Nobody enjoys the winter; it's a time for endless rounds of colds and flu's, short, cold and rainy days and for many, the least prosperous time of year. Winter slows down our metabolism, with central heating making us feel sluggish, stodgy foods lacking in nutrition and lack of fresh air and daylight dulling our circulation. A walk every day will stave off those feelings of depression as the extra oxygen to your brain sharpens your senses, and gets ... ...pouring rain and gale force winds, but on those beautifully crisp, clear days, get out of the house/office and fill your lungs with that lovely fresh, cool air. This will go a long way to making you feel better and think of the vitamin D that is gained by being out on a sunny day (even if it is freezing). The effect of sunlight as it hits the retina of the eye stimulates the pineal gland to produce hormones, which give us the feel-good factor missing ...
Kes30 19.01.2002
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of *Herbal Medicine in general*
Advantages: At least they are interested in natural products Disadvantages: Shame they seem to dis it in the process....
Has anyone seen today's Daily Mail coverage headed "Naturally Dangerous"? When I read it I was dissapointed and mad at the same time. What do you think?.......
The paper covers research on the herb Ginkgo biloba, which was tested by Dr Howard Petty and his team at Wayne State University in Detroit. He tested the blood samples of 24 pregnant women, and found that they contained colchicine, a naturally occuring chemical ("toxin" in high amounts). ... ...They tested one sample of Ginkgo biloba (brand not named), the found the levels of colchicine to be high". Objectively, Dr Petty is quoted as saying "Such supplements should be avoided by women who are pregnant or trying to conceive".
However, Professor Ernst's comments are way over the top; "It's a disaster waiting to happen. We could see another catastrophe like thalidomide".
I'd like to share with you why I feel Dr Ernst's comments (or the Daily ...
spacebaby 30.08.2001
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of *Herbal Medicine in general*
Advantages: Less bad side-effects, addiction and residues in your body. Disadvantages: Some herbs can be harmful in large quantities. Always seek advice.
(UPDATE: I must amend a statement made in this review, as kindly pointed out by two of the members: that is, that herbs and plants can be addictive, can have side-effects and can leave residues in your system. Personally, I was not aware of this, other than the obvious hallucinogenic or poisonous qualities of some plants. But I remain steadfast in the opinion that herbs are a far better choice than synthetic drugs.) The use of herbs and plants for ... ...Cro-Magnon Era. No lies. This is understandable: how did people as far back as those days manage to cure their ills? Believe me, they may have been the simplest of folk, but they still had their medicine men and women, and they knew more about plants for medicinal use than the average person does today. Herbal medicine in the Twentieth Century may seem to you to be a little old-fashioned, but it does have its advantages over clinical compounds and ...
Spacecat 19.07.2001 (21.07.2001)
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of *Herbal Medicine in general*
Advantages: Cheap and alleviates the strain on the NHS Disadvantages: Some medical conditions will not allow use
¤•¤•¤•¤•¤•¤•¤•¤• Alternative Medicines ¤•¤•¤•¤•¤•¤•¤•¤•
Since having children I suppose, I have strived to find alternative remedies for their/our minor ailments instead of running straight to the Doctor for a prescription. However, you have to use your common sense and know when the Doctors advice must be sought.
On the trail of the alternative remedy ... ...and tested rememedies I already had in the vegetable rack, kitchen cupboard and garden.
AND I have an impressive culture of penicillin on the cheese at the back of my fridge, too!
ON WITH THE SHOW ....
I have taken a few suggestions from each of the categories (veg, cupboard, garden) and they are listed below.
A word of warning – if you decide to try any of the alternative remedies, please make sure you read any warning advice I may have ...
FrooTee 12.07.2002
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of *Herbal Medicine in general*
Side effects
Effectiveness
Similar reviews »
Reviews which might be of interest for "*Herbal Medicine in general*"
Advantages: excellent general tonic, effective mental and physical stimulant Disadvantages: none - although things might start to get sketchy if you drink far too much of the coffee
? on most herbal sites ? usually a very good sign ;).
Personally, I take a tablet once a day with my breakfast, and find it gives a good morning (or in my case, afternoon) energy boost, although I don?t really notice a stimulatory effects as such ? I?m very tolerant to caffeine. I?d also highly recommend it as a general health tonic. Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending how you look at it), I?ve never had to test it on a particular ailment, so I can?t really comment on its effects under those circumstances. I?ve only been taking it for a month or two, but I definitely feel that it has a daily beneficial effect, especially as I always used to feel generally yucky and lethargic so several hours after getting up ? now I feel right as rain (although not the kind of yellowish rain you get around where I live).
As always with herbal ...
digitalburn 29.05.2001 (24.10.2001)
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Guarana
Advantages: Great to ward off insects in the summer months. Disadvantages: Dangerous for pregnant women.
When it comes to medicine, I feel nature has many cures for what ails us and Citronella Essential oil is one of those examples. The Citronella plant is a perennial grass with very fragrant foliage. The plant has a long history of use in time-honoured herbalmedicinein the countries of Southeast Asia in which it grows: mainly for the treatment of digestive ailments, intestinal parasites and to combat most general fever. It is also used as an organic insect repellent where chemicals cannot be brought.
Citronella Essential oil is a volatile oil that is obtained from the leaves and stem of the plant Cymbopogon winteratus or Cymbopogon nardus from Southeast Asia. There are therefore two types of citronella oils, Java oil and Ceylon oil. The grass that produces the Java oil is grown in many parts of the tropical world whereas the Ceylon ...
wulise 02.02.2003 (28.03.2003)
· Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Citronella
